1,500 Pounds of Pork Recalled Due to Listeria Contamination

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a recall for approximately 1,513 pounds of imported ready-to-eat (RTE) dry-cured pork jowl, commonly known as guanciale, on September 6. This recall is a precautionary measure due to concerns that the pork products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium capable of causing listeriosis, a serious and potentially fatal infection. The affected products were produced in Italy in May and subsequently imported into the United States in July by two specific firms. These firms are Prime Line Distributors, Inc., based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Ferrarini USA, Inc., located in Hoboken, New Jersey. The FSIS has alerted consumers across eight states to the potential presence of this pathogen in the recalled pork.

The recall encompasses numerous pork products, all of which share a common production origin in Italy and bear the establishment number “IT 1937 L CE” within the Italian mark of inspection or on the shipping case label. For products distributed by Prime Line Distributors, the recall includes various weight cardboard cases containing two individually vacuum-sealed pieces of “PRIME LINE DISTRIBUTORS, INC. GUANCIALE PORK JOWL PRODUCT OF ITALY.” These packages are marked with “LOT: 263311US” and a “BEST IF USE BY DATE: 05.16.27.” Additionally, individually vacuum-sealed packages of “GUANCIALE PORK JOWL PRODUCT OF ITALY” with the same lot number and best-by date are included, featuring an additional label with “DOK GUANCIALE” on the packaging. The FSIS has not specified the exact eight states to which these products were distributed, but the recall notice indicates a broad geographical reach within the U.S.

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause listeriosis, an infection particularly dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can range from fever and muscle aches to severe complications such as meningitis and septicemia. The FSIS advises consumers who have purchased the recalled pork products to discard them immediately or return them to the place of purchase for a refund. Consumers seeking further information about the recall can contact the FSIS toll-free at 1-888-575-6155 or visit their website. The agency emphasizes that while the risk is considered low, vigilance is crucial to prevent foodborne illness. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety of imported food products and the importance of robust inspection and recall procedures.