Two U.S.-based companies — Prime Line Distributors, Inc. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Ferrarini USA, Inc. of Hoboken, New Jersey — have recalled a combined 1,513 pounds of imported ready-to-eat dry-cured pork jowl (guanciale) from Italy after routine import reinspection testing confirmed Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recall was classified Class I by the USDA — its most serious level — and announced September 7, 2026. No illnesses have been reported. FSIS is concerned that some product may still be in food service and retail refrigerators and freezers.
What’s Being Recalled?
Both companies recalled the same Italian product, produced at Est. 1937L Bome SRL in Italy on May 21, 2026, with a best-if-used-by date of May 16, 2027, and lot number 263311US.
Prime Line Distributors, Inc. recalled: various weight cardboard cases containing two individually vacuum-packed pieces of “Prime Line Distributors, Inc. Guanciale Pork Jowl Product of Italy” and individually vacuum-sealed packages additionally labeled “Dok Guanciale.”
Ferrarini USA, Inc. recalled: vacuum-packed packages bearing the Ferrarini brand, with establishment number “IT 1937 L CE” inside the Italian mark of inspection. Products were distributed to New York, New Jersey, and six other states.
Why Was This Product Recalled?
A product sample confirmed positive for Listeria monocytogenes during routine USDA import reinspection. Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. In pregnant women, Listeria can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and life-threatening newborn infection. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, stiff neck, confusion, and loss of balance.
What Should You Do?
Do not eat the recalled guanciale pork jowl. Discard it or return it to the place of purchase. Food service and retail locations are urged not to serve or sell the product. Contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or visit fsis.usda.gov.
