Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp., doing business as Margherita Meats, Inc., of Omaha, Neb., is recalling approximately 10,990 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) pepperoni products because of possible Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) contamination, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The problem was found by the Department of Defense, who notified FSIS that they found B. cereus during routine product testing.

 The products were shipped to retail locations nationwide.

The RTE unsliced pepperoni product was produced and packaged on June 17, 2021. 

Recalled products:

• 8-oz. plastic shrink-wrapped packages containing unsliced pepperoni “Margherita PEPPERONI” with lot code P1931C and a “use by date” of 12-14-21 represented on the label.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 19” inside the USDA mark of inspection.

As of the posting of this recall, there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to the consumption of these products.

FSIS is concerned that some products may be in consumers’ pantries or refrigerators. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

about Bacillus cereus

B. cereus is a toxin-producing microorganism that causes diarrhea and vomiting in people. Those with compromised immune systems are at risk for more severe illness. Vigorous rehydration and other supportive care including antibiotics are the usual treatment.