Federal food safety officials announced a recall on Friday involving over 15,000 pounds of imported guanciale. The Italian pork jowl, manufactured by Est. 1937 L Bome SRL,is suspected of Listeria contamination.
The 15,000-pound guanciale recall from Est. 1937 L Bome SRL
The USDA reported that the recall involves ready-to-eat (RTE) dry-cured pork jowl, commonly known as guanciale. This specific batch was produced in Italy on May 21 and arrived in the United States during several dates throughout July.
The recall is a direct response to a product sample testing positive for Listeria. while the contamination was identified,the USDA noted that there have been no confirmed reports of illness linked to this specific meat product so far.
A distribution footprint spanning eight U.S. states
The recalled guanciale has reached distributors and food service locations across a wide geographic area. According to the USDA, the shipment includes products sent to Illinois, Michigan, Idaho, California, Florida, New Jersey, New York, and Texas.
Because the product was intended for food service and retail, officials are concerned that the meat may currently be sitting in refrigerators or freezers in restaurants and grocery stores. The FSIS has urged all retail locations to stop selling the product immediately and to either return it or discard it.
Tracing "LOT: 263311US" and the "IT 1937 L CE" inspection mark
Consumers and restaurant managers can identify the affected meat by looking for specific labeling on the vacuum-sealed packages . The products are labeled "GUANCIALE PORK JOWL PRODUCT OF ITALY" and feature the identifier "LOT: 263311US."
Additionally, the packaging carries a "BEST IF USE BY DATE: 05.16.27" and may include an extra label reading "DOK GUANCIALE." To be certain of the product's origin, the USDA advises checking for the establishment number "IT 1937 L CE" located inside the Italian inspection mark on the case or label.
Has the Listeria contamination caused any actual illnesses?
One major point of uncertainty remains: how much of this contaminated pork has already been consumed by the public? While the report states that no illnesses have been confirmed, the lack of reported sickness does not guarantee that the Listeria has not already entered the food chain through unsuspecting consumers .
Furthermore, it remains unclear if other batches from Est. 1937 L Bome SRL, produced outside the May 21 window,might also be at risk. The current recall is strictly limited to the specific lot and production date identified by the recent testing.
The discovery via routine import reinspection testing
This recall highlights the critical role of routine import reinspection testing in maintaining national food safety standards. The contamination was identified through proactive testing protocols used by federal inspectors on imported goods rather than through consumer complaints.
This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in the globalized food economy. When a single facility in Italy produces goods for a multi-state distribution network in the U.S .,a single testing failure can trigger a massive logistical effort to pull thousands of pounds of product from shelves across the country.
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