Nearly 11,000 Pounds of Pepperoni Recalled Nationwide Due to Potentially Harmful Bacteria

Daria Smith
·2 min read

Margherita Meats, Inc., a business unit of Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp., is recalling 10,990 pounds of ready-to-eat pepperoni products that could potentially be contaminated with Bacillus cereus. According to a media release from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the products were produced and packaged on June 17, 2021 and shipped to retailers nationwide. All of the affected products bear the establishment number "EST. 19" inside of the USDA mark of inspection. This comes on the heels of Alexander & Hornung's pork recall, which also included pepperoni that could be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Walmart Margherita Pepperoni Log, 8 on a designed background with a recall button over it
Walmart Margherita Pepperoni Log, 8 on a designed background with a recall button over it

Walmart

The affected product is an 8-ounce plastic shrink-wrapped package containing unsliced pepperoni sold under the "Margherita" brand name. It has the lot code P1931C and a use-by date of December 14, 2021. If you're worried you may have purchased this recalled item, check the labels ASAP and do not consume them.

The positive result for Bacillus cereus occurred during routine product testing. Foods contaminated with Bacillus cereus can cause diarrhea, vomiting and even hospitalization (those with compromised immune systems are more at risk for severe illness). If you have eaten contaminated food, you may need a course of antibiotics, vigorous rehydration and supportive care. Contact your doctor if you've eaten this product and are experiencing any of these symptoms. At this time, no illnesses have been confirmed.

If you think you've purchased these products, check your fridge or pantry and do not consume them. Throw them away immediately or return them to your place of purchase. Consumers with questions can call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) or live chat via Ask USDA from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST Monday through Friday.