Listeria Recall Hits Indiana for Cooked Chicken and Meat Items

The recent recall of meat and poultry products potentially contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes has affected nearly 12 million pounds of food in Indiana and nationwide. This recall includes ready-to-eat meals, which have been distributed to schools, restaurants, and retail stores like Walmart, Costco, Trader Joe’s, Target, Kroger, and Gordon Food Service locations in Indiana.

This widespread recall is part of a comprehensive effort to protect consumers from a potentially harmful bacteria outbreak. The recall covers food items produced over a four-month span, from May 31 to October 8, 2024.

Background of the Recall

The source of the contamination was traced to a BrucePac plant in Durant, Oklahoma. The company, based in Woodburn, Oregon, specializes in pre-cooked meat and poultry and supplies products to a wide range of food service providers, retailers, and industrial clients throughout the U.S. During routine testing, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) found traces of listeria bacteria in samples of chicken from BrucePac. The USDA’s proactive recall aims to prevent potential health risks associated with the bacteria.

Affected Locations in Indiana

This recall affects an extensive list of food items, including pre-made salads, burritos, and other ready-to-eat meals. These items were sold under numerous brand names and distributed through popular stores nationwide. Retailers in Indiana have been impacted, with several locations in Indianapolis and other areas carrying the affected products.

Some of the stores in Indiana are part of the Gordon Food Service chain, including nine central Indiana locations. One of the specific products sold through Gordon Food Service affected by the recall is the Gordon Choice® Chicken Penne Entree with Alfredo Sauce, which is made using BrucePac chicken.

Customers can identify recalled items by locating the establishment numbers “51205 or P-51205” inside or below the USDA mark of inspection. Any product carrying these identifiers should be discarded or returned to the store for a refund.

Schools in Indiana that Received Listeria Food Products

  • Goddard School Indy North: 4560 E 62nd St, Indianapolis, IN 46220
  • Greenwood Christian School: 2045 Averitt Rd, Greenwood, IN 46143

The nationwide list of over 200 schools impacted by Listeria recall is available here.

Retail Store Locations in Indiana that Received the Listeria Recall

The list of stores can be downloaded at this link of the USDA website:

Recall Consignee List 028-2024 (usda.gov)

 

Retailers and Brand Names Impacted

The recall includes numerous popular stores and brand names across the country. Key stores affected by the recall include:

  • Walmart
  • Kroger
  • Target
  • Trader Joe’s
  • 7-Eleven
  • H-E-B
  • Meijer
  • Wegmans
  • Costco
  • Aldi
  • Amazon Fresh
  • Albertsons
  • Gordon Food Service

The USDA has provided a continually updated list of affected products and brands, which may include but is not limited to:

  • Fresh Express
  • Rao’s
  • Boston Market
  • Atkins
  • Dole
  • Jenny Craig
  • El Monterey
  • Amazon Kitchen
  • Taylor Farms
  • Giant Eagle
  • Home Chef
  • Trader Joe’s brand
  • Great Value (Walmart)
  • Signature Select
  • Good & Gather (Target)
  • Marketside (Walmart)

This is not a complete list, as the USDA continues to update affected products. Consumers are advised to review the USDA’s recall page regularly to stay informed about potentially contaminated products.

Health Risks of Listeria Indiana Residents Should Know

Listeria monocytogenes is a harmful bacteria that can lead to severe health issues, especially in vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women. Annually, about 1,600 people in the U.S. contract listeria infections, and approximately 260 of these cases result in death, according to the CDC.

Common symptoms of listeria infection, or listeriosis, include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. In more severe cases, infected individuals may experience confusion, loss of balance, stiff neck, and convulsions. While symptoms can appear shortly after ingestion, they may also take up to 10 weeks to manifest. Prompt medical attention is vital for anyone experiencing symptoms after consuming recalled products.

Preventive Actions and Recommendations for Consumers

The USDA and public health officials strongly advise consumers to check any pre-cooked meat or poultry products for the establishment numbers associated with this recall. Individuals should monitor symptoms and seek medical advice if they suspect they’ve consumed contaminated products, especially if they are part of a vulnerable population. The USDA and CDC recommend:

  • Disposing of any affected items immediately.
  • Returning recalled products to the point of purchase for a refund.
  • Regularly checking the USDA website for updates, as the list of affected products is subject to change.

Wagner Reese is Pursuing Compensation for Listeria Illness Victims in Indiana

Wagner Reese in Indiana is currently accepting cases on behalf of individuals who have suffered listeria-related illnesses due to contaminated food products. Listeria can lead to severe or life-threatening illness. The attorneys at Wagner Reese are aggressively fighting on behalf of those impacted to recover maximum financial compensation for their illness, suffering, and losses, and to hold the liable parties accountable.

Wagner Reese Represents the Family of a 12-Year Old Who Died Due to Suspected Listeria Food Recall

Wagner Reese represents the grieving family of a 12-year-old girl who passed away due to listeria contamination suspected to be linked to the recalled products. This heartbreaking case is emblematic of the severe impact that foodborne illnesses can have on individuals and families. Wagner Reese’s experienced attorneys are standing by to support this family and others affected by the outbreak, pursuing justice and compensation for their immeasurable losses.

Why Choose Us for Your Listeria Illness Claims?

In the current listeria recall, our listeria injury lawyers in Indiana at Wagner Reese are committed to investigating cases in-depth, identifying liable parties, and developing strong claims to help clients recover the largest possible compensation for their damages.

  • Extensive Product Liability Experience: Wagner Reese has extensive experience representing clients in foodborne illness and product liability cases. Our team knows how to handle the complexities involved, from proving contamination to establishing liability.
  • Knowledge of Food Safety Regulations: In listeria cases, food safety regulations play a key role in determining fault. Our attorneys at Wagner Reese are well-versed in state and federal safety standards, giving us the ability to scrutinize the actions of manufacturers and distributors to build robust claims.
  • Compassionate Representation: Recognizing the emotional toll that listeria illness and loss can bring, Wagner Reese provides compassionate, client-centered legal representation, guiding and supporting the victim and their family at every step.

To schedule your free consultation, call us at (866) 991-4892 or contact us online.