In a concerning update for consumers, pre-cooked meat supplier BrucePac has expanded its recall of ready-to-eat chicken products due to potential listeria contamination. This recall affects popular grocery chains across the U.S., including Walmart, Trader Joe’s, and Aldi. Whether you shop at major retailers or smaller stores, it’s crucial to check if you have these affected products in your home.
Here’s everything you need to know to stay safe.
Why the recall?
BrucePac, a prominent producer of pre-cooked poultry, initially issued the recall after routine testing revealed evidence of listeria contamination. This bacterial contamination was found in approximately 10 million pounds of ready-to-eat poultry, sparking a widespread recall across the nation. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) first raised the alarm about this issue on October 9, 2024.
Following additional testing, the contamination was confirmed in various products sold at well-known retailers. Although no illnesses have been linked to these products so far, the recall has been expanded to prevent potential health risks.
What products are affected?
A range of ready-to-eat chicken products sold under various brand names has been identified as part of the recall. These items were distributed to the following major retailers:
- Trader Joe’s
- Costco
- Walmart
- Aldi
- Target
- HEB
- Giant Eagle
- Kroger
Beyond grocery store chains, some widely recognized brand names are also involved in this recall. If you’ve recently purchased products from any of these brands, it’s important to double-check for specific lot numbers and best-by dates:
- Jenny Craig
- Atkins
- Signature Select
- Boston Market
- Amazon Fresh
- Michelina’s
- Rao’s
- Dole
Specific products under recall
Here is a list of specific products included in the recall. Be sure to check your refrigerator or freezer for these items:
- Red’s Grilled Chicken & Cheddar Burrito: Lot code SD4271, best-by date March 27, 2026.
- Great Value Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo: Lot code 24225, best-by date August 12, 2025.
- Jenny Craig Classic Chicken Carbonara: Lot code 24243, best-by date February 21, 2026.
- Trader Joe’s Salad With BBQ Flavored Chicken: Best-by dates range from September 29, 2024, to October 15, 2024.
- Atkins Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo: Product code J4281, best-by date October 7, 2025.
- Boston Market Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl: Product code J4268, best-by date September 24, 2025.
- Michelina’s Chicken Fried Rice: Product code J4239, best-by dates on or before August 26, 2025, and product code J4270, best-by dates on or before September 26, 2025.
- Good & Gather Chicken Tikka Masala: Lot code SO58227, best-by date February 28, 2026.
- Taylor Farms Caesar Salad With Chicken: Establishment number 34013, best-by dates on or before October 12, 2024.
- Giant Eagle Fiesta Salad Bowl With Chicken: Establishment number 21794, best-by dates on or before October 11, 2024.
- Amazon Fresh Cobb Salad With Chicken & Bacon: Establishment number 34013, best-by dates on or before October 11, 2024.
What to do if you have these products
In case you come to know that you possess any of the recalled products, do not eat them. The USDA advises eliminating the item or taking it back to the place of purchase. While no diseases have been reported, eaten food that has been listeria contaminating can have adverse effects on health especially on older adults, pregnant women and those with depressed immunity.
Why Is Listeria dangerous?
Listeria is a species of bacteria known to cause listeriosis, a foodborne illness. While most people feel only mild flu-like symptoms, listeriosis can be very severe and even life threatening to certain groups of people. It gives rise to complications particularly in pregnant women and the elderly, newborns, and people with low immunity.
Symptoms of listeriosis include a fever, muscle pains, nausea, and diarrhea. In extreme cases, the infection can travel to the central nervous system, coping with such symptoms as a headache, confusion, inability to keep balance, and even seizures. If you think you have eaten a product that has been recalled and you have symptoms, it is important that you go to a doctor as soon as possible.
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Who to contact for more information
If you have any concerns or questions about the recall, there are multiple resources available to you. For more information on the specific products or guidance on what to do next, you can contact:
- BrucePac: Call their VP of Business Development, Jeff Golangco, at 503-874-3000.
- USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline: Call 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send an email to MPHotline@usda.gov.
- Online Reporting: You can also use the USDA’s Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System, which is available 24 hours a day, at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.
Staying informed and checking your food products regularly is essential for protecting your health and the health of your family. Make sure to act promptly if you find any of these recalled products in your home.
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