Rhode Island Issues Listeria Warning and Food Recalls

News Summary

The Rhode Island Department of Health has issued a warning related to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination in various food products. FreshRealm’s chicken fettuccine alfredo and specific deli meats from Boar’s Head are among those recalled. As investigations proceed, health officials urge consumers to check their products for contamination and prioritize safety, especially those at high risk. There have been significant recalls that affect millions of pounds of ready-to-eat meat, though no illnesses have been directly linked to all affected brands yet.

Providence, Rhode Island – The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has issued a warning and recalls related to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes in multiple food products, particularly targeting chicken fettuccine alfredo manufactured by FreshRealm and various deli meat products from Boar’s Head Provisions Co. As of now, there have been no reported illnesses in Rhode Island associated with these recalls.

The FreshRealm chicken fettuccine alfredo products, which could pose a listeria threat, were produced prior to June 17, 2024. These items have been distributed to Kroger and Walmart locations nationwide. Customers can identify the affected products by looking for establishment markers on their labels, which include “EST. P-50784,” “EST. P-47770,” or “EST. P-47718.”

As part of the broader listeria alert, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) have reported a multistate outbreak connected to deli meats. This outbreak has resulted in 17 illnesses spanning 13 states, with three fatalities and one fetal loss documented. Overall, a total of 34 individuals have fallen ill, leading to 33 hospitalizations and two deaths as of July 25, 2024.

In parallel, Stop & Shop has responded to the listeria risk by temporarily closing its delis. The company has removed various Boar’s Head products from its shelves and discarded all deli meats and cheeses as a precautionary measure. The immediate recalls include all liverwurst products from Boar’s Head, as they are believed to be contaminated. Additionally, certain ham, salami, and bologna products processed on the same production line as the liverwurst have also been recalled.

The RIDOH has also alerted the public regarding a significant recall from BrucePac, indicating nearly 10 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry potentially contaminated with listeria. This recall pertains to products manufactured between June 19 and October 8, 2024, and distributed throughout the country. Consumers can identify these BrucePac products by their establishment numbers, which are 51205 or P-51205, marked under the USDA symbol.

Despite the extensive nature of these recalls, there are currently no confirmed reports of illnesses directly linked to BrucePac products. Nevertheless, health officials stress that listeriosis poses a serious threat, particularly to high-risk groups, including pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Symptoms can include flu-like indications, and severe complications can arise for those affected.

RIDOH is advising anyone who experiences symptoms after consuming these products to seek medical attention promptly. Furthermore, health regulators have urged distributors and food establishments to properly dispose of or return the recalled items to mitigate the risk of contamination.

The detection of listeria in such a variety of food products has raised alarms across the country. Consumers are encouraged to remain vigilant, check their freezers for the affected products, and stay informed about any updates from health authorities regarding food safety initiatives.

As investigations continue into the sources of contamination and further health implications, residents of Rhode Island and surrounding states should practice caution and prioritize food safety in their kitchens.

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Additional Resources

• Providence Journal: Listeria Outbreak
• Google Search: listeria outbreak
• WPRI: Listeria Risk
• Wikipedia: Listeria monocytogenes
• ABC6: BrucePac Recall
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Listeriosis
• Patch: Recalled Veggies
• Google News: listeria recall
• Warwick Post: BrucePac Meat Recall