Millions of pounds of ready-to-eat meat products, including chicken and turkey, have been recalled due to potential listeria contamination.
The affected products, manufactured by BrucePac, a producer of pre-cooked meats, were sold at major retailers across the country, including Aldi, Trader Joe’s, HEB, and Walmart, as stated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
These meat products were produced between June 19, 2024, and October 8, 2024, and were distributed to stores, restaurants, and other institutions nationwide. In light of the recall, BrucePac issued a statement confirming the immediate halt of production and the recall of all potentially affected products after positive listeria test results were detected in ready-to-eat chicken. The company is collaborating with the USDA to inform consumers and engage the food companies and distributors involved in the recall.
The FSIS initially issued a recall alert to consumers on October 9, 2024, after discovering Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria linked to listeria infections, during routine inspections. Further testing identified BrucePac as the source of the bacteria in certain ready-to-eat poultry products.
The FSIS continued to update the recall list on October 10 and 11 to incorporate additional products. While no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recall so far, the agency expressed concern that some products might still be used in various settings, potentially leading to further distribution or consumption in homes.
Consumers are advised not to consume any recalled products and to dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase.
The recall now includes over 200 different ready-to-eat chicken and turkey items, totaling around 10 million pounds of recalled meat. The USDA has published a complete list of the affected products along with their labels.
These products were sold in several well-known grocery store chains, including Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Aldi, Target, HEB, Giant Eagle, and Kroger. Additionally, the recall affects popular brand names like Jenny Craig, Atkins, Signature Select, Boston Market, Amazon Fresh, Michelina’s, Rao’s, and Dole.
Many of the items involved in the recall consist of ready-made salad, rice, or pasta bowls featuring potentially contaminated chicken or turkey.
Certain products associated with the recall will display the establishment number 51205 or P-51205 near the USDA inspection mark, although others may feature different establishment numbers due to varying distribution and processing.
Some recalled items include:
– Red’s Grilled Chicken & Cheddar Burrito, lot code SD4271, best buy 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, with best by dates ranging 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, or product code J4270 with best by dates 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.
The CDC notes that listeria can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting, which typically appear within 24 hours after consuming contaminated food. While these symptoms are mild in most cases and may resolve within three days, some individuals might develop more severe invasive infections, posing risks especially to pregnant individuals, newborns, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. Pregnant individuals experiencing invasive listeria infections may face serious complications, including miscarriage or stillbirth. Symptoms may also include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures. Those who suspect they have ingested contaminated food and are experiencing symptoms should consult their healthcare provider.