Why Food Recalls Are Increasing
E.Coli, metal, and even a dead bat have been found in recalled food. In fact, the number of food recalls is increasing. But that might actually be a good sign. Here’s why.
USA TODAY
More than 900 kilos of frozen chicken meals are being recalled nationwide due to the risk of listeria poisoning.
Al-Safa US has recalled 2,010 pounds of imported frozen and ready-to-eat chicken products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, according to a notice shared Friday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
Ingestion of Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis or listeria poisoning, a serious infection that can be fatal, especially for people with weakened immune systems.
The possible contamination was discovered during routine product testing. FSIS has warned that the meals may still be in consumers’ freezers and has encouraged people to throw out or return any recalled products found in their homes.
Here’s what you need to know about the recall.
Which Al-Safa products are being recalled?
The recalled frozen products were produced in Canada on June 5, 2024, and imported into the U.S. on June 13, 2024, and June 21, 2024. The recalled products have the establishment number “866” in the Canadian inspection mark and were shipped to retailers across the country.
The recalled products include:
- “Al Safa Halal Charcoal Grilled Chicken Seekh Kebab Grilled, Minced, Chicken Patty Kebab” in a 12.1 oz. cardboard box with “NOV 30 25” and “0605404” on a sticker on the outside of the package.
- “Al Safa Halal Fully Cooked Chicken Chapli Kebab Seasoned Chicken Patty” in a 14.11oz cardboard box with “NOV 30 25” and “0605416” on a sticker on the outside of the package.
Symptoms of listeriosis or listeria poisoning
Listeriosis, or listeria poisoning, is a foodborne bacterial infection usually caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. It is considered a serious condition and can be dangerous or life-threatening, especially for the elderly, people with weak immune systems, and pregnant women.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), symptoms include:
- Fever
- muscle strain
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Convulsions
- Diarrhea
- Other gastrointestinal symptoms
- Miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth and/or life-threatening infection in newborn babies
- Dead
People in a higher risk group who develop flu-like symptoms within two months of eating contaminated food should seek medical attention and tell their health care provider they ate contaminated food, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said.
There have been no reported illnesses associated with this recall.
