Recent Listeria Outbreaks Lead to Massive Food Recalls Across the U.S.

In recent months, the U.S. has seen a series of significant food recalls due to listeria contamination, affecting various ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. One of the most notable recalls was initiated by Oregon-based company BrucePac, which recalled approximately 11.7 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products from its Oklahoma facility in October. This recall was prompted by the potential contamination with listeria, although no confirmed reports of adverse reactions have been reported according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS).

Another significant recall involves Yu Shang Food Inc., which on November 9, 2024, recalled about 72,240 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products due to a two-year-long listeria outbreak. This outbreak resulted in the death of an infant and highlights the severe health risks associated with listeria contamination.

Boar’s Head also issued a recall earlier this year for 71 products over listeria concerns. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the listeria outbreak tied to these products resulted in 10 deaths and 61 illnesses across 19 states. Health officials have since announced that this outbreak is over.

These recalls underscore the importance of stringent food safety measures. Experts like Abby Snyder, a professor of microbial food safety at Cornell University, emphasize that while these large recalls are concerning, they do not indicate a decline in the overall safety of the food supply. Instead, they reflect improved detection capabilities by U.S. food agencies over the past 20 years.

The FDA and USDA, the two main entities overseeing food safety in the U.S., have been proactive in issuing recalls and ensuring public health. From October 2023 to September 2024, the FDA issued 179 recalls for food and cosmetic products under its highest classification, indicating the possibility of serious adverse health consequences or death.