Chicken products have been recalled at more than 50 grocery suppliers across the US for possible listeria contamination. Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an infection that can lead to a fever, muscle aches, gastrointestinal issues and headaches. The most serious cases can affect the nervous system with confusion, loss of balance and convulsions.
Symptoms can appear 24 hours to four weeks after eating the contaminated food — sometimes even 70 days after ingestion. People most susceptible to listeriosis are pregnant women and their newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). So far, there have been no reported illnesses or reactions from consuming the chicken.
Tip Top Poultry Inc.’s chicken was originally recalled in September. The recall included cooked, frozen, diced, or shredded chicken sold under several brands in major grocery stores. On October 9, the recall expanded, including other chicken products like those served in deli counters.
According to the USDA, the list of affected retailers includes Target, Trader Joe’s, Kroger, Aldi, Piggly Wiggly, Food Lion, Giant Supermarket, Kings Supermarket, Harris Teeter, Jersey Mike’s and more.
USDA noted in their press release that multiple samples of chicken products tested positive for Listeria, prompting the official recall. Affected products were produced and sold from January 21 to September 24 of this year. They were all made on a single production line at the company’s plant.
“Tip Top Poultry is shutting down this fowl cooking line until it identifies the source of any potential contamination and completely eliminates it,” the company said in a statement regarding the recall.
You can check the complete list of product codes and production dates of contaminated products here. If you find any contaminated products in your fridge or freezer, make sure to toss them out or return them to stores.
Chicken Recall — Sources
Chicken recalled at Kroger, Aldi, Target, Trader Joe’s and more for possible listeria contamination – AOL
Tip Top Poultry
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention