A recall of nearly 10 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and chicken products affects items sold at stores including Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, 7-Eleven and Kroger.
Recall Details
BrucePac, a producer of precooked meat and poultry, has recalled nearly 10 million pounds of ready-to-eat food items because of a listeria risk. The affected products include premade salads, burritos, and wraps containing chicken and have been sold at various major retailers.
Contamination Source
The recall was initiated after products tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. Investigations revealed BrucePac’s ready-to-eat chicken was the source of the contamination.
Potentially Contaminated Retailers
Products affected by the recall were sold at major stores, including Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, 7-Eleven, Walmart, and Kroger, along with other grocery chains and some convenience stores.
Health Risks
Listeria infections pose significant risks, particularly to older adults, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. It is a leading cause of food poisoning deaths in the U.S., with an estimated 1,600 infections occurring annually.
Consumer Guidelines
Consumers are advised to throw away or return any recalled items. No illnesses have been reported, and the company has committed to working closely with the USDA to ensure food safety.
Previous Recalls
Other significant recalls related to listeria have occurred in recent months, including those by Boar’s Head and dairy maker Rizo Lopez, demonstrating the ongoing risks associated with contaminated food products.