A significant meat recall has affected various ready-to-eat meals sold at popular grocery store chains like Walmart, Trader Joe’s, and Target due to possible listeria contamination. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently updated the list of impacted products, which include well-known brands such as Dole, Taylor Farms, Great Value, and Michelina’s.
BrucePac initiated the recall, which involves over 9.9 million pounds of pre-cooked meat and poultry items produced between June 19, 2024, and October 8, 2024. The issue was discovered during routine testing by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, which found Listeria monocytogenes in poultry samples, linking it back to BrucePac’s ready-to-eat chicken.
The affected products were distributed to various retailers across the country and eventually made their way to restaurants and other food service providers. They were present in a range of items, from frozen dinners to pre-made salads. In addition to Walmart, Trader Joe’s, and Target, other retailers impacted by the recall include 7-Eleven, Albertson’s, Aldi, Amazon Fresh, H-E-B, Kroger, Meijer, Publix, and Save Mart.
While no illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported in connection with the recall, the USDA cautioned about the dangers of consuming food contaminated with listeria bacteria. Such infections can pose severe or even fatal risks to vulnerable groups like seniors, pregnant individuals (and their babies), and those with compromised immune systems.
Individuals at high risk who exhibit flu-like symptoms within two months of consuming contaminated food should promptly seek medical attention and inform their healthcare provider. For any food safety inquiries, individuals can contact the USDA’s Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send an email to MPHotline@usda.gov.
It is crucial for consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers for any of the recalled products and dispose of them properly to avoid potential health risks. Staying informed about food recalls and following proper food safety practices can help prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure the well-being of you and your loved ones.
