City Foods Inc. has recalled approximately 3,215 pounds of ready-to-eat pastrami and corned beef because the products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The Chicago-based company’s products were initially shipped to foodservice locations in Illinois, Iowa and Michigan before being distributed nationwide.
The recall covers three meat products produced on July 16, 2026, all with a 60-day shelf life. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, or FSIS, the potential contamination was discovered during routine inspection activities. No illnesses linked to the recalled products have been confirmed.
Three Ready-to-eat Meat Products Are Included in the Recall
The recalled products can be identified by their packaging, case codes and the USDA establishment number printed on the inspection mark. The first is 10-pound cardboard boxes containing 2- to 5-pound pieces of “Midamar Premium Beef Pastrami.” Those packages carry case code “19410.”
The recall also includes various-weight 20- to 30-pound cardboard boxes containing two to three pieces of “BEA’S BEST COOKED CORNED BEEF BRISKET,” identified by case code “18919.” A third product, “KIRSCH DELICATESSEN STYLE COOKED CORNED BEEF BRISKET,” is sold in various-weight 20- to 30-pound boxes containing two to three pieces. Its case code is “19751.”
All three products bear establishment number “EST. 1896” inside the USDA mark of inspection. According to FSIS, the items were sent to foodservice locations in Illinois, Iowa and Michigan and were subsequently distributed nationwide.
The agency said it is concerned that some of the affected meat could remain in refrigerators and freezers belonging to consumers or institutions. People and organizations that purchased the products have been advised not to eat or serve them. They should instead be discarded or returned to the place of purchase.
Listeria Can Cause Serious Illness in Higher-risk Groups
Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an infection that primarily affects older adults, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and newborns. People outside those groups can also become ill, although less commonly.
According to FSIS, symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions, sometimes following diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. Invasive listeriosis occurs when the infection spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract.
Pregnant women face specific risks. Infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery or a life-threatening infection in a newborn. Serious and sometimes fatal infections can also occur among older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
FSIS said listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. People in higher-risk groups who develop flu-like symptoms after eating potentially contaminated food are advised to seek medical care and tell their healthcare provider about the possible exposure.
There have been no confirmed reports of illness associated with the recalled City Foods products. FSIS said it conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify that customers are notified and that affected products are removed from availability.
