Pork Guanciale Recall Lawsuit Update: Injuries, Recall Status, and Legal Options

The affected products were produced by Bome SRL on May 21, 2026, and carry lot number 263311US, a May 16, 2027 best-if-used-by date, and establishment number “IT 1937 L CE.” FSIS reported no confirmed illnesses when the recall was announced.

Consumers who develop listeriosis after eating recalled guanciale may have legal options depending on product identification, medical evidence, causation, damages, and applicable filing deadlines.

Quick Facts

• Product: Imported ready-to-eat dry-cured pork jowl, or guanciale
• Amount recalled: Approximately 1,513 pounds
• Hazard: Possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes
• Identification: Lot 263311US, best-if-used-by May 16, 2027

Latest Pork Guanciale Recall Developments

September 2026

September 6, 2026 – Prime Line Distributors, Inc. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Ferrarini USA, Inc. of Hoboken, New Jersey, recalled approximately 1,513 pounds of imported ready-to-eat pork guanciale after routine USDA import reinspection testing found Listeria monocytogenes in a product sample. The products were produced in Italy on May 21, 2026, and imported into the United States on various dates in July. [1]

September 6, 2026 – FSIS classified the action as a Class I recall, indicating a reasonable probability that use of the product could cause serious adverse health consequences or death. No confirmed illnesses associated with the recalled guanciale had been reported when the agency announced the recall. [2]

What Is the Pork Guanciale Recall?

The recall involves ready-to-eat dry-cured pork jowl, commonly known as guanciale, produced in Italy by Bome SRL. Prime Line Distributors and Ferrarini USA are recalling the imported products in the United States.

Guanciale is cured pork made from the cheek or jowl of a pig and is commonly used in Italian dishes. Because the recalled product is ready to eat, it may be consumed without additional cooking that could reduce bacterial contamination.

All affected products carry lot number 263311US and a best-if-used-by date of May 16, 2027. They also bear establishment number “IT 1937 L CE” inside the Italian inspection mark or on the case label.

Which Pork Guanciale Products Are Recalled?

The recall includes multiple vacuum-packed presentations distributed by Prime Line Distributors and Ferrarini USA. Consumers and food-service businesses should check both the product description and identifying codes.

• Prime Line cardboard cases containing two vacuum-packed pieces labeled “PRIME LINE DISTRIBUTORS, INC. GUANCIALE PORK JOWL PRODUCT OF ITALY”
• Prime Line individual packages labeled “GUANCIALE PORK JOWL PRODUCT OF ITALY,” including packages carrying an additional “DOK GUANCIALE” label
• Ferrarini cardboard cases containing two individually vacuum-packed guanciale pieces
• Individual packages labeled “FERRARINI GUANCIALE DRY-CURED PORK JOWL”

The products were packaged in various weights. Lot number 263311US and the May 16, 2027 date are key identifiers across the recalled products.

Where Was the Recalled Guanciale Distributed?

Prime Line Distributors shipped recalled guanciale to food service and retail locations in Florida. Ferrarini USA shipped affected products to distributors and food-service locations in California, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, and Texas.

Because some products entered restaurants and other food-service channels, consumers may have eaten recalled guanciale without seeing the original packaging. Restaurant receipts, purchase records, menus, or distributor information may therefore become important when identifying an exposure.

Why Was the Pork Guanciale Recalled?

FSIS discovered the problem during routine import reinspection testing. A sample of the imported pork tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, prompting the recall.

Listeria monocytogenes can contaminate ready-to-eat foods without changing their appearance, smell, or taste. The bacteria can also survive at refrigeration temperatures, making contaminated refrigerated foods a particular concern.

FSIS classified the recall as Class I because Listeria contamination can cause serious illness in vulnerable consumers. The classification reflects the potential health consequences of exposure and does not mean that an outbreak had been identified.

What Are the Symptoms of Listeriosis?

Listeriosis is an infection caused by eating food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Symptoms depend on whether the infection remains in the intestines or becomes invasive and spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract.

CDC says invasive listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures. Symptoms of invasive disease usually begin within about two weeks after exposure, although timing can vary.

Intestinal illness can cause diarrhea and vomiting and often begins more quickly. Anyone who ate recalled food and develops symptoms consistent with listeriosis should contact a healthcare provider and mention the possible exposure.

Who Faces the Greatest Listeria Risk?

CDC identifies pregnant women, newborns, adults age 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems as the groups most likely to develop serious illness. Otherwise healthy people can become infected but are less likely to develop severe invasive disease.

Pregnant women may experience fever, muscle aches, and fatigue or have few noticeable symptoms. Infection during pregnancy can nevertheless result in miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection in a newborn.

Were Any Illnesses Reported?

FSIS reported no confirmed illnesses associated with consumption of the recalled guanciale when the September 2026 recall was announced. Anyone concerned about an illness after consuming the product was advised to contact a healthcare provider.

The absence of confirmed illnesses at announcement does not eliminate the contamination hazard. Listeriosis can develop after a delay, and medically documenting the infection may be important if a consumer later believes recalled food caused an illness.

What Should Consumers Do With Recalled Guanciale?

FSIS advises consumers not to eat recalled guanciale. The products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

Restaurants, retailers, distributors, and other food-service establishments should not serve or sell the products. Businesses and consumers should check refrigerators and freezers because the recalled guanciale carries a best-if-used-by date extending into May 2027.

Consumers should look for lot 263311US and establishment number “IT 1937 L CE.” Product codes provide a more reliable way to identify recalled packages than appearance alone.

Who May Be Affected by the Pork Guanciale Recall?

Consumers may be affected if they purchased the recalled product or ate guanciale supplied through an affected restaurant or food-service location. People at increased risk for severe listeriosis should be especially alert to possible exposure.

Those who become ill should retain available documentation, including packaging, receipts, restaurant records, medical records, laboratory results, and information about when the product was consumed. These records can help establish product exposure and the timing of an illness.

Is There a Pork Guanciale Recall Lawsuit?

The FSIS materials reviewed for this article concern the recall and contamination finding rather than an announced coordinated lawsuit, class action, or settlement involving the recalled guanciale. A food recall does not by itself establish civil liability.

A consumer who develops laboratory-confirmed listeriosis after eating recalled guanciale may have a potential product-liability or negligence claim depending on the evidence. Important factors can include proof of exposure, medical testing, timing of symptoms, causation, damages, and applicable state law.

Who Could Be Liable for Contaminated Guanciale?

Potential responsibility can depend on the entities involved in manufacturing, importing, distributing, and selling contaminated food. FSIS identifies Bome SRL as the Italian producer and Prime Line Distributors and Ferrarini USA as the U.S. firms recalling the affected products.

Depending on the jurisdiction and facts, possible legal theories may include negligence, strict product liability, or breach of warranty. A recall alone does not prove that any company is legally responsible for an individual illness.

What Compensation Could Be Available?

A person who proves a viable foodborne-illness claim may seek damages recognized under applicable state law. Potential losses can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and costs related to hospitalization or longer-term health complications.

Cases involving invasive listeriosis or pregnancy-related complications can involve different medical and financial losses than short-term intestinal illness. The circumstances of each claim must be evaluated individually.

Compensation amounts vary by case. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Do I Qualify for a Pork Guanciale Recall Lawsuit?

• Did you eat guanciale identified by lot number 263311US?
• Did you develop symptoms after consuming the recalled product?
• Were you diagnosed with listeriosis or treated by a healthcare provider?
• Do you have packaging, receipts, restaurant records, laboratory results, or medical records?

An attorney can review product-identification evidence, medical testing, timing of exposure and symptoms, potential defendants, damages, and applicable filing deadlines to determine whether an individual claim may be available.

What Is the Legal Process for a Pork Guanciale Illness Claim?

Step 1: Free case review. An attorney reviews what product was eaten, where it was purchased or served, when symptoms developed, the medical treatment received, and available evidence.

Step 2: Investigation. Evidence may include packaging, lot codes, receipts, restaurant records, laboratory testing, medical records, FSIS recall information, and distribution records.

Step 3: Filing. If the evidence and applicable law support a claim, a lawsuit may be filed against one or more potentially responsible parties.

Step 4: Discovery/negotiation. The parties may exchange evidence, obtain testimony, review scientific and distribution records, evaluate damages, and discuss a possible negotiated resolution.

Step 5: Resolution. A case may conclude through settlement, dismissal, court rulings, or trial depending on its facts and procedural history.

Important Pork Guanciale Recall Actions

Event	Month/Year	Type	Status	Source	Notes
FSIS recall announced	September 2026	Food recall	Approximately 1,513 pounds recalled	FSIS	Listeria found during import testing
Class I classification	September 2026	Risk classification	Class I recall	FSIS	Serious health consequences are possible
Products imported	July 2026	Distribution	Entered U.S. commerce	FSIS	Imported on various July dates
Affected lot produced	May 2026	Manufacturing	Produced in Italy	FSIS	Bome SRL produced recalled lot

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Pork Guanciale Recall Lawsuit about?

A potential lawsuit could involve a consumer who alleges that recalled guanciale contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes caused listeriosis and resulting damages. FSIS had not confirmed any illnesses associated with the recalled product when the recall was announced.

How much pork guanciale was recalled?

Prime Line Distributors and Ferrarini USA recalled approximately 1,513 pounds of ready-to-eat imported pork products. The affected food is dry-cured pork jowl produced in Italy.

How do I identify recalled guanciale?

Look for lot number 263311US, a May 16, 2027 best-if-used-by date, and establishment number “IT 1937 L CE.” The recall includes Prime Line and Ferrarini products in various package weights.

Where was the recalled guanciale distributed?

Prime Line products were distributed in Florida. Ferrarini products went to distributors and food-service locations in California, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, and Texas.

Can I file a Pork Guanciale Recall Lawsuit?

A potential claim depends on evidence of exposure to the recalled product, a medically documented illness, causation, damages, and compliance with applicable filing deadlines. The existence of the recall alone does not establish a valid lawsuit.

Who is most at risk from Listeria?

Pregnant women, newborns, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems face the greatest risk of severe listeriosis. Pregnancy-associated infection can also create serious risks for the fetus or newborn.

What evidence may help with a Pork Guanciale Recall Lawsuit?

Potentially useful evidence includes packaging, lot information, receipts, restaurant records, leftover product, laboratory results, medical records, and documentation showing when the guanciale was eaten and when symptoms developed.

Do I Have a Pork Guanciale Recall Lawsuit?

If you or a loved one became ill after eating recalled pork guanciale, you may have legal options. Contact Schmidt & Clark for a free case review.

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References

1. https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFSIS/bulletins/428b806
2. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/recalls-public-health-alerts/annual-recall-summaries
3. https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/signs-symptoms/index.html
4. https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2026/09/ready-to-eat-pork-jowls-recalled-because-of-listeria-contamination/