Listeria Meat Recall Update: Impact on Walmart, Amazon & Other Retailers
According to News Week, A recall involving nearly 10 million pounds of meat and chicken products over fears they may be contaminated with listeria has now expanded to include store brands at some of the biggest grocery chains in the United States.
Initially targeting products under lesser-known labels, the recall has escalated to include major retail chains and familiar name brands such as Walmart, Kroger, Albertsons, Publix, H-E-B, Target, Meijer, Amazon Fresh, Aldi, Trader Joe’s, and more.
Source of the Contamination: BrucePac Facility in Oklahoma
The expanded recall comes after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service confirmed a listeria contamination at a BrucePac facility in Durant, Oklahoma, on Thursday. This contamination was detected in ready-to-eat chicken products, prompting the massive recall. BrucePac, an Oregon-based company, supplies meat and poultry products to various brands and retailers, many of which use these products in prepared foods.
What Products Are Included in the Recall?
As of Sunday, the recall list had expanded significantly, with a detailed 203-page PDF naming affected products. Most items are ready-to-eat salads with a “best by” date of October 13 or earlier, while some frozen foods—like those sold under brands such as Great Value (Walmart), Boston Market, H-E-B, and El Monterey—are also involved.
How Dangerous Is Listeria?
Listeria is a serious threat, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ranking as the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the U.S. Listeria causes about 1,600 cases of food poisoning annually, with around 260 fatalities. Symptoms of listeria infection may surface shortly after exposure or take up to 10 weeks to appear, complicating the tracing of contamination sources.
In most cases, listeria affects the gut, causing typical food poisoning symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. These symptoms usually start within 24 hours of consuming contaminated food and last for one to three days.
Past Listeria Incidents
Earlier this year, Boar’s Head deli meat products were voluntarily recalled due to listeria contamination, which resulted in 59 hospitalizations and 10 deaths. Although no cases of illness have been reported in relation to BrucePac products yet, consumers are urged to return any recalled items for a full refund.
Also read: “Important Notice: November SSI Direct Payments of $943 Coming Soon”
Full List of Stores Affected by the Listeria Recall
Here is a list of major retail chains and brands affected by the recall:
- Walmart: Marketside and Great Value
- Kroger: Kroger store brand (including Ralphs, Dillon’s, and King Soopers)
- Publix: Publix Deli Chicken Street Taco Kit (best by dates of June 24 through October 16)
- Albertsons: Signature Select (including Safeway and Vons)
- Costco: Red’s Mini Burritos
- Meijer: Ready-to-eat salads
- Amazon Fresh: Amazon Fresh brand ready-to-eat and frozen dishes
- Aldi: Little Salad Bar ready-to-eat salads and Fusia
- Giant Eagle: Giant Eagle brand salads
- Target: Good & Gather ready-to-eat salads and frozen meals
- Trader Joe’s: Ready-to-eat salads and frozen meals
- H-E-B: Three frozen chicken meals
- El Monterey: Chicken Enchilada meal, Spicy Chipotle Chicken Bowl, Chicken and Cheese Taquitos
- Udi’s Gluten-Free
- Atkins
- Boston Market
- Eat! Asian Style
- Gordon Choice
- Jenny Craig
- Michael Angelo’s
- Michelina’s
- Rao’s
- Whitson’s Culinary Group
Frozen Food Brands Affected
The frozen food products included in the recall are:
- Burrito 28: Chicken Quesadilla, Chicken Street Taco, Chicken Burrito Bowl, Green Chile Chicken Enchilada express meal kits
- Don Pancho’s: Chicken Quesadilla, Chicken Street Taco, Green Chile Chicken Enchilada express meal kits
- Dole: Ready-to-eat salads
Consumer Action
No illnesses have been reported yet, but consumers are advised to review the full list of recalled items and return any affected products for a refund. It is crucial to act promptly and ensure that recalled items are not consumed to avoid potential health risks.
