Over 1,500 Pounds of Italian Pork Recalled in U.S. Due to Listeria Contamination Risk

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has initiated a recall of over 1,500 pounds of imported ready-to-eat (RTE) dry-cured pork jowl (guanciale) products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a potentially deadly bacterium. The recall was announced on September 6.

The affected products were imported into the United States by two firms: Prime Line Distributors, Inc. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Ferrarini USA, Inc. of Hoboken, New Jersey. The pork products were produced in Italy in May and imported in July. Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an infection with a high mortality rate, particularly dangerous for the elderly, pregnant women, newborns, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

The FSIS is concerned that the recalled products may be present in refrigerators and freezers at food service and retail locations. Prime Line Distributors' recalled products were shipped to retail and food service locations in Florida. Ferrarini USA's products were shipped to food service locations and distributors in eight states: California, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, and Texas.

FSIS urges all establishments not to serve or sell the recalled pork products. Consumers who have purchased the affected items are advised to throw them away or return them to their place of purchase. Further details regarding the recall can be found on the FSIS website.