A massive meat recall linked to possible listeria contamination is impacting hundreds of ready-to-eat meals sold across the United States at stores like Target, Trader Joe’s, and Walmart.
The news of the recall and affected items was shared last week by the US Department of Agriculture, which released an updated list with brand names like Dole, Taylor Farms, Atkins, Great Value, and Michelina’s.
The recall stems from the company BrucePac and involves more than 9.9 million pounds of pre-cooked meat and poultry items produced from June 19, 2024, to Oct. 8, 2024. The company initiated the recall itself.
During routine testing by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, Listeria monocytogenes were found in poultry samples. After more testing was done, it was traced back to BrucePac’s ready-to-eat chicken.
The affected products had already been shipped to distributors across the country while also being sent to restaurants and other service providers.
The chicken is used in several popular ready-to-eat meals, including pre-prepared salad bags, frozen dinners, and more. Other retailers to sell affected products include 7-Eleven, Albertson’s, Aldi, Amazon Fresh, H-E-B, Kroger, Meijer, Publix, and Save Mart.
Some of the affected products include Michelina’s Cheesy Chicken & Rice Bake, El Monterey Signature Chicken Enchilada Meals, Great Value Southwestern Style Chicken & Pasta, Good & Gather Chicken Ranch with Uncured Bacon Salad, Trader Joe’s Green Goddess Salad with Blackened Chicken Thigh Meat, and more.
For the full list of affected items, their “best-by” dates, and their lot codes, visit the recall notice here.
So far, no illnesses or adverse reactions have stemmed from the recall.
Still, the USDA is warning about the risks of eating food contaminated with listeria bacteria, noting that it can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections. Those most at risk include seniors, pregnant people, newborns, and those with weakened immune systems.
Infections appear as flu-like symptoms within two months of eating contaminated food. Those who are worried should contact their healthcare provider.