The nationwide recall of meat and poultry products due to a listeria outbreak impacted nearly 12 million pounds of product and many of the popular grocery stores. The outbreak started when potentially dangerous listeria bacteria was found in samples of "Bruce-pac" chicken during routine testing.

Then a recall was issued last Wednesday for foods produced between May 31 and Oct. 8.

The U.S. Agriculture Department says no illnesses have been confirmed in connection with the recall. The recalled food not only went to popular grocery chains but also school districts and restaurants. By proxy, this may also affect food banks. 

Fortunately, the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York hasn’t been forced to discard any product due to the recalls related to the listeria outbreak. Leaders at the food bank say the operation has modernized over the years with application systems that make it easy to keep track of what’s coming in, from where and whether there are any recalls.

Should product be flagged, it is quarantined from the other food and discarded as soon as possible.  

“For the most part, we have enough inventory that we’re able to supplement with other like items, not impacted that are safe for consumption,” explained Chief Operating Officer Nick Pisani. “But it’s obviously going to create a hiccup down the road if we don’t act quickly enough. We’ve been fortunate enough to not been hit at large scale.”

Geographically, the food bank serves more than 41% of New York state, feeding more than 350,000 people in 23 counties, so it’s paramount there are no hiccups.

“We care all the way through from the moment the product arrives here, all the way through to getting to neighbors in need,” Pisani said. “We care to make sure that safety is in mind so that those folks getting food from the food bank can feel safe and secure that they’re getting healthy, nutritious food.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture displays all recall information on its website, where consumers can compare the details of their products, like the brand and use by date. If there are any matches, people should throw it out.