What was recalled
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced a significant recall involving ready-to-eat meat products distributed by City Foods, Inc., a Chicago-based establishment. This action, initiated on August 8, 2026, affects approximately 3,215 pounds of pastrami and corned beef that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. It is important to note that this recall was revised on August 13, 2026, to correct specific labeling details, including the accurate Midamar product label, the precise number of pieces in each box, and the corresponding item numbers.
The affected products are primarily distributed under two brand names: Midamar and Bea’s Best. Specifically, the recall includes 10-pound cardboard boxes containing four 2.5-pound pieces of “MIDAMAR HALAL SLICED PASTRAMI ROUND 4/2.5# - MIDAMAR.” The label on these boxes clearly displays the item number “MBPS10.” Additionally, the recall covers 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” on the box label. Another variant includes similar boxes containing “KIRSCH DELICATESSEN STYLE COOKED CORNED BEEF BRISKET,” marked with case code “19751.”
All recalled items bear the establishment number “EST. 1896” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These products were produced on July 16, 2026, and have a shelf life of 60 days. Initially shipped to foodservice locations in Illinois, Iowa, and Michigan, they were further distributed nationwide. The problem was discovered during routine inspection activities, highlighting the importance of regular safety checks in the food supply chain.
If you have purchased these products, please check your refrigerators and freezers immediately. The recall applies to both consumers and institutions that may have these items in their possession. Given the potential health risks associated with Listeria contamination, it is crucial to identify and handle these products carefully. For more information on the recall effectiveness and retail distribution lists, visit the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.
The hazard, explained
When we talk about a food recall due to Listeria monocytogenes, it is important to understand exactly what is happening at a microscopic level and why this specific bacterium is treated with such caution by health officials. Listeria monocytogenes (often abbreviated as Lm) is a type of bacteria that behaves very differently from many other common foodborne pathogens like Salmonella or E. coli. While most harmful bacteria thrive in warm environments and are easily killed by proper cooking, Listeria is unique because it can survive and even multiply at refrigerator temperatures. This means that even if you keep your pastrami or corned beef properly chilled in your home fridge, the bacteria could still be growing inside the package if it was contaminated during processing.
In this specific case involving City Foods, Inc., the ready-to-eat (RTE) products were found to be possibly adulterated with Listeria. "Adulterated" in this context simply means that an unsafe substance has been introduced into the food product. Because these items are "ready-to-eat," consumers do not cook them before eating. Cooking is typically the primary defense against bacteria; high heat kills most pathogens. However, since you eat this pastrami and corned beef directly from the package or after slicing it at home, there is no final step to destroy any bacteria that may have survived the initial processing or been introduced later in the supply chain.
Once ingested, Listeria can invade the lining of your intestines and spread into other parts of the body, a process known as invasive listeriosis. This is not just a simple stomach bug that passes quickly. The bacteria have the ability to cross barriers in your body, including the blood-brain barrier and the placenta. In healthy young adults who might eat contaminated food, the immune system often handles the infection with mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. However, for vulnerable populations, the mechanism of injury is more severe. The bacteria can enter the bloodstream (causing sepsis) or the central nervous system (causing meningitis or encephalitis).
The reason this recall is classified as a Class I hazard is that it represents a situation where there is a reasonable probability that the food will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. The danger lies in the silent nature of the contamination. You cannot see, smell, or taste Listeria in these meats. The product looks and smells like normal pastrami or corned beef. The only way to know it is unsafe is through the recall notice itself. This is why FSIS urges immediate disposal or return of the product: waiting for symptoms to appear means you are gambling with a pathogen that can cause life-threatening complications, particularly in older adults, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
Who is most at risk
When we talk about the people who need to be most vigilant regarding this recall, it helps to look at two very different groups: those who handle these products professionally and those whose bodies are biologically less equipped to fight off infection. On the professional side, the primary owners of these items are foodservice locations. The City Foods, Inc. pastrami and corned beef were shipped to commercial kitchens in Illinois, Iowa, and Michigan before being distributed nationwide. If you work in a restaurant, deli, or institutional cafeteria that sources meats from suppliers like Midamar or Bea’s Best, you are the first line of defense. These establishments often buy in bulk—boxes containing multiple 2.5-pound pieces—which means one contaminated batch can potentially affect dozens of customers if not caught quickly.
The second group at risk is defined not by where they shop, but by how their immune systems function. Listeria monocytogenes is a unique bacteria because it thrives in cold environments and can grow even inside a refrigerator at standard temperatures. For most healthy adults, eating food with low levels of this bacteria might cause mild symptoms or nothing at all. However, for specific vulnerable populations, the consequences are severe. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) highlights that older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women along with their newborns are at the highest risk for developing listeriosis.
The reason these groups are so vulnerable comes down to biology. Listeria is an "invasive" infection, meaning it doesn't just stay in your stomach; it can spread beyond the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream and other parts of the body. In older adults and those with compromised immune systems—due to conditions like cancer, diabetes, or organ transplants—the body’s natural defenses are too weak to stop this spread. This can lead to serious, sometimes fatal infections that require immediate antibiotic treatment.
Pregnant women face a different but equally dangerous set of risks. While the mother might only experience mild, flu-like symptoms such as fever and muscle aches, the bacteria can cross the placenta. This can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or a life-threatening infection of the newborn. Because the symptoms in pregnant women can be so subtle, it is crucial to recognize that "feeling fine" does not mean the risk is gone. If you fall into any of these high-risk categories and have consumed these products within the last two months, you should contact a healthcare provider immediately and mention your exposure to this specific recall.
Even for those outside these high-risk groups, ignoring the potential for infection is unwise. While less common, listeriosis can affect anyone. Symptoms can include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, often preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal issues. Because the bacteria can cause such a wide range of serious neurological and systemic problems, no one should gamble on whether they are "strong enough" to handle it. The safest approach for everyone is to assume that if you have these products in your fridge or freezer, they are not safe to eat.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you are unsure whether the pastrami or corned beef sitting in your commercial kitchen’s cooler, a foodservice warehouse, or even a home freezer might be part of this recall, careful inspection is essential. Because these products are distributed nationwide and often sold under multiple brand names that may look similar at a glance, relying on appearance alone is not enough. You must verify specific printed details on the packaging. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has identified three distinct categories of affected products, all manufactured by City Foods, Inc., in Chicago, Illinois. To determine if you are holding a recalled item, you need to look for exact matches in brand names, item numbers, case codes, and weight configurations.
First, check if the product is labeled as “MIDAMAR HALAL SLICED PASTRAMI ROUND 4/2.5# - MIDAMAR.” If it is, you must verify two critical details on the label: the item number and the box contents. The label must display “ITEM #: MBPS10.” Furthermore, ensure the packaging is a 10-lb. cardboard box that contains exactly four pieces of meat, with each piece weighing 2.5 lbs. Note that earlier reports may have listed incorrect weights; this recall specifically targets boxes with four 2.5-lb. pieces. If you see a different item number or a box containing a different quantity or weight of pastrami, it is not part of this specific recall action.
Next, look for products labeled as “BEA’S BEST COOKED CORNED BEEF BRISKET.” These items are packed in various weight cardboard boxes ranging from 20 to 30 lbs. and typically contain two to three pieces of brisket. The definitive identifier here is the case code printed on the box label, which must be “18919.” If the case code differs, or if the brand name is not exactly as stated, the product is not included in this recall.
Finally, inspect any packages labeled “KIRSCH DELICATESSEN STYLE COOKED CORNED BEEF BRISKET.” Like the Bea’s Best product, these are found in various weight boxes from 20 to 30 lbs. containing two to three pieces. You must locate the case code on the box label and confirm it reads “19751.” For all three product types, regardless of brand or meat type, you should also look inside the USDA mark of inspection for the establishment number “EST. 1896.” If any of these specific identifiers match your product, do not consume it. Instead, dispose of it or return it to the place of purchase immediately.
What to do — step by step
If you or your institution have purchased the recalled City Foods pastrami and corned beef products, the first and most critical step is to stop using them immediately. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has identified these items as potentially adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can cause serious illness known as listeriosis. Because the consequences of consuming contaminated food can be severe, particularly for vulnerable groups, you should not taste the product to check its quality. If the meat looks or smells normal, it may still be unsafe; Listeria does not always alter the appearance or odor of food. Therefore, do not consume, serve, or use any of these products in cooking under any circumstances.
Once you have confirmed that you possess one of the recalled items, you must decide whether to discard the product or return it for a refund. If you are a consumer who bought these items at a retail store, your best option is to return them to the place of purchase. The retailer should process a full refund for the product. Keep your receipt if you have it, as it may help expedite the refund process, but even without a receipt, many stores will accommodate returns for recalled safety issues. If you cannot return the items to the store due to distance or other logistical challenges, you are urged to throw the products away. Ensure that the meat is disposed of in a way that prevents anyone else, including pets, from accessing it. Seal the packaging tightly in a trash bag before placing it in your outdoor waste bin.
If you operate a foodservice business, restaurant, or institutional kitchen and have received these products, you must remove them from your inventory immediately. Check your storage units carefully to ensure no boxes of “MIDAMAR HALAL SLICED PASTRAMI ROUND” or the various brands of cooked corned beef brisket remain on your shelves. Contact City Foods, Inc., directly to coordinate the return or disposal process. You can reach Brian Sanchez, Office Manager at City Foods, Inc., by calling 773-523-1566 or emailing brian@beasbest.com. They will provide specific instructions for handling the recalled stock. For further guidance on food safety protocols during a recall, you may also call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854 (888-MPHotline) or email MPHotline@usda.gov.
Finally, if you have consumed any of these products and belong to a higher-risk group—such as being pregnant, over age 65, or having a weakened immune system—monitor your health closely. Listeriosis symptoms can appear up to two months after eating contaminated food. If you experience fever, muscle aches, stiff neck, confusion, or loss of balance, contact your healthcare provider immediately and inform them about the potential exposure to recalled pastrami and corned beef. Early medical attention is crucial for effective treatment.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
When you discover that the pastrami or corned beef in your possession is part of this recall, your immediate priority should be removing the product from your environment to ensure safety. However, once that critical step is taken, you will likely want to know how to resolve the financial aspect of the situation. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has outlined a clear path for consumers and institutions to seek redress for these potentially contaminated products. It is important to understand that the primary remedy offered here is not a direct replacement or repair, but rather a refund or return process managed directly by the manufacturer, City Foods, Inc.
If you are a consumer who purchased these items at a retail location, your first and most straightforward option is to return the product to the place of purchase. Most reputable grocery stores and food service suppliers have protocols in place for handling recalled goods. They will typically accept the returned item and issue a full refund to your original method of payment. This is often the least burdensome option for you, as it requires no additional phone calls or correspondence beyond presenting the product and your receipt at the customer service desk. If you are an institutional buyer, such as a restaurant or cafeteria, you should contact your supplier immediately to arrange for the pickup or return of the affected boxes.
In cases where returning the product to the store is not feasible, or if you need further assistance with the refund process, you must contact City Foods, Inc. directly. The recall notice specifically identifies Brian Sanchez as the Office Manager responsible for handling these inquiries. You can reach him by phone at 773-523-1566 or via email at brian@beasbest.com. When you contact them, be prepared to provide specific details about the product to facilitate your claim. This includes the brand name (such as Midamar or Bea’s Best), the establishment number EST. 1896 found on the label, and the specific item numbers or case codes printed on the packaging. Having this information ready will help speed up the verification process.
Please note that the record does not specify any conditions for eligibility beyond having purchased the recalled product. There is no mention of a mandatory registration form or a limited-time window for claiming refunds in the provided text, but it is always wise to act promptly. The goal of this remedy is to ensure that no one consumes the potentially adulterated pastrami and corned beef while also ensuring that those who did purchase it are not financially penalized for a safety issue they did not cause. By following these steps—either returning to the store or contacting City Foods directly—you can resolve the matter efficiently and focus on your health and peace of mind.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable to feel hesitant about throwing away food, especially when it appears to be in good condition and has a shelf life that hasn’t yet expired. However, the core danger of this specific recall lies in the fact that Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) does not rely on obvious signs of spoilage to exist. Unlike some bacteria that cause food to smell bad, look slimy, or taste sour, Listeria is invisible and odorless. The pastrami and corned beef products from City Foods, Inc., were recalled because they may be adulterated with this specific pathogen. If you choose to ignore the recall and consume these items, you are essentially gambling with your health based on nothing more than how the meat looks on the surface.
The consequences of ignoring this warning can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening complications, depending entirely on your individual health profile. For healthy adults who might unknowingly ingest the bacteria, listeriosis can manifest as fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. These symptoms are often preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal issues. While some individuals may recover with antibiotics, the infection is considered "invasive," meaning it can spread beyond the gastrointestinal tract into other parts of the body, leading to serious systemic illness.
For certain vulnerable groups, the stakes are significantly higher. Older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women are at the greatest risk. In pregnant women, a Listeria infection is not just a matter of feeling ill; it can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery, or life-threatening infections in the newborn. For older adults and those with compromised immune systems, the infection can be fatal. It is critical to note that while there have been no confirmed reports of illness from this specific batch as of the recall date, the presence of the bacteria is what matters, not just whether others have gotten sick yet. By ignoring the recall, you remove the safety net that FSIS and City Foods are providing.
Furthermore, keeping contaminated products in your home creates a secondary risk for cross-contamination. If these items are stored in your refrigerator or freezer alongside other foods, juices or particles from the packaging could potentially contaminate ready-to-eat foods you intend to eat later without cooking. This is why the remedy is straightforward: do not consume them. The potential health outcomes of listeriosis are severe enough that they outweigh the inconvenience of discarding or returning approximately 3,215 pounds of product. If you have any of these items in your possession, please dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase immediately to protect yourself and those around you.
Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall highlights the serious risks associated with ready-to-eat meats and Listeria monocytogenes, maintaining a safe kitchen environment requires consistent, everyday habits that go beyond reacting to news alerts. Listeria is particularly tricky because it can survive and even grow in cold environments, unlike many other bacteria that slow down significantly at refrigerator temperatures. This means that proper temperature control is your first line of defense. Ensure your refrigerator stays at or below 40°F (4°C) and your freezer is at 0°F (-18°C). Use an appliance thermometer to verify these levels, as the built-in dials on many units are often inaccurate. Regularly check the seals on your fridge doors; if they are cracked or loose, cold air escapes, allowing temperatures to rise and creating a breeding ground for pathogens.
Vigilance in handling ready-to-eat foods is equally critical. Once meat has been cooked and processed, it should not be handled again unless you wash your hands thoroughly. Cross-contamination is a common pathway for illness: always use separate cutting boards for raw meats and ready-to-eat vegetables or deli meats. If you must use the same board, wash it with hot, soapy water before switching tasks. Furthermore, do not assume that refrigeration makes old food safe indefinitely. Check expiration dates religiously and practice the "first in, first out" rule, placing newer groceries behind older ones so that items nearing their sell-by date are consumed first.
Staying informed is another vital component of food safety. Regularly visit the USDA FSIS website or sign up for their email alerts to receive immediate notifications about recalls. However, do not rely solely on digital alerts; physical labels on products can sometimes be misprinted or misleading, as seen in recent corrections where label details were updated after initial announcements. Always compare the establishment number (usually starting with "EST"), the product name, and the lot codes exactly as described in official recall notices. If you are unsure whether a product is affected, it is always safer to discard it than to risk illness.
Finally, consider your personal health profile when assessing risk. Individuals who are pregnant, over 65, or have compromised immune systems should be especially cautious with unpasteurized cheeses, raw sprouts, and refrigerated pâtés or meat spreads. For these high-risk groups, avoiding ready-to-eat deli meats entirely—or heating them until they are steaming hot before eating—is a recommended precaution. By combining strict hygiene, accurate temperature monitoring, and proactive information gathering, you create a robust barrier against foodborne illnesses in your home.