City Foods recalls over 3,200 pounds of meat due to listeria risk

In July 2026, the US Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced a recall of more than 3,200 pounds of ready-to-eat pastrami and corned beef products produced by City Foods, Inc. The recall was initiated after routine inspection activities revealed potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The affected products were shipped to foodservice locations in Illinois, Iowa, and Michigan before being distributed nationwide. The specific items included 10-pound cardboard boxes of 'Midamar Premium Beef Pastrami' and various-weight boxes of 'Bea’s Best Cooked Corned Beef Brisket' and 'Kirsch Delicatessen Style Cooked Corned Beef Brisket.' These products were produced on July 16, 2026, and have a 60-day shelf life, raising concerns about their safety for consumers.

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects vulnerable populations such as older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of listeriosis can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, often preceded by gastrointestinal symptoms. In pregnant women, the infection can lead to severe outcomes, including miscarriages and stillbirths. Although there have been no confirmed reports of illness linked to the recalled products, FSIS has urged consumers who may have consumed the affected items to seek medical attention if they experience flu-like symptoms.

The recall highlights the importance of food safety and the role of regulatory agencies in monitoring food products to prevent potential health risks. The discovery of the contamination during routine inspections underscores the need for stringent quality control measures in food production. Consumers are advised to stay informed about food recalls and to check their pantries for any potentially contaminated products. The FSIS continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as necessary to ensure public safety.

In conclusion, the recall of over 3,200 pounds of pastrami and corned beef by City Foods, Inc. serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with foodborne pathogens. It emphasizes the need for vigilance in food safety practices and the importance of regulatory oversight in protecting public health.