10 million pounds of chicken, meat products recalled over listeria risk

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, and BrucePac and the Agriculture Department have since provided further information and updates about particular affected products. 

The list of recalled items consists primarily of premade salads, burritos and wraps containing chicken, sometimes alongside other meats, like bacon or ham. The items were produced from June 19 to Oct. 8, the Agriculture Department said in its announcement. The expiration dates for most of the products have passed, but some frozen meals — from brands like Jenny Craig and Michelina’s — stay good into 2025 or 2026. 

Other stores that sold the potentially contaminated foods include Walmart, Meijer, Giant Eagle, Amazon, Target and Aldi, as well as some gas stations and corner stores.

No illnesses or deaths linked to BrucePac meat have been reported.

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

The company did not respond to a request for comment.

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

An automated recording that plays for those who call the company addresses the recall, saying, “Your health and wellness 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 U.S., according to the Food and Drug Administration. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1,600 people get listeriosis every year and that 260 die from it.

Symptoms most commonly present around two weeks after contaminated food is eaten, though they can start fairly immediately or take up to 10 weeks to begin. They typically include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. Listeria infections can also lead to intestinal illnesses involving diarrhea and vomiting. 

Treatment can involve antibiotics, though not all patients require them — many recover after resting and drinking lots of fluids.

Several listeria outbreaks typically occur every year. In July, Boar’s Head recalled more than 7 million pounds of deli meat over listeria concerns. Nine deaths have been linked to that outbreak. An earlier recall of cheese products from dairy maker Rizo Lopez was linked to two listeria deaths and more than 20 hospitalizations. Last week, federal authorities ordered the company to cease operations.