Urgent recall issued for imported meat that tested positive for deadly bacteria
A recall has been issued for ready-to-eat imported meat products that may be contaminated with a life-threatening bacteria.
Two companies – Florida-based Prime Line Distributors, Inc. and New Jersey-based Ferrarini USA, Inc. – are recalling 1,513lbs of imported ready-to-eat pork over fears of contamination with listeria, a type of bacteria that causes severe diarrhea and muscle aches.
The recall was initiated after routine import re inspection testing resulted positive for listeria monocytogenes.
Prime Line Distributors is recalling cardboard cases of various weights containing two pieces of individually vacuumed packed guanciale pork jowl product of Italy.
The lot number is 263311US and it has a best if use by date of May 16, 2027.
It is also recalling various weights of individually vacuumed packed guanciale pork jowl product of Italy with lot number 263311US and a best if use by date of May 16, 2027.
This product also has an additional label with ‘dok guanciale’ on the packaging.
Ferrarini USA is recalling cardboard cases of various weights containing two pieces of individually vacuumed packed guanciale pork jowl product of Italy with the same lot number and best by date.
The imported ready-to-eat products were produced in Italy on May 21, 2026 and imported into the US throughout July (stock image)
It is also recalling various weights of individually packaged Ferrarini guanciale dry-cured pork jowl with the same lot number and best by date.
The imported ready-to-eat products were produced in Italy on May 21, 2026 and imported into the US throughout July.
All of the recalled products have the establishment number IT 1937 L CE inside the Italian mark of inspection or printed on the case label.
The Prime Line Distributors items were shipped to food service and retail locations in Florida.
The Ferrarini USA products were shipped to distributors and food service locations in California, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York and Texas.
No illnesses have been reported in connection to consumption of the products.
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is urging retailers and distributors to not sell or serve the recalled products.
The recalled products should be thrown away or returned to their place of purchase.
Pictured above is one of the recalled products over fears of contamination with listeria
Above, left, is the recalled item sold by Prime Line Distributors of Florida and above, right, is the recalled item sold by Ferrarini USA of New Jersey
Listeria, also called listeriosis, is a serious infection caused by eating food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
It can be found in moist environments, soil, water, decaying vegetation and animals, and can survive refrigeration and other food preservation measures.
Many foods can harbor the bug, but it is usually found in unpasteurized milk, soft cheeses and ready-to-eat foods, such as pre-packed sandwiches. Cooked shellfish, cured meats and fish, including sushi and pre-cut fruit, are also a risk.
While most of the 1,250 Americans infected with listeria each year recover on their own, the infection can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms.
It can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
About 250 Americans die of the infection each year, which can occur if the infection spreads beyond the gut and affects the central nervous system.
