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.