Salad Kits and Poultry Recalled Over Listeria Threat

Recent recalls involving salad kits, frozen waffles, and poultry have sparked consumer concerns over potential listeria contamination. The issue originated from contaminated meat products processed at a BrucePac facility, leading to widespread recalls across multiple retailers. Although no illnesses have been reported so far, the affected companies have taken preventive measures to avoid any potential health risks.

On October 26, Fresh Express recalled pre-made Chicken Caesar salad kits in California, Texas, Louisiana, and Washington. These kits, sold at stores like Aldi, Albertsons, and ShopRite, had use-by dates of October 26, 27, 30, and November 2. The recall was linked to contaminated chicken from BrucePac, which had previously issued a recall involving millions of pounds of meat.

BrucePac’s initial recall on October 9 affected nearly 10 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry items distributed to major retailers, including Costco, Trader Joe’s, Target, and Walmart. Schools and restaurants nationwide also received these products. On October 15, the recall expanded by an additional 1.7 million pounds after further testing confirmed contamination in more items.

Sprouts Farmers Market also issued a recall on October 11 for its Chicken Street Taco Meal Kits, supplied by Fresh Creative Foods. These kits, sold with best-by dates between September 2 and November 7, were pulled from shelves over fears of listeria contamination. Around the same time, Acme Smoked Fish Corp. warned Costco members about potential listeria in Kirkland-brand smoked salmon, affecting packages sold between October 9 and 13 with lot number 8512801270.

TreeHouse Foods added to the series of recalls with an October 18 warning about frozen waffles sold under popular brands such as Simple Truth (Kroger), Good & Gather (Target), and Great Value (Walmart). The company later expanded the recall on October 22 to include Belgian waffles and pancakes, which were sold under various store brands, including Food Lion and Giant Eagle.

Although these recalls are extensive, there have been no reported illnesses linked to the contaminated products. The warnings are precautionary, given listeria’s dangerous effects on vulnerable groups such as older adults, newborns, and pregnant women. The bacteria can survive refrigeration and freezing, making contamination difficult to eliminate.

The recent recalls are not connected to this summer’s major outbreak involving deli meats from Boar’s Head, which resulted in 59 infections and 10 deaths. That outbreak was traced to a Virginia facility that has since been closed. Listeria concerns remain ongoing, with companies taking extra steps to prevent further outbreaks.

In a separate food safety alert, Taylor Farms issued a recall of yellow onions linked to an E. coli outbreak that affected 75 people and caused one death. McDonald’s has responded by halting sales of quarter pounders at several locations across states like Colorado and Utah, while other fast food chains, including Taco Bell and KFC, have stopped using fresh onions at some restaurants.

So far in 2024, two listeria outbreaks have been reported. In February, contaminated cheese caused 26 infections and two deaths. The Boar’s Head outbreak this summer further highlighted the risks, leading to a nationwide recall. Last year, the CDC tracked additional outbreaks linked to leafy greens, ice cream, and fruit, underscoring the importance of vigilance in preventing foodborne illnesses.