More than 2,000 pounds of popular frozen chicken meal products have been pulled from shelves across the United States.
The FDA announced the recall after it was found that the recalled products carried a risk of listeria poisoning – which can be deadly.
What Products Have Been Recalled?
Al-Safa US has recalled 2,010 pounds of ready-to-eat frozen chicken products that may have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
The announcement of the recall of the products – which were produced in Canada and exported to the United States – was made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on Friday.
Listeria Risk
Listeria monocytogenes can cause fatal illnesses, as well as fever, aches, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
In pregnant women, Listeria infection can lead to miscarriage, while the infection can be fatal for the very young, very old and immuno-compromised.
How Listeria Contamination Occurs
Listeria infection can happen from handling or eating contaminated products, touching contaminated surfaces and/or being in contact with an infected animal.
The risk of contamination increases if people do not thoroughly clean surfaces and wash hands that have been in contact with contaminated products.
The Recalled Products
The recalled products were imported to the US between 13-21 June 2024 and have the establishment number “866” inside the Canadian mark of inspection.
Among the recalled products are “Al Safa Halal Charcoal Grilled Chicken Seekh Kebab Grilled, Minced, Chicken Patty Kebab” in a 12.1-oz. cardboard box package with “NOV 30 25” and “0605404” printed on a sticker on the outside of the package, and “Al Safa Halal Fully Cooked Chicken Chapli Kebab Seasoned Chicken Patty” in 14.11-oz. cardboard box package with “NOV 30 25” and “0605416” printed on a sticker on the outside of the package.
FSIS Announcement
The FSIS announcement of the recall reads, “The problem was discovered after FSIS performed routine product testing and the results indicated the product may be contaminated with _Listeria monocytogenes_.”
The announcement adds, “There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.”
Concerns Grow
The announcement continues, “FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.”
It adds, “FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.”
Who To Contact?
Those with questions about the recall can call Marwan Mahaboob Basha, Al-Safa US LLC, at 800-268-8174, while food safety questions can be directed toward the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or [email protected].
Concerns about other meat, poultry and egg products can be directed via https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/. Meanwhile, a full list of recalled products can be found at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.
A Busy Year For Food Recalls
The latest recall is part of a broader trend of food and drink recalls increasing in recent years. Since 2018, the US has recorded a 115% increase in such recalls.
In recent weeks, recalls have been made for Snapchill coffee, Charles Boggini Company sodas, Hy-Vee cream cheese spreads and cookies and cream mixes and lead-contaminated children’s applesauce pouches.
Not Just Humans Impacted By Recalls
It’s not just humans impacted by the trend towards increasing recalls. In June, popular dog treat provider TDBBS recalled over 3,500 bags of dog treats due to the potential presence of foreign metal objects in the food.
Meanwhile, Pedigree dry dog food faced a recall in May due to similar concerns about metal presence – with over 300 bags pulled from shelves.
