NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK — More than 1,500 pounds of ready-to-eat imported pork have been recalled after federal food safety officials discovered a potential Listeria contamination during a routine inspection.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced the recall after a product sample tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.
The recall involves 1,513 pounds of imported ready-to-eat pork guanciale, a cured pork product, distributed by two U.S.-based companies.
Prime Line Distributors Inc., based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Ferrarini USA Inc., based in Hoboken, New Jersey, are involved in the recall.
Federal officials classified the action as a Class I recall, which is reserved for situations where consuming a recalled product could cause serious health consequences.
Products Distributed Across Eight States
The recalled pork products reached food service and retail locations in multiple states.
Prime Line Distributors products were shipped to locations in Florida, while Ferrarini USA products were distributed to food service and distributor locations in California, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York and Texas.
That means consumers and businesses in several parts of the country could potentially have the recalled products in refrigerators or freezers.
The FSIS warned that some of the products may still be available.
The agency urged businesses not to serve or sell the recalled pork and encouraged consumers to check products already purchased before eating them.
How to Identify the Recalled Pork
Several products are included in the recall.
Prime Line Distributors recalled cardboard cases containing two individually vacuum-packed pieces labeled “Prime Line Distributors, Inc. Guanciale Pork Jowl Product of Italy.”
The products carry a best-if-used-by date of May 16, 2027, along with lot number 263311US.
The company also recalled individually vacuum-sealed packages labeled “Guanciale Pork Jowl Product of Italy.” Some of those packages carry an additional “Dok Guanciale” label.
Ferrarini USA recalled cardboard cases containing two pieces of individually vacuum-packed “Guanciale Pork Jowl Product of Italy”, as well as individually vacuum-packed packages labeled “Ferrarini Guanciale Dry-Cured Pork Jowl.”
These products also have the May 16, 2027, best-if-used-by date and lot number 263311US.
Consumers should also look for the establishment number “IT 1937 L CE” inside the Italian mark of inspection or printed on the case label.
Why Listeria Contamination Can Be Dangerous
Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a potentially serious infection.
The illness can be particularly dangerous for older adults, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and newborn babies.
Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion and loss of balance. More severe infections can lead to seizures and other serious complications.
Pregnant women face additional risks. Listeria infection can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery or a life-threatening infection in a newborn.
Serious infections can also occur in older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
While listeriosis can be treated with antibiotics, early medical attention can be important when serious symptoms develop.
No Illnesses Reported So Far
Despite the seriousness of the recall, officials said no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled pork as of the announcement. The contamination was discovered during a routine import reinspection rather than following reports of consumers becoming sick.
FSIS said it is concerned that some of the affected products could still be stored in food service or retail refrigerators and freezers.
Consumers who find recalled products should not eat them. Businesses should also make sure the products are not served or sold.
The recall serves as another reminder that consumers should pay close attention to food-safety notices, particularly when products are stored for extended periods.
With the affected pork carrying a best-if-used-by date extending into 2027, some recalled packages could remain in circulation for a significant period unless consumers and businesses check their supplies.
Have you seen any of these recalled pork products in your refrigerator or local store? Share this warning and let us know in the comments.
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