Check Your Fridge and Freezer: Massive Listeria Recall Affects Popular Brands and Labels
A massive listeria recall has recently been announced, affecting more than 200 products and nearly 10 million pounds of meat and chicken. This recall, initiated by the Food Service Inspection Service (FSIS), has expanded to include popular name brands sold at grocery stores and food vendors nationwide. It is important to check your fridge and freezer for any of the recalled products, as they may still be available for use or stored in your home.
The initial recall, announced on October 9th, included approximately 75 ready-to-eat items from BrucePac’s Oklahoma-based plant. These products ranged from grilled chicken breast strips to pre-packaged salads and sandwiches, and were shipped to restaurants and food service vendors nationwide. However, the recall has since expanded to include hundreds of products sold at popular stores such as Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Costco, Target, and more.
The products in question have a best-by date of June 19, 2025 to Oct. 8, 2025 and officials are concerned that they may still be in circulation. The FSIS advises that these products should be thrown away immediately to avoid any potential health risks.
Some of the impacted brands and labels include FreshExpress, Marketside, Little Salad Bar, ReadyMeals, Amazon Kitchen, Taylor Farms, Giant Eagle, H-E-B, Home Chef, RaceTrac, Raley’s, Red’s, Udi’s, Good & Gather, Signature Select, Dole, and more. Additionally, at least 12 products from Trader Joe’s have been recalled, such as Green Goddess Salad, Wine Country White Chicken Salad, Chicken Enchiladas Verde, and Curried White Chicken Deli Salad.
The recall also includes frozen meals from popular brands like Jenny Craig, Atkins, Boston Market, Michelina’s, and Rao’s. A full list of the recalled products can be found on the FSIS website.
The recall was initiated after listeria was detected in samples of poultry during routine testing by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. So far, there have been no confirmed reports of illness linked to the recall. However, this serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of listeria contamination in food products.
Listeria is an infection caused by bacteria and can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea and vomiting, similar to other foodborne illnesses. However, it can also cause more serious complications, especially for pregnant women, newborn babies, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
In pregnant women, listeria can lead to miscarriage, premature delivery, and stillbirth. It can also cause a life-threatening infection in newborns. Symptoms of invasive listeria infection in pregnant women include fever, flu-like symptoms, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures.
It is important to take this recall seriously and check your fridge and freezer for any of the recalled products. If you have consumed any of the recalled products and experience any of the symptoms mentioned, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
This recall comes on the heels of another listeria outbreak linked to deli meats from Boars Head. This outbreak has seen at least 59 people in 19 states become sick and has resulted in 10 deaths. The Boars Head processing plant in Virginia has been shut down as a result.
In conclusion, it is crucial to check your fridge and freezer for any of the recalled products and dispose of them immediately. The safety and well-being of our families and loved ones should always be our top priority. Let’s stay vigilant and stay informed to prevent any potential health risks.
