Durant, OK – Bruce Packing Company, a meat manufacturer based in Durant, Oklahoma, is now facing a proposed class action lawsuit after its recall of over 11 million pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products in October 2024 due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The lawsuit, filed by a consumer who claims to have fallen ill after consuming affected products, alleges that the company failed to adequately warn the public about the risks associated with its products, leading to potential health dangers for consumers.
The recall, initiated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), involved more than 11.7 million pounds of RTE meat and poultry items that were produced between May 31, 2024, and October 8, 2024. These products were widely distributed to various establishments, including restaurants, schools, and grocery stores nationwide. The affected products, which may have been incorporated into pre-packaged meals like sandwiches, salads, and frozen meals, were sold under several well-known brands at retailers such as Walmart, Kroger, and Trader Joe’s.
The problem was uncovered when routine testing by FSIS revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in BrucePac’s RTE chicken products. Listeria is a harmful bacterium that can lead to listeriosis, a potentially life-threatening infection that is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, diarrhea, confusion, and, in severe cases, miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in newborns.
While no confirmed reports of illness have been linked to the contaminated products, the lawsuit filed in the aftermath of the recall claims that BrucePac’s failure to warn consumers about the potential contamination left many at risk. According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff, a South Carolina resident, experienced gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea, after purchasing a Marketside brand Caesar salad with chicken from Walmart in August 2024.
The plaintiff argues that had he known about the risk of Listeria contamination, he would not have purchased the affected products. The suit claims that BrucePac’s failure to provide adequate warnings and proper information about the contamination amounts to negligence and consumer deception. The class action seeks to represent any consumer in the United States who purchased ready-to-eat foods containing BrucePac’s precooked poultry products during the relevant time period.
Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious illness, especially in vulnerable groups. The infection is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of listeriosis often start with gastrointestinal distress but can quickly escalate to more severe conditions such as meningitis or sepsis. Pregnant women who contract listeriosis are at risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature delivery, making it essential for food manufacturers to prevent contamination and provide clear warnings when risks are identified.
In response to the recall, the FSIS has urged institutions, restaurants, and grocery stores to immediately discard or return affected products to the point of purchase. Consumers who may have purchased contaminated products are advised to check for the USDA establishment number “51205 or P-51205” on packaging, which indicates that the item was produced by BrucePac.
The class action lawsuit, filed after the October recall, is part of growing scrutiny over food safety practices in the U.S. food industry. Plaintiffs in similar cases often seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages related to foodborne illnesses caused by contaminated products.
At this time, BrucePac has not issued any comments on the class action lawsuit. The company had previously issued a voluntary recall of its ready-to-eat meat and poultry products after testing confirmed contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. As part of the recall, BrucePac has been working with FSIS to identify and remove affected products from distribution.
FSIS has emphasized that while there have been no reported illnesses tied to this particular recall, anyone who believes they may have consumed contaminated products should seek medical attention, especially those in high-risk groups, such as pregnant women, elderly individuals, and people with compromised immune systems.
Consumers are also urged to dispose of or return any affected products and check the FSIS website for further updates on the recall and any additional product details.
The class action lawsuit, which seeks damages for affected consumers, is still in its early stages. As the case progresses, it could potentially expand to include a larger group of consumers who purchased recalled BrucePac products. The case highlights the growing concern over food safety in the U.S. and the importance of holding manufacturers accountable for contamination incidents.
For consumers who believe they may have purchased contaminated products, the FSIS has advised checking packaging for the USDA mark of inspection and establishment numbers. Anyone who has experienced symptoms of listeriosis or who believes they may have been affected by the recall should contact a healthcare provider immediately.
