Full Breakdown
Class I Recall of Imported Guanciale Pork Over Listeria Concerns
9/8/2026, 8:01:20 AM
Core Event
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced on September 6, 2026 that two U.S.-based distributors are recalling approximately 1,513 pounds of imported ready-to-eat pork jowl (guanciale) after a routine import reinspection detected Listeria monocytogenes. The recall, classified as a Class I (the agency’s highest warning level), covers products produced by Est. 1937 L Bome SRL in Italy on May 21, 2026 and bearing lot number 263311US with a “best if used by” date of May 16, 2027.
Background & Context
Guanciale is a dry-cured pork jowl commonly used in Italian cuisine. The affected items were imported into the United States in July and distributed to food-service and retail locations in eight states: California, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, and Texas. The detection occurred during a standard reinspection of imported meat, a process intended to verify that products meet U.S. safety standards before reaching consumers.
Data & Statistics
- Weight recalled: ~1,513 pounds (reported by FSIS).
- Lot number: 263311US.
- Best-if-used-by date: May 16, 2027.
- Establishment number on label: IT 1937 L CE (Italian inspection mark).
- States receiving the product: California, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Texas.
- Companies involved: Prime Line Distributors, Inc. (Fort Lauderdale, FL) and Ferrarini USA, Inc. (Hoboken, NJ).
Why It Matters / Impact
*Listeria monocytogenes* can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily threatens older adults, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and newborns. Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, and in pregnant women the infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature delivery.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
One source reported that more than 15,000 pounds of guanciale were recalled, a figure that differs substantially from the 1,513 pounds cited by FSIS and other outlets. The discrepancy has not been clarified by USDA officials, and no additional details have been provided to reconcile the divergent weight estimates.
What’s Next
FSIS indicated it will conduct recall-effectiveness checks to confirm removal of the products from commerce and continue monitoring for any potential illnesses. Food-service operators and retailers have been instructed to cease distribution of the affected items and to remove any remaining inventory from refrigerators and freezers. Consumers who suspect they possess the recalled product are advised to verify the establishment number IT 1937 L CE on the packaging and to discard or return the meat promptly.
