Image: Vladimir Mironov/Getty ImagesIf you've recently bought any ready-to-eat chicken products, it's advisable to reconsider eating them. BrucePac and the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) have announced a recall of almost 10,000 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry items, which were sold by major retailers including Trader Joe's, Costco, Walmart, and others, due to concerns about a potential Listeria monocytogenes outbreak.
According to a press release from the FSIS, any ready-to-eat meat and poultry products distributed between June 19, 2024, and October 8, 2024, may be at risk of contamination from the Listeria outbreak. However, no confirmed cases of illness from these products have been reported; if you experience any adverse symptoms, it is recommended to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Listeriosis, the infection caused by the bacterium Listeria, is a foodborne illness with symptoms like fever, chills, headaches, confusion, and loss of balance. Those who are pregnant, elderly individuals over 65, and people with weakened immune systems should be particularly cautious about consuming these potentially contaminated products.
Chicken Recall: What Products Are Included?
The FSIS has published a list of over 300 meat and poultry products affected by the recall, including popular items such as Trader Joe’s Cajun Style Blackened Chicken Breast, Dole’s Classic Chicken Caesar Salad, Rao’s Chicken Alfredo, and more. A wide range of chicken wraps, salad bowls, sandwiches, and pasta dishes are also involved. The press release advises that these products be discarded or returned to the place of purchase. Restaurants may also be impacted, as packaged frozen foods are often used in various establishments. Check the linked list to see if any of these ready-to-eat chicken products are in your fridge.
In addition, products bearing the establishment numbers '51205 or P-51205,' found under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s inspection mark, are also part of the recall. Ensure that your ready-to-eat meat and poultry items are safe by reviewing the packaging carefully.
