Over 10,000 pounds of pepperoni recalled over possible Bacillus Cereus contamination

They say timing is everything, and that can include bad timing –  as we are in the midst of the holiday season, a time where people work hard to prep for special meals for friends and families. Smithfield Packaged Meats, doing business as Margherita Meats, is recalling approximately 10,990 pounds of ready-to-eat pepperoni products that may be adulterated with Bacillus cereus, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The unsliced pepperoni product was produced and packaged on June 17, 2021, with the following products subject to recall:

8-oz. plastic shrink-wrapped packages containing unsliced pepperoni “Margherita PEPPERONI” with lot code P1931C and a “use by date” of 12-14-21 represented on the label.
The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 19” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations nationwide.

The problem was discovered when the Department of Defense notified FSIS that they found B. cereus during routine product testing.

B. cereus is a toxin-producing microorganism that causes diarrhea and vomiting in people. Those with compromised immune systems are at risk for more severe illnesses. Vigorous rehydration and other supportive care including antibiotics are the usual treatment.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to the consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

FSIS is concerned that some products may be in consumers’ pantries or refrigerators. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.