Meat Recalled Listeria: What You Need to Know About the Major Chicken Recall

Meat Recalled Listeria - A Closer Look

A recall of nearly 10 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and chicken products affects items sold at major stores nationwide, including Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, 7-Eleven, and Kroger. BrucePac, a producer of precooked meat and poultry, initiated the recall Wednesday after products tested by the Agriculture Department’s Food Safety and Inspection Service came back positive for Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. Further investigation pinpointed the Oklahoma-based company’s ready-to-eat chicken as the source of the contamination.

Details of the Recall

• The items were primarily produced from June 19 to Oct. 8.
• Most expiration dates have passed, but some frozen meals from brands like Jenny Craig and Michelina’s remain safe until 2025 or 2026.
• Stores involved in distributing the affected products include Walmart, Meijer, Giant Eagle, Amazon, Target, Aldi, and several gas stations.

No illnesses or deaths linked to BrucePac meat have been reported; however, consumers are urged to check their homes for recalled items and to dispose of or return them as necessary. BrucePac emphasized their commitment to providing safe, high-quality products and will not resume production until assured of safety.

Health Risks of Listeria

Listeria infections pose the greatest risk to vulnerable populations, including the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can begin from two weeks to immediately after eating contaminated food and often include fever, muscle aches, and confusion among others. Treatment may involve antibiotics, but many recover simply by rest and fluid intake.

Recent Listeria Outbreaks

This isn't the first widespread recall involving listeria; Boar’s Head recalled over 7 million pounds of deli meat earlier this year due to similar concerns. A history of listeria outbreaks draws attention to the serious nature of food safety.