Approximately 13,720 pounds of ready-to-eat grilled chicken products are being recalled by Georgia-based Suzanna’s Kitchen due to potential contamination with listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can cause serious illness. The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall in a statement on January 16, 2024.
The recall affects specific 10-pound cases containing two 5-pound bags of fully cooked grilled chicken breast fillets with rib meat. These products are marked with the lot code 60104 P1382 287 5 J14 on both the case and the packaging. The items were manufactured on October 14, 2023, and subsequently distributed to foodservice locations across several states.
Distribution and Safety Concerns
The affected chicken products were shipped to distribution centers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Ohio. The FSIS has classified this recall as “High-Class I,” indicating it poses a serious risk to health, the highest level of concern among recall classifications issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Listeria monocytogenes can lead to severe health issues, particularly for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal distress. In some cases, listeriosis can lead to more serious complications such as meningitis or septicemia.
Preventative Measures and Consumer Actions
Consumers who may have purchased these recalled chicken products are advised to check their freezers and discard any items that match the specified lot code. The FSIS encourages individuals who have consumed the affected products and are experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention promptly.
Suzanna’s Kitchen is actively working with food safety officials to ensure that the contaminated products are removed from the market. The company has stated its commitment to food safety and the health of its customers.
For further inquiries, customers can contact Suzanna’s Kitchen directly or visit the FSIS website for additional information on food recalls.
