FDA Alerts Consumers to Highest Risk Levels

According to News Week, A variety of meal kits, including tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, stir fry, and salads, have been recalled due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall affects products produced by Reser’s Fine Foods that contained recalled chicken sourced from ingredient supplier BrucePac, which has been linked to Listeria contamination.

FDA Class II Recall Classification

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified the recall as a Class II, indicating that exposure to the contaminated products may cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences, although the likelihood of serious adverse effects is considered remote.

Reser’s Fine Food’s Meal Kit Recall Products

Affected States

The contaminated meal kits were distributed across 30 states, including:

• Alabama
• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Montana
• Nebraska
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Virginia
• Washington
• Wyoming

For detailed information on lot codes and best-by dates of the impacted products, consumers are advised to check the FDA website.

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The Dangers of Listeria

Listeria monocytogenes is particularly hazardous as it can thrive in refrigeration and freezing conditions, often without affecting the food’s appearance, smell, or taste. Michelle Anstey, a food safety expert from the National Sanitation Foundation, emphasizes that handling contaminated food can lead to the spread of illness through inadequate sanitation practices.

Symptoms of Listeria infection can surface days or weeks after exposure and may include:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

While many people recover without complications, Listeria can pose life-threatening risks, especially to vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. The infection is also linked to miscarriages and can lead to severe symptoms, including headaches, neck stiffness, impaired coordination, confusion, and seizures.

Consumer Advisory

Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled products are strongly advised not to consume them. Instead, they should return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund or dispose of them. For questions regarding the recall, consumers can contact Reser’s Fine Foods at 888-223-2127, available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PT.