Recall GUANCIALE PORK JOWL PRODUCT OF ITALY: What Consumers Need to Know in 2026

Last updated: September 7, 2026

Quick Answer: On September 7, 2026, a recall of approximately 1,513 pounds of imported ready-to-eat guanciale, an Italian dry-cured pork jowl, was initiated after routine FSIS import testing confirmed Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recall GUANCIALE PORK JOWL PRODUCT OF ITALY affects items distributed across multiple U.S. states by Prime Line Distributors Inc. and Ferrarini USA Inc. No confirmed illnesses have been reported as of the recall date.

Key Takeaways

• About 1,513 pounds of Italian guanciale (pork jowl) were recalled on September 7, 2026, due to Listeria contamination detected during FSIS import reinspection.
• Two companies are involved: Prime Line Distributors Inc. (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) and Ferrarini USA Inc. (Hoboken, New Jersey).
• Distribution reached food service and retail locations in Florida, California, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, and Texas.
• The recalled product bears the Italian establishment number “IT 1937 L CE” on the label, this is the main identifier consumers and retailers should search for.
• No confirmed illnesses are linked to the recall as of September 7, 2026.
• Consumers who purchased the affected product should not eat it and should contact the retailer for a refund or replacement.
• Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious illness, particularly in pregnant women, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals.

What Is Guanciale and Why Is It Being Recalled?

Guanciale is a traditional Italian salt-cured meat product made from pork jowl or cheeks, prized in central Italy, especially in Umbria and Lazio, for its rich fat content and depth of flavor in dishes like pasta alla carbonara and amatriciana. The recall GUANCIALE PORK JOWL PRODUCT OF ITALY was triggered when a sample of this imported, ready-to-eat cured product tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes during routine U.S. import reinspection by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) [1].

Guanciale is classified as a specialty salumi product, distinct from more widely available products like pancetta or prosciutto. According to Wikipedia, the word “guanciale” derives from the Italian word for cheek, “guancia,” and the product is cured with salt, sugar, and spices over several weeks [4]. Because it is a ready-to-eat meat product, any Listeria contamination presents a direct health risk without further cooking to eliminate the pathogen [9].

The contamination was discovered during routine FSIS import surveillance testing, the same system that monitors all imported meat and poultry entering U.S. commerce. This process, described in detail on the FSIS Understanding Food Recalls page, is designed to catch microbiological hazards before or shortly after products reach consumers [9]. The affected guanciale was produced in Italy at establishment “Est. 1937L Bome SRL” on May 21, 2026, and imported into the United States in July 2026 [1].

Recall GUANCIALE PORK JOWL PRODUCT OF ITALY: Specific Details and Affected Brands

The recall involves approximately 1,513 pounds of ready-to-eat dry-cured pork jowl, a specific and relatively niche Italian meat product [1]. Two U.S. importers initiated the recall:

• Prime Line Distributors Inc., Fort Lauderdale, Florida; products shipped to food service and retail in Florida.
• Ferrarini USA Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey; products shipped to distributors and food service locations in California, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, and Texas.

The key identifier on all affected products is the Italian establishment mark “IT 1937 L CE”, which appears either inside the Italian mark of inspection or printed on the case label. Consumers and retailers should view the product label carefully and search for this number. The FSIS recall labels document provides guidance on how FSIS formats recall label information for public reference [8].

Italy’s Veroni pre-sliced prosciutto and other similar Italian salumi products are separate product lines and are not part of this specific recall action. Only items bearing the “IT 1937 L CE” establishment number are affected.

Is Guanciale Safe to Eat Right Now, and How Do You Check?

If the guanciale in your refrigerator or pantry does not bear the establishment number “IT 1937 L CE,” it is not part of this recall. However, any product that matches this identifier, regardless of where it was purchased, should not be consumed [1].

Steps to check your guanciale:

1. Locate the label on the packaging or the case.
2. Search for the Italian mark of inspection or a printed establishment number.
3. Look specifically for “IT 1937 L CE.”
4. If the number matches, do not eat the product. Place it in a sealed bag and set it aside for return or disposal.
5. Contact the retailer or distributor for a refund or replacement.
6. Monitor FoodSafety.gov and the FSIS website for any updates to the recall, including expanded product lists [5].

As of September 7, 2026, no confirmed illnesses have been linked to consumption of the recalled Italian guanciale pork jowl [1]. Still, Listeria monocytogenes is a serious pathogen. The FSIS food recall guidance notes that ready-to-eat products contaminated with Listeria pose the highest risk because they require no further cooking [9].

Guanciale Recall Reason: Health Risk from Listeria Monocytogenes

Listeria monocytogenes is the primary health risk driving this recall. It is a bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a serious infection with symptoms including fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. In severe cases, particularly in pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems, listeriosis can lead to meningitis or stillbirth.

Symptoms of illness from recalled guanciale contaminated with Listeria typically appear within 1 to 4 weeks of consuming the product, though the incubation period can range from a few days to 70 days. Anyone who consumed the recalled product and develops these symptoms should contact a healthcare provider promptly and mention the possible exposure. The Food Safety News report on this recall confirms no illnesses had been reported as of the recall date [1].

For broader context on food recalls this week and listeria meat recall 2026 developments, consumers can view the full produce recall list and meat recall updates at FoodSafety.gov [5].

Guanciale vs. Pancetta: Differences and Safety Considerations

Guanciale and pancetta are both Italian cured pork products, but they come from different cuts and have distinct flavor profiles. Guanciale is made from pork jowl cheeks, while pancetta is made from pork belly, a difference that affects fat distribution, texture, and taste [4][6].

Feature	Guanciale	Pancetta
Cut	Pork jowl / jowl cheeks	Pork belly
Origin	Umbria, Lazio (Italy)	Across Italy
Texture	Richer, fattier	Leaner, firmer
Common use	Carbonara, amatriciana	Pasta, pizza, antipasto
Recall status (Sept 2026)	Affected (IT 1937 L CE)	Not part of this recall

Pancetta, prosciutto, and other similar products from Italy are not part of the current recall. Consumers who cannot find guanciale due to the recall, or who prefer to avoid it while the situation is being resolved, can substitute pancetta in most Italian dishes where guanciale is called for, though the flavor will differ. Other alternatives include smoked bacon (which alters the dish’s character) or cured pork cheek from domestic producers not connected to the recalled establishment [7].

Where Was the Recalled Guanciale Distributed and Can You Still Buy It Safely?

The recalled Italian guanciale pork jowl was distributed across eight U.S. states: California, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, and Texas, primarily through food service channels and some retail locations [1]. The FSIS summary of recall cases, available through Data.gov, tracks all FSIS-regulated product recalls by calendar year and will reflect this action [3].

Consumers in these states, particularly in New York, New Jersey, Florida, and California, which are major import hubs, should be most vigilant. Guanciale from other producers and other Italian establishments not linked to “IT 1937 L CE” is not part of this recall. The Britannica entry on guanciale and the Calitalia food blog both note that guanciale is a niche, specialty product, which limits the overall scale of potential consumer exposure compared to a mass-market meat recall [2][6].

For ongoing food recalls 2026 updates, including produce recall 2026 and product recalls this week, the main page at FoodSafety.gov remains the authoritative central reference [5].

Recall GUANCIALE PORK JOWL PRODUCT OF ITALY: Refund and Replacement Process

FSIS food recalls are voluntary actions by companies to remove adulterated or misbranded products from commerce. Consumers who purchased the affected guanciale should take the following steps to obtain a refund or replacement [9]:

1. Stop using the product immediately.
2. Return it to the place of purchase with the original receipt if available.
3. Contact the retailer or food service operator directly, most will process a full refund or exchange.
4. If the retailer is unresponsive, contact FSIS directly via the Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-674-6854 (Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET).
5. Check the FSIS GOVDELIVERY bulletin for the most current recall details and any expanded distribution information [10].

Privacy of personal health information is protected when contacting FSIS or healthcare providers about potential illness. There is no requirement to provide identifying details when making a general product return.

FAQ

Is guanciale just pork jowl?

Guanciale is made from pork jowl or cheeks, so the two terms refer to the same cut of meat. However, guanciale specifically refers to the Italian-cured version of this cut, salted, seasoned with spices, and air-dried for several weeks. Not all pork jowl products are guanciale; the term implies a specific Italian curing process and tradition, particularly associated with Umbria and Lazio [4][6].

What pork products have been recalled?

As of September 7, 2026, the active recall GUANCIALE PORK JOWL PRODUCT OF ITALY involves approximately 1,513 pounds of ready-to-eat dry-cured pork jowl imported from Italy, bearing establishment number “IT 1937 L CE.” The recall was initiated by Prime Line Distributors Inc. and Ferrarini USA Inc. due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination. For a full list of current pork and meat product recalls, visit FoodSafety.gov [1][5].

Which products have been recalled due to listeria?

Listeria monocytogenes contamination has triggered numerous recalls across ready-to-eat meat, deli, and produce categories. In 2026, the Italian guanciale pork jowl recall is among the active listeria meat recall cases. The FSIS Summary of Recall Cases database at Data.gov tracks all FSIS-regulated listeria recalls by year. Consumers can also monitor FDA food recalls this week through FoodSafety.gov for a complete, updated list [3][5].

What products are being recalled by Aldi?

This article specifically covers the recall GUANCIALE PORK JOWL PRODUCT OF ITALY involving Prime Line Distributors Inc. and Ferrarini USA Inc., Aldi is not named in this recall. For current Aldi-specific product recalls, consumers should check FoodSafety.gov or the Aldi website directly, as recall notices are updated frequently and vary by region and product category [5].

Conclusion

The recall GUANCIALE PORK JOWL PRODUCT OF ITALY, announced September 7, 2026, is a targeted but serious food safety action affecting a specialty Italian cured pork product distributed across eight U.S. states. The contamination with Listeria monocytogenes was caught through routine FSIS import surveillance, a system that functions as a critical safeguard for imported food products.

Actionable next steps for consumers:

• Check any guanciale packaging for the establishment number “IT 1937 L CE.”
• Do not eat any product matching that identifier.
• Return the product to the retailer for a full refund.
• Monitor FoodSafety.gov and the FSIS website for updates.
• Contact a healthcare provider if you have consumed the product and develop symptoms consistent with listeriosis.

For anyone who uses guanciale regularly in Italian dishes, pancetta or domestic cured pork cheek are workable substitutes while this recall is active. Staying informed through official channels, not social media rumors, is the most reliable way to move through any food safety event.

References

[1] Ready To Eat Pork Jowls Recalled Because Of Listeria Contamination – https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2026/09/ready-to-eat-pork-jowls-recalled-because-of-listeria-contamination/ [2] Guanciale – https://www.britannica.com/topic/guanciale [3] Fsis Summary Of Recall Cases In Calendar Year – https://catalog.data.gov/dataset/fsis-summary-of-recall-cases-in-calendar-year [4] Guanciale – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guanciale [5] Food – https://www.recalls.gov/food.html [6] Guanciale – https://calitaliafood.com/blog/guanciale/ [7] Cured Pork Cheek – https://www.saturdaysinrome.com/blog/cured-pork-cheek/ [8] Recall 023 2024 Exp Labels – https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/food_label_pdf/2024-07/Recall-023-2024-EXP-Labels.pdf [9] Understanding Fsis Food Recalls – https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/understanding-fsis-food-recalls [10] FSIS Bulletin 3dd4f13 – https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFSIS/bulletins/3dd4f13