BrucePac, a major producer of precooked meat and poultry, has initiated a recall of nearly 10 million pounds of ready-to-eat chicken and meat products due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The affected items, including premade salads, burritos, and wraps, were sold at popular retailers across the country, such as Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, 7-Eleven, Kroger, and Walmart, as well as online platforms like Amazon and Target.
The recall was triggered following routine testing by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service, which found the presence of Listeria in BrucePac’s ready-to-eat chicken products. Investigations have confirmed that the contamination originated from products produced by BrucePac, based in Oklahoma. Since the announcement, further updates have been provided regarding the specific products and production dates involved.
The recall affects a range of premade meals, primarily including salads, burritos, and wraps that contain chicken, sometimes in combination with other meats such as bacon or ham. The affected products were produced between June 19 and October 8, 2024. Most of the expiration dates for these items have passed, but some frozen meals—sold under brands like Jenny Craig and Michelina’s—are still safe until 2025 or 2026.
In addition to major grocery chains, these potentially contaminated foods were sold in gas stations and corner stores, including Meijer, Giant Eagle, Aldi, and several others.
Listeria is a serious foodborne pathogen that poses a significant health risk, especially to pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis, the illness caused by Listeria, is one of the leading causes of food poisoning-related deaths in the United States. Symptoms may develop anywhere from a few days to several weeks after consuming contaminated food and can include fever, muscle aches, headache, confusion, and gastrointestinal distress such as diarrhea and vomiting.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1,600 Americans contract listeriosis each year, with about 260 fatalities. In severe cases, it can lead to more serious complications, such as meningitis and stillbirths.
BrucePac has urged consumers who may have purchased the affected products to either dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase. While no illnesses or deaths have been linked to these products, it is essential that consumers act quickly to avoid the risk of infection. The company has also advised businesses to remove any remaining affected items from store shelves.
BrucePac’s customer hotline provides further assistance, though the company has not yet specified whether affected consumers will be eligible for refunds or replacements.
Company Statement,“We are committed to providing safe, high-quality products, and we are working closely with the USDA to ensure all necessary actions are taken,” BrucePac said in a statement on its website. “We will not resume production until we are confident the issue has been resolved.”
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