Pork Jowl Recall Affects Eight States Over Potential Listeria Contamination

Consumers in eight U.S. states are being urged to check their refrigerators and freezers after two food distributors recalled more than 1,500 pounds of imported pork products because of a potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination risk.

The recall involves ready-to-eat dry-cured pork jowl products imported from Italy. According to information released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), approximately 1,513 pounds of pork products are affected.

The products were manufactured in Italy on May 21, 2026, and imported into the United States in July. The recall was announced by FSIS on September 6 after concerns were identified regarding possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

Which Pork Products Are Included in the Recall?

Two companies are involved in the recall: Prime Line Distributors Inc., based in Florida, and Ferrarini USA, based in New Jersey.

Prime Line Distributors recalled products sold under the following descriptions:

• Prime Line Distributors Inc. Guanciale Pork Jowl Product of Italy
• Guanciale Pork Jowl Product of Italy

Ferrarini recalled these products:

• Guanciale Pork Jowl Product of Italy
• Ferrarini Guanciale Dry-Cured Pork Jowl

Consumers should carefully examine product packaging because the affected products may have been distributed through different retail and food service channels.

The recalled products can be identified using the lot code 263311US. They also have a "Best If Used By" date of May 16, 2027.

Anyone who has purchased dry-cured pork jowl should compare the information on their package with the recall details before consuming the product.

Why Is Listeria a Concern?

The reason for the recall is the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes, a type of bacteria that can cause a foodborne illness known as listeriosis.

Listeria contamination can be particularly concerning because the bacteria can survive and grow under certain refrigerated conditions. Ready-to-eat foods are also important from a food safety perspective because they may be consumed without additional cooking that could otherwise reduce bacterial contamination.

Healthy people may experience relatively mild symptoms after exposure, including fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. However, listeriosis can become much more serious in certain groups.

Older adults, young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are generally considered more vulnerable to severe illness.

During pregnancy, a Listeria infection can also result in serious complications, including pregnancy loss or illness in a newborn.

What Should Consumers Do?

Consumers who have the recalled pork products at home should not eat them.

Instead, FSIS advises consumers to either throw the products away or return them to the place where they were purchased.

It is also important to clean areas where recalled food may have been stored. Refrigerators, containers, countertops, cutting boards, and other surfaces that came into contact with the product should be properly cleaned and sanitized.

Because Listeria can spread to other foods and surfaces, simply removing the recalled package may not always be enough. Consumers should wash their hands thoroughly after handling the product and avoid allowing its packaging or contents to come into contact with other foods.

What If You Already Ate the Recalled Pork?

People who have consumed one of the recalled products do not necessarily become sick. However, anyone who develops symptoms that could be associated with listeriosis should contact a healthcare professional.

Symptoms can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the infection. Some people may experience gastrointestinal symptoms, while more serious infections can affect the nervous system and cause symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions.

Pregnant individuals should take particular care if they believe they may have been exposed to contaminated food. They should contact their healthcare provider if they develop symptoms or have concerns about possible Listeria exposure.

How to Check Your Refrigerator for the Recalled Products

If you regularly purchase imported Italian meats, it is worth taking a few minutes to inspect your refrigerator.

Start by looking for packages labeled Guanciale, which is an Italian dry-cured pork product traditionally made from pork jowl or cheek. Then check the brand, lot code, and date printed on the packaging.

The products covered by this recall carry lot code 263311US and a May 16, 2027 "Best If Used By" date.

If the information matches the recalled products, do not consume the food. Place it in a sealed bag before disposal to help prevent contact with other foods or surfaces.

Consumers who are uncertain about whether their product is affected should consult the official recall information from FSIS rather than relying solely on the product name.

Why Food Recalls Matter

Food recalls are an important part of the U.S. food safety system. They allow government agencies and companies to remove potentially unsafe products from the marketplace and alert consumers who may already have purchased them.

Listeria recalls can be especially important because the bacteria can be difficult to detect without laboratory testing. Contaminated food may look, smell, and taste normal.

This means consumers should not rely on the appearance or smell of a product to determine whether it is safe to eat.

Following recall announcements and checking product labels can help reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

Key Details at a Glance

Here are the main facts consumers should know about this pork recall:

Product: Imported ready-to-eat dry-cured pork jowl
Potential hazard: Listeria monocytogenes
Amount recalled: Approximately 1,513 pounds
Country of origin: Italy
Manufacturing date: May 21, 2026
Import period: July 2026
Lot code: 263311US
Best If Used By date: May 16, 2027
Companies involved: Prime Line Distributors Inc. and Ferrarini USA
States affected: Eight U.S. states

Consumers should check their products carefully and follow official instructions if they find a package included in the recall.

Final Takeaway

The recall of approximately 1,513 pounds of imported pork jowl highlights the importance of paying attention to food safety alerts. The affected products were imported from Italy and distributed under products associated with Prime Line Distributors Inc. and Ferrarini USA.

If you have purchased Guanciale Pork Jowl Product of Italy or Ferrarini Guanciale Dry-Cured Pork Jowl, check the package for lot code 263311US and the May 16, 2027 "Best If Used By" date.

Do not eat the product if it matches the recall information. Dispose of it safely or return it to the retailer, and clean any surfaces that may have come into contact with the food.

Consumers who become ill after eating a recalled product should seek medical advice, particularly if they are in a group at increased risk of serious Listeria infection.

Disclaimer

This article is provided for general informational purposes only. Recall information can change, and consumers should verify the latest details with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service or other official authorities. If you believe you may have consumed contaminated food and are experiencing symptoms, contact a qualified healthcare professional.