Food safety is something we often take for granted until a headline like this breaks. A massive recall has been issued for poultry products that may be in your freezer right now. Suzanna’s Kitchen, a major supplier, is recalling approximately 13,000 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken products. The USDA announced the recall due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This isn’t a minor quality issue; it is a serious health risk. You need to check your freezer immediately to ensure your family is safe.
Listeria is a Silent Killer
Listeria is different from other common foodborne bugs like Salmonella. It can survive and even grow in cold temperatures like your refrigerator. This makes it particularly dangerous for long-term storage items. The infection, listeriosis, hits vulnerable populations the hardest. Older adults, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems are at high risk. It can cause serious complications and, in severe cases, death. It is not a stomach bug you want to mess with.
Identifying the Tainted Product
The specific products were produced on various dates. You need to look for specific establishment numbers on the packaging. The recalled items bear the establishment number “EST. 13804” inside the USDA mark of inspection. Check any ready-to-eat chicken strips or diced chicken products you bought recently. If you find this number, do not open the package. The risk of cross-contamination in your kitchen is real. Handle it carefully.
Symptoms May Take Weeks
One of the scary things about Listeria is the incubation period. Symptoms might not appear for days or even weeks after eating the food. You might develop a fever, muscle aches, or gastrointestinal issues long after the meal. This delay makes it hard to pinpoint the cause without a recall notice. If you have eaten these products recently and feel ill, tell your doctor. Mention the potential Listeria exposure specifically. It changes how they might treat you.
Your Refund Rights
You do not have to throw your money away with the chicken. Retailers are aware of the recall and are processing refunds. You can return the product to the store where you bought it for a full refund. Alternatively, you can simply throw it away and contact the manufacturer. Do not try to cook the bacteria out of the food. It is not worth the risk. Get it out of your house today.
The Bottom Line: Check the Label
Take five minutes right now to inspect your freezer. Food recalls are happening more frequently, and staying informed is your best defense. If you possess the recalled chicken, double-bag it before tossing it in the trash. This prevents animals from getting into it and getting sick. Safety comes first.
Do you check recall lists regularly, or do you wait for the news to find you?
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