Massive Recall of Ready-to-Eat Products Due to Listeria Contamination

A significant recall has been initiated by Fresh Creative Foods, the supplier of ReadyMeals and in-store deli products for Albertsons, due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall, announced on Saturday, affects 12 different ReadyMeals and deli items sold at various Albertsons locations, including Safeway, Jewel-Osco, Acme, Shaw's, and Vons.

The recall was triggered after it was discovered that the products may have been made using chicken ingredients previously recalled by BrucePac. The contamination was identified during a routine inspection by the U.S. Department of Agriculture‘s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

Listeria monocytogenes poses serious health risks, particularly to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and pregnant women. While healthy individuals may experience temporary symptoms like high fever, headaches, and diarrhea, the bacterium can be especially hazardous for pregnant women.

Customers are advised not to consume these products and are recommended to either discard them or return them to the store for a full refund. The affected items include various ReadyMeals such as Street Taco Chicken, Chicken Quesadilla, and Chicken Caesar Salad, among others.

In addition to the Albertsons recall, a broader recall involving millions of pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products has also been issued by the USDA due to Listeria contamination. These products were produced from June 19, 2024, to October 8, 2024, and are part of a larger safety alert.

Consumers with inquiries about the recall can contact Albertsons Companies Customer Service at 877-723-3929, available from Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. PST).