BrucePac Listeria Recall Expanded to Almost 12 Million Pounds of Meat Products

Chicago, IL (October 17th, 2024) – Oregon based company BrucePac has expanded their October 9th, 2024 product recall to include an additional 1,779,000 pounds of meat, bringing the total weight of recalled product to 11,765,285 pounds. The recall was expanded to include several schools that had received the contaminated meat products. However, a school distribution list is not available at this time. The products, which were found to be contaminated with Listeria, were produced in BrucePac’s Oklahoma production facility and sold nationwide.

Meat being processed in the factory.

According to the FSIS (Food Safety and Inspection Service), the recalled products were produced from May 31st, 2024, to October 8th, 2024. They were distributed nationwide to schools, restaurants, and other institutions, as well as various stores. The updated list includes hundreds of products like ready to eat salads, burritos, and other such foods. These products were sold by Costco, Target, Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Albertson’s, Amazon Fresh, Publix, 7-Eleven, Aldi, H-E-B, Meijer, Giant Eagle, Wegmans, Save Mart, and Kroger stores. A full list of affected products can be found here. Impacted products include establishment numbers 51205 or P-51205, found under or inside the USDA inspection mark, though officials caution that some of the recalled products may contain different establishment numbers. 

Brand Names in This Recall Include:

  • Fresh Express
  • Rao’s, Boston Market
  • Michael Angelo’s
  • Dole
  • Atkins
  • Jenny Craig
  • El Monterey
  • ReadyMeals
  • Amazon Kitchen
  • Don Pancho’s
  • Giant Eagle Brand
  • Taylor Farms
  • H-E-B Brand
  • Kroger Brand
  • Meijer Brand
  • Home Chef
  • Raley’s
  • Trader Joe’s Brand
  • Wegmans Brand
  • Red’s
  • Michelina’s
  • Little Salad Bar
  • Good & Gather
  • Marketside
  • Signature Select
  • Amazon Fresh
  • Contessa Premium Foods
  • Whitsons’ Culinary Group.
  • Central Eats
  • Udi’s
  • Great Value brand (Walmart)
  • Gordon Choice

If you or a loved one consumed contaminated food products, and suffered illness as a result, you need an experienced product liability attorney from Ankin Law on your side. 

What Is Listeria?

Listeria is a foodborne illness caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. This illness can be serious for pregnant individuals, individuals with weakened immune systems, and adults over 65 years old. This illness is commonly attributed to the consumption of improperly processed deli meats and unpasteurized milk products.

While healthier individuals rarely become ill from a Listeria infection, the disease can prove fatal to unborn babies, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems. Prompt medical treatment can alleviate symptoms of Listeria.

The bacteria can survive refrigeration and freezing. Individuals at risk of serious infection should use caution when consuming foods likely to contain Listeria monocytogenes, and throw out or return any foods recalled due to contamination. 

Symptoms of Listeria Infection

Symptoms of a Listeria infection may begin anywhere from the same day to as long as 30 days after consumption of contaminated products. These symptoms can include:

  • Chills
  • Fever
  • Muscle Aches
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea

However, if the infection spreads to your nervous system, you may be faced with:

  • Stiff Neck
  • Headache
  • Confusion
  • Changes in Alertness
  • Improper balance
  • Convulsions

If you experience any of these symptoms, or you know you consumed contaminated products, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to ensure a prompt recovery.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Food Poisoning?

When it comes to liability for food poisoning, there are many entities that can be held liable for your illness. Everyone from the manufacturer all the way to the chef who prepared your meal can all be held responsible for the losses you incurred due to your illness. This is why an experienced attorney is necessary for your case.

In most product recall situations, the manufacturer is the one responsible for the contaminated product. However, improper shipping, handling, or storage can also contribute to foodborne illnesses. Your lawyer can help you investigate your case to determine who is responsible.

 What Compensation Can I Receive in My Food Poisoning Case?

Medical expenses, lost wages, prescription medication costs, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages, are things you can get compensation for in a food poisoning case. The amount you receive depends on the specifics of your case, as well as what losses you incurred.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit for Food Poisoning in Illinois?

In accordance with most other types of personal injury cases, you typically have two years from the date of the food poisoning to file your claim. However, there are factors that influence this time limit, and it is best to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to determine how the statute of limitations affects your case.

What Happens if I Don’t File Before the Statute of Limitations Is Up?

In the event you do not file your claim within the two-year time limit, your case may be thrown out by the court, providing there are no exceptions that apply to your case. Additionally, the longer you wait to file, the harder it is to prove your claim. Evidence may disappear over time, and any investigations may come up with nothing. So it is important to file as soon as you are able.

What Do I Do if I Have a Recalled Product?

If you have a product in your home affected by the BrucePac Listeria recall, it is important that you do not consume it. You should return it immediately to the store you purchased it from, if possible. If you are unable to return the product, you should dispose of it properly, by wrapping it tightly before putting it in the trash. Do not give contaminated food to other people or pets. Additionally, you should clean your kitchen and disinfect surfaces the product may have touched to reduce the risk of infection or further contamination. This may include the shelves and walls of your fridge, countertops, cutting boards, and utensils that may have come in contact with such products. You should also wash your hands after handling said products to further reduce the risk of contamination or infection. 

If you or a loved one have consumed a contaminated product in Chicago, IL, and you suffered losses as a result, it is important to work with an experienced lawyer at Ankin Law right away to ensure your rights are protected. Contact us for assistance with your case. We offer free consultations and personalized service to ensure you get maximum compensation for your losses.

Chicago personal injury and workers’ compensation attorney Howard Ankin has a passion for justice and a relentless commitment to defending injured victims throughout the Chicagoland area. With decades of experience achieving justice on behalf of the people of Chicago, Howard has earned a reputation as a proven leader in and out of the courtroom. Respected by peers and clients alike, Howard’s multifaceted approach to the law and empathetic nature have secured him a spot as an influential figure in the Illinois legal system.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
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