Recent news indicates that hundreds of schools across at least 16 states in the U.S. may have received food tainted with Listeria monocytogenes, a hazardous bacterium.
This month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) disclosed that BrucePac, a food manufacturer, had recalled over 11.7 million pounds of “ready-to-eat meat and poultry products” after the bacteria was detected in a routine inspection at a facility in Durant, Oklahoma.
Although these products were part of prepared meals available in more than 20 states, a preliminary list from the USDA specifically identified around 200 schools that had also received the items. This list, updated last Thursday, included schools located in the District of Columbia and states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida, and New York, among others.
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It’s important to note that the recalled products were not part of the USDA’s National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, as the schools sourced the food from private vendors.
As of Monday, it was unclear whether all contaminated products had been removed from circulation, and there have been no confirmed cases of illness reported lately.
The USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) expressed concerns that some of these products might still be found in various establishments, urging them to dispose of or return the recalled items.
The recall affects a range of popular brand names, including Boston Market, Trader Joe’s, and Great Value, among others.
Individuals at higher risk for listeriosis—which can result in severe illness—include young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. The CDC reports that approximately 260 of the estimated 1,600 annual cases are fatal.
While many listeriosis cases are limited to gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting, a more serious form of the disease can develop within two weeks. Symptoms of the invasive illness may include fever, muscle aches, and confusion. Pregnant women often experience mild symptoms, but invasive forms can lead to severe outcomes for the newborn.
Although instances of listeriosis are uncommon, outbreaks do happen periodically, leading to recalls of contaminated food products. Earlier this year, a deadly outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats claimed 10 lives and sickened dozens.
The CDC has indicated that the actual number of sick individuals during such outbreaks is likely higher than reported, as some recover without medical care and are not tested for Listeria.