Two importers have pulled more than 1,500 pounds of ready-to-eat pork jowls from the market after federal testing found Listeria monocytogenes in the products. The recall affects dry-cured guanciale shipped to food service and retail outlets across multiple states, raising concerns for anyone who may have purchased the items in recent weeks. Consumers are urged to check refrigerators and freezers for the specific lots before any further use. ([1])
Products Under Recall
Prime Line Distributors Inc. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Ferrarini USA Inc. of Hoboken, New Jersey, initiated the voluntary recall after the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service confirmed the contamination. The affected items carry lot number 263311US and a best-if-used-by date of May 16, 2027. All packages bear the Italian establishment number IT 1937 L CE.
The products consist of vacuum-packed pork jowls produced on May 21, 2026, in Italy and imported into the United States during July. They reached distributors and food service locations in California, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, and Texas. Some packages also carry additional labels such as “DOK GUANCIALE” or “FERRARINI GUANCIALE DRY-CURED PORK JOWL.”
How the Issue Came to Light
Routine import reinspection testing by federal officials identified the positive sample for Listeria monocytogenes. No illnesses have been linked to the recalled products so far. The companies acted quickly once the results were confirmed, removing the items from further distribution.
The discovery highlights the role of ongoing surveillance at the border and within the supply chain. Even though the products showed no visible signs of spoilage, the bacterium can survive in refrigerated conditions and remain a hidden threat.
Understanding the Health Risks
Listeria infections can develop up to 70 days after exposure, which means symptoms may appear weeks after someone consumes the contaminated meat. Common signs include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Laboratory testing is required for diagnosis because the illness can resemble other conditions.
Certain groups face higher chances of severe outcomes. Pregnant women, older adults, young children, and people with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable. In pregnant individuals, even mild symptoms can lead to complications such as premature delivery or stillbirth. Anyone who has eaten the recalled items and feels unwell should contact a healthcare provider and mention the possible exposure.
Steps for Consumers
People who purchased the guanciale should discard it or return it to the place of purchase. Thorough cleaning of any surfaces that touched the product is also recommended to prevent cross-contamination. The recall notice provides clear identifying details on the packaging to help with verification.
Food safety officials continue to monitor the situation and advise vigilance in the coming weeks. The absence of reported illnesses so far does not eliminate the possibility of delayed cases, given the long incubation period associated with this pathogen.
AI Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by a human editor.