The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced a Class I recall of imported, ready-to-eat pork guanciale on Sunday, September 6, 2026, after a product sample tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes during routine import reinspection. FSIS classified it as a Class I recall, the agency’s most urgent tier, reserved for situations where using the product carries a reasonable chance of severe health harm or death.
The recalled item is dry-cured pork jowl marketed as guanciale, an Italian delicacy used in dishes like carbonara and amatriciana that is distinct from bacon or pancetta. It was produced in Italy at Est. 1937L, Bome S.r.l., on May 21, 2026, and imported into the United States on various dates in July. Two companies distributed it in the U.S.: Prime Line Distributors, Inc., based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Ferrarini USA, Inc., based in Hoboken, New Jersey.
Key facts
- Recalled by: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
- Date announced: September 6, 2026
- Product: Imported, ready-to-eat pork guanciale (dry-cured pork jowl), Product of Italy
- Reason: Listeria monocytogenes found during routine import reinspection
- Risk classification: Class I, the agency’s highest-risk category
- States reached: California, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York and Texas
- Distributors: Ferrarini USA, Inc. (all eight states) and Prime Line Distributors, Inc. (Florida only)
- Quantity: About 1,513 pounds, according to multiple news outlets that reviewed the FSIS recall notice
- Illnesses reported: None as of the recall notice
What was recalled and where it went
Ferrarini USA’s guanciale reached food service and retail locations in eight states: California, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York and Texas. Prime Line Distributors’ product was distributed only within Florida. Multiple news outlets that reviewed the FSIS recall notice put the total quantity at approximately 1,513 pounds.
If you bought guanciale, check the packaging for these details, which match the recalled lot:
- Product: Imported ready-to-eat pork guanciale (dry-cured pork jowl), Product of Italy
- Sold under the label: Prime Line Distributors, Inc. or Ferrarini USA, Inc., depending on where you bought it
- Lot number: 263311US
- Best-if-used-by date: 05.16.27 (May 16, 2027)
- Establishment number: IT 1937 L CE
How the contamination was found
FSIS discovered the contamination during routine import reinspection testing at the port of entry, when a product sample tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The recall was not triggered by a consumer complaint or a reported illness. As of the recall notice, no illnesses had been confirmed or reported in connection with the product.
No source reviewed tied this recall to an active, CDC-tracked Listeria outbreak or case cluster. It is a precautionary action based on the positive test result alone.
What Class I means, and who is most at risk
Listeria monocytogenes causes an illness called listeriosis, with symptoms that can include fever, muscle aches, headache, a stiff neck, confusion and loss of balance. The risk is highest for pregnant women, who can face miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery or a life-threatening infection in a newborn, as well as for newborns, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
What to do if you bought it
If this guanciale is in your kitchen, the safest move is to skip eating it: toss the package or bring it back to the store or supplier. Any restaurant or retailer still holding stock should stop serving or selling it right away. If you already ate it and notice symptoms, get in touch with a doctor and mention the recall.