More Than 9,000 Pounds of Meat Recalled by Distributor in One US State

Recent research shows that processed meats may put you at risk for premature death from all causes, but according to a government advisory, meat products in one US state also face the potential for Listeria exposure.

On February 15, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced a recall of “approximately 9,330 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes.” Ready-to-eat meats refer to deli and smoked meat products in this case.

Keep reading for the details on this meat recall.

The company Don Novo & Son is said to be a 60-year-old fixture currently based in South Florida that sells several varieties of deli meats, smoked products, and other meats, seemingly mostly pork-based. Several of the company’s products are being pulled from the shelves due to a state public health partner finding Listeria monocytogenes during routine testing. No illnesses have been reported to date, according to the recall announcement.

It appears the products were shipped to retail locations across South Florida. The specific locations are not mentioned in the recall, but on its website Don Novo lists Publix, Winn Dixie, Tropical Supermarket, President Supermarket, and several other retailers and distributors as places that carry the brand’s products. 

All of the ready-to-eat products were produced on December 21, 2023, and have 3/30/2024 as the expiration date. The FSIS reports they can be identified by EST. 34257 located inside the USDA mark of inspection. From the FSIS recall announcement, the recalled products include: 

• 1-lb. shrink-wrapped packages containing “Don Novo CHORIZO FULLY COOKED” with the expiration date of 3/30/2024 printed on the package.
• 1-lb. shrink-wrapped packages containing “Don Novo COSTILLAS AHUMADAS SMOKED PORK RIBS” with the expiration date of 3/30/2024 printed on the package.
• 12-lb. shrink-wrapped packages containing “Don Novo JAMON DULCE SWEET COOKED HAM AND WATER PRODUCTS” with the expiration date of 3/30/2024 printed on the package.
• 5.4-lb. to 5.5-lb. shrink-wrapped packages containing “Don Novo MORTADELLA CUBANA CUBAN BRAND MORTADELA” with the expiration date of 3/30/2024 printed on the package.
• 1.5-lb. shrink-wrapped packages containing “Don Novo LOMO AHUMADO SMOKED PORK LOIN” with the expiration date of 3/30/2024 printed on the package.

All products should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase. Questions are directed to Jose Novo, the owner of Don Novo & Son, at 786-718-2840 or [email protected].

The 5 Best Healthy Meats to Eat—and 2 to Avoid

Symptoms of and complications of Listeriosis

Listeria has been in the news recently due to a nationwide recall by cheese company Rizo Bros that affected nearly every corner of the country. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 1,600 people get listeriosis every year and about 260 die from the illness. Pregnant women, people over 65, and those with weakened immune systems are the most likely to experience severe outcomes from the infection.

If you experience symptoms of the illness, they typically start within 24 hours and include diarrhea and vomiting. They are usually mild and self-resolve with home care. However, those who are pregnant, older, or have compromised immune systems can develop the most invasive illness, which needs to be treated by a healthcare provider. Symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, a stiff neck, confusion, and seizures can begin up to two weeks after the initial infection.

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