WASHINGTON — More than 1,500 pounds of imported pork guanciale are being recalled across the United States after routine testing found a sample positive for Listeria monocytogenes, prompting the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service to issue its highest-level recall classification.
The recall involves approximately 1,513 pounds of ready-to-eat, dry-cured pork jowl products, commonly known as guanciale. The affected products were imported from Italy and are connected to Florida-based Prime Line Distributors, Inc. and New Jersey-based Ferrarini USA, Inc.
The USDA’s FSIS classified the action as a Class I recall, which is reserved for situations involving a reasonable probability that consuming the affected product could result in serious health consequences or death.
The products were produced in Italy on May 21, 2026, at Est. 1937L Bome SRL and imported into the United States at various points during July.
Which Pork Products Are Included in the Recall?
Prime Line Distributors recalled several varieties of its guanciale pork jowl products. The affected items include cardboard cases containing individually vacuum-packed products labeled “Guanciale Pork Jowl Product of Italy.”
Some individually packaged products also carry an additional “Dok Guanciale” label. The affected Prime Line products have a best-if-used-by date of May 16, 2027, and lot number 263311US.
Ferrarini USA also recalled multiple versions of its guanciale products, including cardboard cases containing individually packed pieces and individually vacuum-packed Ferrarini Guanciale Dry-Cured Pork Jowl products.
Those recalled Ferrarini items carry the same lot number and best-by date.
Consumers can also look for establishment number IT 1937 L CE, which is printed inside the Italian mark of inspection or on the case label.
Recalled Products Distributed Across Multiple States
The affected products did not remain limited to a single market. Prime Line Distributors said its recalled products were shipped to food service and retail companies in Florida.
Ferrarini USA distributed its recalled products through distributors and food service locations across California, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York and Texas.
Because some products may still be sitting in refrigerators or freezers at restaurants, food service businesses and retail locations, FSIS said it is concerned that consumers could still encounter the recalled items.
The agency is urging businesses not to serve or sell the products.
Consumers who have purchased affected guanciale should check the packaging carefully against the recall information before eating it.
Why the USDA Issued Its Highest-Level Recall
The recall was triggered after routine import reinspection testing identified a product sample that tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.
Listeria can cause listeriosis, a potentially serious infection. While healthy people may experience relatively mild symptoms, the infection can be particularly dangerous for certain groups.
The FSIS says symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, stiff neck and convulsions, while gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea may sometimes occur before more serious symptoms.
People at greater risk include older adults, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and newborns.
For pregnant women, listeriosis can have especially serious consequences, including miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of a newborn.
What Consumers Should Do With the Recalled Pork
FSIS is asking consumers and businesses to take the recall seriously.
Anyone who has the affected products should not eat them. Instead, the products should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase.
The agency said it will conduct effectiveness checks to make sure Prime Line Distributors and Ferrarini USA notify customers and that the recalled products are removed from the marketplace.
FSIS also plans to update its recall information with details about retailers that received the affected products.
So far, no confirmed illnesses have been linked to the recalled products, according to the agency. Anyone who believes they may have become ill after consuming a potentially contaminated product should contact a healthcare provider.
If you have purchased pork guanciale recently, check the lot number, date and establishment information before consuming it.
Do you have any of these recalled products at home or have you seen them at a store? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments.
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