USDA Recalls 1,513 Pounds of Italian Guanciale Over Listeria Risk

Key points

• The recall involves 1,513 pounds of dry-cured pork jowl produced by Est. 1937L Bome SRL in Italy on May 21, 2026.
• Prime Line Distributors (Fort Lauderdale, FL) and Ferrarini USA (Hoboken, NJ) are the responsible importers.
• The contamination was detected during routine import reinspection testing, not through consumer complaints.
• Affected products bear lot number 263311US and a best-by date of May 16, 2027.
• Distribution included food service and retail locations in Florida, California, Texas, Illinois, Idaho, Michigan, New Jersey, and New York.

Background

This recall follows a broader trend of food safety issues in 2026, including earlier recalls for salmonella in jalapeños and listeria in tomato soup kits. While the current incident involves imported pork, the pattern of ready-to-eat foods being pulled due to bacterial contamination remains a persistent concern for consumers and regulators.

How outlets are covering it

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and Food Safety News emphasize the routine nature of the detection, highlighting that the issue was caught during import reinspection rather than through illness reports. The Miami Herald provides specific geographic context, noting Prime Line’s location near the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and detailing the specific labeling variations (e.g., 'Dok Guanciale') that consumers should check. Yahoo News offers a broader summary, focusing on the states involved (NY, NJ) without the granular detail of the other outlets. All sources agree on the lack of confirmed illnesses but stress the high risk to vulnerable populations.

Why it matters

Listeria monocytogenes can cause severe, life-threatening infections, particularly in pregnant women, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. Symptoms can mimic the flu but may lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or death. Because the product is ready-to-eat, it is not cooked before consumption, making the contamination risk immediate. Consumers are advised to discard any matching products and monitor for symptoms for up to 70 days after exposure.

What to watch

FSIS will conduct recall effectiveness checks to ensure the products are removed from shelves and freezers. Retail distribution lists will be posted on the FSIS website. Consumers with questions can contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline or the specific company contacts provided in the recall notice. High-risk individuals experiencing flu-like symptoms within two months of consumption should seek medical care and disclose the exposure.