Deli Foods Recalled as ReadyMeals Listeria Warning Issued

Millions of Pounds of Ready-to-Eat Meat and Poultry Recalled Due to Listeria Concerns

In a stark reminder of the importance of food safety, millions of pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products have been recalled across the United States due to potential listeria contamination. The recall, which affects a wide range of products including burritos, frozen meals, and salads, was initiated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) after routine testing revealed listeria monocytogenes in products produced by BrucePac, a company based in Durant, Oklahoma.

What Products Are Affected?

The recall encompasses over 11 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry items, including a variety of deli meats, salads, wraps, pasta bowls, burritos, and enchiladas. These products were shipped to numerous grocery stores, restaurants, schools, and other institutions across the country. Some of the brands affected include Fresh Express, Rao’s, Boston Market, Atkins, Dole, ReadyMeals, Taylor Farms, Home Chef, and Signature Select. These items were distributed to major retailers like Aldi, Amazon Fresh, Giant Eagle, H-E-B, Kroger, Meijer, Publix, Target, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Wegmans, and 7-Eleven.

How Was the Recall Initiated?

The problem was discovered during FSIS’s routine testing of finished products containing BrucePac poultry. An investigation confirmed that the contamination was indeed from BrucePac’s ready-to-eat chicken products. The affected items bear the establishment numbers “51205” or “P-51205,” which can be found inside or under the USDA mark of inspection.

What Are the Risks of Listeria?

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that can cause serious infections, especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. While healthy adults may experience only mild symptoms like high fever, headache, and nausea, listeriosis can be fatal in older adults and those with compromised immune systems. In pregnant women, listeriosis poses a particularly high risk, with about 20% of infected pregnant individuals losing their baby and those who do not may experience premature delivery or life-threatening infections in their newborns.

What Should Consumers Do?

Consumers are urged to check their refrigerators and freezers for any of the recalled products. If found, these items should be immediately discarded or returned to the place of purchase for a full refund. The USDA is maintaining a list of recalled products, which can be accessed through the USDA website or by calling the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854.

Additional Recalls Linked to Listeria

While the primary recall is from BrucePac, another related recall has been initiated by Albertsons Companies. This recall involves 12 types of ReadyMeals and store-made deli items supplied by Fresh Creative Foods, which contain a recalled ready-to-eat chicken ingredient from BrucePac. The items were available for purchase at various Albertsons stores across multiple states. Customers are advised not to consume these products and to either dispose of them or return them to the store for a full refund.

Public Health Concerns

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1,600 people are infected with listeria each year, with approximately 260 of these cases resulting in death. Listeriosis is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illnesses in the U.S. Given these statistics, it is crucial that consumers take immediate action to dispose of any potentially contaminated products to prevent illness.

What to Do If You're Worried

If you suspect that you have consumed a contaminated product and are experiencing flu-like symptoms, such as fever, muscle aches, nausea, or diarrhea, seek medical care immediately. Inform your healthcare provider about the food you have eaten to help diagnose and treat any potential infections. For those in higher-risk categories who experience these symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food, it is particularly important to seek medical attention.

Final Call to Action

The recalls highlight the ongoing need for vigilance in ensuring the safety of our food supply. By staying informed and taking prompt action when recalls are announced, consumers can significantly reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. Remember to always check product labels for recalls and report any concerns to the relevant authorities. For more information on how to identify and handle recalled products, visit the USDA’s website or call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline.

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References

• • https://www.consumerreports.org/health/food-recalls/products-with-cooked-chicken-recalled-for-listeria-risk-a5718778018/
• • https://www.opb.org/article/2024/10/16/millions-of-pounds-of-meat-poultry-recalled-over-listeria-concerns/
• • https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/albertsons-companies-voluntarily-recalls-12-readymeals-and-store-made-deli-items-containing-recalled
• • https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/brucepac-recalls-ready-eat-meat-and-poultry-products-due-possible-listeria