More than 13,000 pounds of chicken recalled over Listeria concerns

Nearly seven tons of ready-to-eat grilled chicken breast products are being recalled over Listeria concerns. 

According to a Jan. 16 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) notice, the product was distributed by Suzanna’s Kitchen, a Georgia-based food company known for its prepared meats. The recall targets 10-pound cases containing two 5-pound bags of fully cooked grilled chicken breast fillets with rib meat, which were produced on Oct. 14. 

13,720 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken were recalled, per the notice.

According to the notice, the lot code 60104 P1382 287 5 J14 is printed on the side of the case and on the package. The products were distributed to operations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Ohio. 

“The problem was discovered when a third-party laboratory sample reported a positive Listeria monocytogenes result in the ready-to-eat fully cooked grilled chicken breast fillets product,” the notice explains. 

There have been no confirmed reports of illness due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about a potential illness should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Listeria symptoms can range from mild gastrointestinal issues like fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea to more severe neurological symptoms like headache, stiff neck, confusion, and convulsions if the infection spreads, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC also says that the bacteria can be especially dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

Friday’s recall is not the first Suzanna’s Kitchen has initiated recently. In December, the company issued a recall of 62,550 pounds of fully cooked, bone-in breaded chicken products. The product, which was distributed nationwide, was recalled over allergen concerns. While the product was labeled with a product code that classifies it as non-allergen-containing, the product actually contained soy, one of the “big nine” allergens.

The recall notice also advises concerned customers to direct any additional questions to Dawn Duncan, Customer Service Director, Suzanna’s Kitchen at dduncan@suzannaskitchen.com. 

source https://www.fastcompany.com/91477286/more-than-13000-pounds-of-chicken-recalled-over-listeria-concerns