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10 million pounds of chicken and meat products recalled due to listeria risk
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10 million pounds of chicken and meat products recalled due to listeria risk

The summary

  • BrucePac, a manufacturer of pre-cooked meat and poultry, has recalled nearly 5 million pounds of ready-to-eat food products due to a listeria risk.
  • The products were sold at Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, 7-Eleven, Kroger and other major stores.
  • The affected products mainly include ready-to-eat salads, burritos and chicken wraps.

A recall of nearly 10 million pounds of prepared meat and chicken products is impacting items sold in major stores across the country, including Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, 7-Eleven and Kroger.

BrucePac, a manufacturer of pre-cooked meat and poultry, initiated the recall Wednesday after products tested by the Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. Further investigation revealed that the Oklahoma-based company’s ready-to-eat chicken was the source of the contamination. BrucePac and the Department of Agriculture have since provided further information and updates on certain affected products.

The list of recalled items consists mainly of prepared salads, burritos and wraps containing chicken, sometimes in addition to other meats such as bacon or ham. The items were produced from June 19 to October 8, the Ministry of Agriculture said in the announcement. The expiration dates for most products have passed, but some frozen meals – from brands such as Jenny Craig and Michelina’s – remain valid until 2025 or 2026.

Other stores that may have sold contaminated food include Walmart, Meijer, Giant Eagle, Amazon, Target and Aldi, as well as some gas stations and convenience stores.

No illnesses or deaths have been reported associated with BrucePac meat.

Some affected products may still be on store shelves, in refrigerators or in consumers’ homes, the Department of Agriculture said. It urged companies not to sell the remaining products that could be affected and told consumers to throw away or return any recalled items they have. BrucePac did not indicate whether consumers would be eligible for refunds or discounts.

The company did not respond to a request for comment.

On a frequently asked questions page on its website, BrucePac wrote: “We are committed to providing safe, high-quality products. We work closely with USDA to ensure all necessary measures are taken to ensure a safe food supply. We will not resume production until we are confident the problem has been resolved.”

An automated recording that plays for those who call the company addresses the recall and says, “Your health and well-being are our priority.”

Listeria infections pose the greatest risk to people who are older, have weakened immune systems, or are pregnant. Listeriosis is the third leading cause of food poisoning deaths in the US, according to the Food and Drug Administration. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1,600 people contract listeriosis each year and 260 people die from it.

Symptoms usually occur about two weeks after contaminated food is eaten, although they can occur quite immediately or last up to ten weeks. They usually include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. Listeria infections can also lead to intestinal diseases such as diarrhea and vomiting.

Treatment may include antibiotics, although not all patients need them; many recover after resting and drinking plenty of fluids.

Multiple listeria outbreaks typically occur each year. In July, Boar’s Head recalled more than 7 million pounds of processed meats over listeria concerns. Nine deaths have been linked to that outbreak. A previous recall of cheese products from dairy manufacturer Rizo Lopez was linked to two listeria deaths and more than 20 hospitalizations. Last week, federal authorities ordered the company to cease operations.