USDA Recalls 1,513 Pounds of Italian Pork Jowl Over Listeria

Key points

• The recall involves 1,513 pounds of imported pork products, specifically guanciale (dry-cured pork jowl), produced at Est. 1937L Bome SRL in Italy on May 21, 2026.
• The products were imported into the U.S. in July 2026 and distributed by Prime Line Distributors Inc. (Fort Lauderdale, FL) and Ferrarini USA Inc. (Hoboken, NJ).
• The recall is classified as Class I, indicating a reasonable probability of serious adverse health consequences or death from consumption.
• Affected products were sold in food service and retail locations in Florida, California, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, and Texas.
• The contamination was detected during a routine import reinspection, which confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.
• No confirmed reports of illness have been linked to the consumption of these products as of September 6, 2026.

Background

This recall follows a pattern of recent issues with imported meat products in the U.S. In August 2026, the USDA recalled nearly 30,000 pounds of Argentine beef due to a reinspection lapse, and in July 2026, over 12,000 pounds of Canadian bacon were recalled in three states. The current recall of Italian pork jowl is part of ongoing efforts by the FSIS to ensure the safety of imported food products, particularly those that are ready-to-eat and susceptible to Listeria contamination.

How outlets are covering it

All sources, including USA Today, Meatingplace, Wide Open Country, and NorthJersey.com, agree on the core facts of the recall: the quantity (1,513 pounds), the product (Italian pork jowl/guanciale), the distributors (Prime Line Distributors and Ferrarini USA), and the reason (Listeria contamination). USA Today and NorthJersey.com provide detailed lists of the affected products and states, while Wide Open Country emphasizes the health risks of Listeria and the specific symptoms. Meatingplace focuses on the industry impact and the routine nature of the inspection that led to the recall. There are no significant disagreements among the sources, but they emphasize different aspects: consumer safety (USA Today, NorthJersey.com), industry implications (Meatingplace), and health risks (Wide Open Country).

Why it matters

This recall is significant because it highlights the ongoing risks associated with imported, ready-to-eat meat products, particularly those susceptible to Listeria contamination. Listeria is a serious pathogen that can cause severe illness, especially in vulnerable populations such as older adults, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. The Class I classification underscores the potential severity of the health hazard. Consumers in the affected states should be vigilant and discard any products matching the described lot and best-by dates to avoid potential health risks.

What to watch

Consumers who have purchased the affected products should discard or return them immediately. Food service and retail locations are urged to stop selling or serving the recalled items. The FSIS will continue to monitor the situation and may issue further updates if any illnesses are reported. Consumers with concerns about potential illness should contact their healthcare provider.