Buono Vita Meat Recall Expanded Due to Listeria Contamination

Buona Vita recalled another 72,510 pounds of meat and poultry products last week, because it could be contaminated with the bacteria that causes listeria. 

The expanded Buona Vita meat recall was announced July 19, by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). It follows a recall earlier this month that affected nearly 325,000 pounds of frozen meatballs.

The contamination was discovered through microbiological testing by a third party. However, there have been no reports of illnesses or listeria food poisoning linked to either the original recall or the expanded recall.

The expanded recall affects various 10 lb. and 30 lb. cases of frozen, ready-to-eat meatballs made of beef, pork or chicken. The meatballs were sold under the labels Buon Gusto, Mamma Cacciatore, Pisa Brand, Sapore Italiano and Silver Lake. A complete list of the affected products is available in the recall notice.

The recalled meatballs were all produced on June 26, 2012 and have an establishment number of either “P-954” or “Est. 954” inside the USDA mark of inspection. They also have a case code of 1782.

Listeria infections, also known as listeriosis, are caused by the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. The infections pose a particular risk for children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. It can also cause pregnant women to have miscarriages and stillbirths. Listeria infections have a fatality rate of about 25%.

It usually takes a blood test to identify listeriosis, which can be treated with antibiotics. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, muscle aches, nausea and severe headaches. If the bacteria spreads from the intestines to the bloodstream or nervous system it could cause meningitis and other complications.

Consumers with questions can call Buona Vita Inc.’s general manager, Blake Christy, at (856) 453-7972.