BrucePac Lawsuit: Meat and Poultry Products Recalled Due to Listeria

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit claims BrucePac failed to warn consumers about Listeria contamination in its meat and poultry products, leading to a massive recall and consumer illness.

Consumers Affected: Consumers in the United States who purchased ready-to-eat products containing BrucePac's precooked meat.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

BrucePac Packing Company is at the center of a class action lawsuit following the recall of over 11 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products in October 2024. 

The recall, prompted by concerns over Listeria contamination, has raised significant concerns among consumers about food safety practices and transparency in the food production industry.

BrucePac Recalls Meat and Poultry Products Due to Listeria Contamination

The recall was announced after the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) identified harmful bacteria in BrucePac’s precooked chicken products. The items, produced between May and October 2024, were widely distributed across the U.S., finding their way into grocery stores and prepared meals sold by major chains like Walmart, Kroger, and Trader Joe’s.

The lawsuit, filed by South Carolina resident Britton Bryant, alleges BrucePac failed to adequately warn consumers about the contamination risks. Bryant claims he experienced gastrointestinal distress after consuming a Marketside Caesar salad purchased from Walmart that contained the company’s precooked chicken.

Lawsuit Alleges BrucePac Failed to Warn Consumers About Listeria Risk

The legal filing accuses BrucePac of negligence, asserting the company did not ensure its products were safe for consumption before distribution. It further argues that consumers trust food producers to deliver products free from contamination. Britton contends he would not have purchased these items if they had been informed of the potential Listeria exposure.

Listeriosis, caused by consuming food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, is particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of the illness include fever, muscle aches, diarrhea, and in severe cases, life-threatening complications.

Other Food Companies Face Similar Lawsuits Over Contamination

This case is not isolated. In recent months, multiple food companies have faced similar lawsuits related to contamination.

Earlier this year, Grimmway Farms was accused of selling organic carrots tainted with E. coli, resulting in a multistate outbreak and numerous illnesses. Similarly, Milo’s Poultry Farms was sued in November for allegedly distributing eggs contaminated with Salmonella. Consumers in these cases claimed companies failed to warn them about the risks, leading to avoidable harm.

Additionally, a major settlement was reached in a case involving Boar’s Head deli meats, which were linked to one of the largest Listeria outbreaks in U.S. history. Plaintiffs argued that Boar’s Head misled consumers by failing to disclose contamination risks, ultimately resolving claims through an undisclosed settlement agreement.

In the BrucePac listeria class action lawsuit, Bryant seeks to represent individuals across the United States who purchased ready-to-eat products containing BrucePac’s precooked meat during the specified time frame. It aims to secure financial compensation for affected consumers and hold the company accountable for its actions.

He is requesting damages, attorney fees, and an injunction to ensure BrucePac implements stricter food safety protocols moving forward.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Bryant v. Bruce Packing Company, Inc.
• Case Number: 2:24-cv-05636 
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Paul J. Doolitte (POULIN | WILLEY | ANASTOPOULO)

Did you purchase any of the recalled BrucePac products? Share your experience in the comments below.