Federal food safety authorities have issued a recall for a popular Italian cured pork product after routine testing detected the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. The affected item, guanciale—a dry-cured pork jowl essential to dishes like carbonara and amatriciana—was distributed to restaurants and retailers across eight states, prompting urgent warnings for consumers and food service operators alike.
The United States Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) confirmed that two distributors, Prime Line Distributors of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Ferrarini USA, Inc., based in Hoboken, New Jersey, are recalling approximately 1,510 pounds of imported guanciale. The contamination was discovered during a routine reinspection of imported products, where a sample tested positive for the bacteria.
Which states are affected?
The recalled guanciale made its way into commercial kitchens and retail shelves in the following states:
- California – shipments went through regional distributors supplying culinary establishments and local markets.
- Florida – products were managed by Prime Line Distributors, based in Fort Lauderdale, and reached restaurants and other operations.
- Idaho – restaurants and retail stores acquired the affected inventory through the national distribution network.
- Illinois – commercial food shipments were processed through designated regional centers serving the Chicago metropolitan area.
- Michigan – multiple distribution points recorded commercial buyers who purchased the flagged products.
- New Jersey – Ferrarini USA, Inc., headquartered in Hoboken, oversaw initial shipments entering domestic supply chains.
- New York – significant commercial distribution occurred in local supply networks for restaurants handling imported cured pork specialties.
While the FSIS did not specify an eighth state in the initial announcement, the agency's distribution list includes these seven, with the eighth likely being a neighboring state with shared distribution routes. Consumers in any of these areas should verify their purchases against the recall details.
How to identify the recalled products
The affected guanciale comes in vacuum-packed packages of various weights. To determine if you have a recalled product, check for the following identifiers:
- Establishment number: IT 1937 L CE
- Batch number: 263311US
- Recommended expiration date: 05/16/2027
Labels include Prime Line Distributors, Inc. Guanciale Pork Jowl Product of Italy, DOK GUANCIALE, and Ferrarini USA products. If any of these match items in your fridge or pantry, the FSIS advises discarding them immediately or returning them to the place of purchase.
Health risks and symptoms
Listeria infection, known as listeriosis, can cause severe illness, particularly in vulnerable groups. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that adults aged 65 and older, pregnant women, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems face the highest risk. Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, stiff neck, confusion, and loss of balance. If you've consumed any recalled product and develop these symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.
This recall is a reminder of the importance of food safety, especially when handling imported cured meats. For those who enjoy Italian cuisine, it's worth checking your pantry and staying informed about similar recalls affecting other meats.
While the recall is limited to specific batches, the FSIS and CDC emphasize that proper handling and cooking can kill listeria, but because guanciale is often used in preparations that may not reach high internal temperatures, the safest course is to discard any affected product.
For more on food safety and how recalls affect Latino communities, see our coverage on a recent salmonella outbreak linked to Mexican jalapeños and a nationwide eye drop recall.
