FDA Classifies Risk After Listeria Contamination in Taco Products Across 31 States
According to Newsweek , Kroger has announced a recall of its Home Chef Chicken Street Tacos and several other products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall, issued on October 11, involves 24,072 units of chicken tacos, which were distributed across multiple states, including New Mexico, Alabama, Arizona, California, Georgia, and more.
The recall affects packages of Home Chef Chicken Street Tacos (9.93 oz), as well as other items such as Pancho Chicken Quesadilla meal kits (22.5 oz), Don Pancho Green Chili Chicken Enchilada meal kits (27 oz), and Home Chef Asian Style Chicken Stir Fry (13 oz). The chicken used in these products was supplied by BrucePac, a pre-cooked meat supplier, which initiated a Class 1 recall due to listeria contamination concerns.
The affected products were sold in Kroger stores across various states, including New Mexico, Texas, Ohio, Virginia, and others. The recall includes the following UPC codes:
- Home Chef Chicken Street Tacos: 8-40134-30435
- Pancho Chicken Quesadilla: 71117-12507
- Don Pancho Green Chili Chicken Enchilada: 71117-12506
- Home Chef Asian Style Chicken Stir Fry: 8-40134-30852
Kroger advises customers not to consume the recalled products and to return them to stores for a full refund. Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious illness, particularly for pregnant women, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of listeriosis include high fever, headache, nausea, and abdominal pain. In pregnant women, listeriosis can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, or life-threatening infections in newborns. For others, it can cause severe illness or even death.
Also Read – Salad Recall: Wegmans Issues Warning for Undeclared Egg Allergen
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that listeria is one of the top three leading causes of death from foodborne illnesses in the U.S., with an estimated 1,600 cases and 260 fatalities annually.
Kroger has yet to comment on the recall outside of normal business hours. Customers affected by the recall are encouraged to visit the company’s website for more information.
