USDA Issues Class I Recall for Imported Guanciale Over Listeria Risks

USDA issued a Class I recall for 1,513 pounds of imported Italian guanciale. Contamination with Listeria monocytogenes was confirmed during routine import testing. Affected states include CA, FL, ID, IL, MI, NJ, NY, and TX. Products have Lot: 263311US and Best-By date: 05.16.27. No illnesses have been reported to date. Recall Scope and Safety Classification The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced a Class I recall for approximately 1,513 pounds of imported, ready-to-eat pork guanciale. The action follows the detection of Listeria monocytogenes during routine import reinspection testing. A Class I recall—the most severe classification issued by the USDA—indicates a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. The affected products were produced on May 21, 2026, by Est. 1937L Bome SRL in Italy and imported into the United States in July. The recall affects two primary distributors: Florida-based Prime Line Distributors, Inc., and New Jersey-based Ferrarini USA, Inc. According to Scripps News, Prime Line Distributors shipped products specifically to locations in Florida, while Ferrarini USA distributed the tainted items across seven other states: California, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, and Texas. Product Identification FSIS has provided specific identifiers to assist consumers and retailers in checking their inventory. All recalled products share the same lot number and best-by date: LOT: 263311US with a Best-By date of May 16, 2027. The establishment number IT 1937 L CE is printed on the case labels or inside the Italian mark of inspection, as noted by the Houston Chronicle. Consumers are advised to discard these products or return them to the place of purchase immediately. Public Health Context While no illnesses have been officially linked to this specific batch of guanciale, the recall occurs against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny regarding foodborne pathogens in the U.S. Newsweek reports that the current year has seen a significant volume of alerts involving Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, including a massive, ongoing Cyclospora outbreak that has impacted 49 states. Listeriosis, the infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes , poses a disproportionate risk to vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, the elderly, newborns, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Symptoms can range from fever and muscle aches to severe neurological manifestations such as confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. In pregnant individuals, the infection carries the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth. FSIS is currently performing effectiveness checks to ensure all contaminated products are removed from retail and food service supply chains. What is confirmed in this story? USDA Issues Class I Recall for Imported Guanciale Over Listeria Risks Federal regulators have initiated a Class I recall of 1,513 pounds of imported Italian guanciale across eight states following positive tests for Listeria. What should readers watch next? A Class I recall—the most severe classification issued by the USDA—indicates a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. What remains unclear: The available reporting does not yet fully settle the next step in the story. Regulatory Perspective (FSIS/USDA) vs Industry/Distributor Perspective Regulatory Perspective (FSIS/USDA) The agency focuses on preventative containment, using routine import reinspection as a critical gatekeeper for food safety. By triggering a Class I recall, the FSIS signals that even small quantities of contaminated imported goods pose an unacceptable risk, necessitating immediate removal from all retail and food service channels to protect public health Industry/Distributor Perspective For distributors like Ferrarini USA and Prime Line, a Class I recall presents significant logistical and reputational challenges. These entities must now coordinate with retailers across eight states to ensure compliance, potentially facing financial losses and increased scrutiny from food safety regulators regarding their supply chain vetting processes | Contributor: Azat TV Editorial | Azat TV is a modern, independent media platform trusted for delivering timely, accurate, and unbiased news. From Armenia to the global stage, we are committed to providing fresh perspectives, in-depth reporting, and engaging stories that matter. About Us | Editorial Policy & Standards | Privacy Policy Our vision is to grow beyond a digital platform, becoming a leader in innovative media formats and fostering strong connections with our audience. With a focus on journalistic integrity and adaptability, Azat TV is dedicated to evolving alongside the needs of its viewers. Azat TV: News Through a Different Lens. (Editorial opinions may differ.) News Through a Different Lens