A new wave of food recalls has hit Costco, with the wholesale giant pulling five additional chicken-based products from its shelves due to concerns over potential listeria contamination. The recall affects popular frozen snacks and quick-prep meals, as the company urges customers who purchased the items between September and October 2024 to discard them or return them for a refund.
The latest recall is linked to an ongoing contamination issue traced back to an Oklahoma facility that produces ready-to-eat chicken and meat products for BrucePac, a major supplier. The company has initiated a recall of approximately 12 million pounds of meat, affecting a wide range of stores, restaurants, and schools across the country.
Among the products removed from Costco are the Readywise 110-Serving Emergency Protein Bucket, Red’s Southwestern Grill Chicken Mini Burritos, El Monterey Mexican Grill Chicken & Cheese Taquitos, Rana Chicken Truffle Carbonara, and Tagliatelle Grilled White Chicken & Portabello Mushroom Sauce. This action is part of a larger recall that encompasses over 200 products, totaling nearly 11.8 million pounds of food containing chicken.
The listeria issue was uncovered during routine testing by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The tests identified listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause serious illness, particularly in young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. While no illnesses linked to the contamination have been reported so far, health officials emphasize the importance of taking precautionary measures.
Listeria contamination can lead to symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal distress. In severe cases, it may result in life-threatening complications. Pregnant women are also at risk, as exposure to listeria can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature delivery.
Costco’s recall reflects a broader issue affecting food safety across the nation. The implicated Oklahoma facility, which produces a variety of ready-to-eat meats for BrucePac, has seen increased scrutiny following the discovery of the contamination. BrucePac’s recall extends far beyond Costco’s shelves, with products distributed to various retail outlets, food service providers, and educational institutions.
The FSIS is closely monitoring the situation and has advised consumers to thoroughly cook any poultry products to an internal temperature of 165°F, which can reduce the risk of listeria exposure. Additionally, people should avoid consuming recalled products and follow guidelines for returning or discarding the items.
For customers concerned about potentially affected products, Costco has set up a process for issuing refunds or exchanges. The company encourages anyone who purchased these items during the affected period to take advantage of these options and prioritize health and safety.
As food recalls continue to unfold, experts urge vigilance in monitoring announcements from health authorities and retailers. Consumers should stay informed about potential risks and follow recommended food safety practices to protect themselves and their families.
This latest development at Costco highlights the ongoing challenges of ensuring food safety and the importance of quick action in response to contamination concerns. While recalls can be inconvenient, they play a critical role in preventing outbreaks and maintaining public health.