The USDA has recalled 1,500 pounds of pork due to bacterial infection concerns. As reported by the New York Post, the ready to eat pork was sold in eight states.
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What Meat Products Are Affected?
Two companies are responsible for the recalls - Prime Line Distributors, Inc. of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; and Ferrarini USA, Inc. of Hoboken.
They have recalled 1,513 pounds of imported pork guanciale. Guanciale is "an Italian salt-cured mat product" usually made from jowl or cheek popular in Italian cuisine, per Wikipedia.
The specific affected meat products are as follows, per the recall notice:
PRIME LINE DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
- "Various weight cardboard cases containing two pieces of individually vacuumed packed "PRIME LINE DISTRIBUTORS, INC. GUANCIALE PORK JOWL PRODUCT OF ITALY".
- Lot number: 263311US
- Best if used by date: 05.16.27
FERRARINI USA, INC:
- Various weight cardboard cases containing two pieces of individually vacuumed packed "GUANCIALE PORK JOWL PRODUCT OF ITALY".
- Lot number: 263311US
- Best if used by date: 05.16.27
Inspectors also confirmed that the products bear the establishment number 'IT 1937 L CE' on their Italian mark of inspection.
Where Was the Affected Product Sold?
The affected meat products were sold to food-service locations as follows:
PRIME LINE DISTRIBUTORS, INC.:
- Florida
FERRARINI USA, INC.:
- California; Florida; Idaho; Illinois; Michigan; New Jersey; New York; and Texas.
What Was Wrong With the Product?
A routine import reinspection revealed that the affected products could contain Listeria monocytogenes.
Per the USDA, listeriosis, the condition caused via infection by Listeria, can cause "fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and also convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms".
They added that the condition poses an especially serious danger to immunocompromised people. This includes children as well as the elderly.
As of September 9, there have been no confirmed reports of injury or illness stemming from the product.
If you are concerned as to what to do, the USDA has advised to use the following contact points, via email or phone.
PRIME LINE DISTRIBUTORS, INC.:
- Liliana Rojas - 954-925-4500 | [email protected]
FERRARINI, INC.:
- Luca Infantino - 818-256-1622 | [email protected]
