The nationwide recall of meat and poultry products potentially contaminated with listeria has expanded to nearly 12 million pounds, including ready-to-eat meals sent to US schools, restaurants, and major retailers.
The expanded recall includes prepared salads, burritos, and other foods sold at stores such as Costco, Trader Joe’s, Target, Walmart, and Kroger.
The big picture: The meat used in these products was processed at a Durant, Oklahoma manufacturing plant operated by BrucePac, a company that sells precooked meat and poultry to various foodservice and retail companies nationwide.
- The recall was issued on October 9 and includes foods produced between May 31 and October 8.
- The US Department of Agriculture has posted a 342-page list of potentially affected foods, including chicken wraps sold at Trader Joe’s, chicken burritos sold at Costco, and various salads sold at stores like Target and Walmart. The recalled products were also sent to school districts and restaurants across the country.
- Consumers are advised to look for establishment numbers 51205 or P-51205 inside or under the USDA mark of inspection to identify potentially affected products. The foods should be thrown away or returned to stores for refunds.
Why it matters:Listeria infections can cause potentially serious illness, with symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, tiredness, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. This bacteria is especially dangerous for older people, individuals with weakened immune systems, or those who are pregnant.
Go deeper: No confirmed illnesses have been reported in connection with the recall, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have not launched an outbreak investigation.
