Kroger Recalls Home Chef Chicken Street Tacos Due to Listeria Contamination Concerns

Blurred store aisle with "RECALL" stamp overlay.

Kroger recalls Home Chef Chicken Street Tacos and other meal kits due to potential Listeria contamination, affecting 24,072 units across 31 states.

At a Glance

  • The Kroger Co. has recalled Home Chef Chicken Street Tacos and other meal kits due to Listeria concerns
  • The recall affects products distributed across 31 states, impacting 24,072 units
  • The FDA has classified this as a Class II recall, indicating potential temporary or medically reversible health risks
  • Consumers are advised to check for affected products and return or dispose of them
  • Listeria can cause serious infections, especially in vulnerable populations

Kroger’s Extensive Recall

The Kroger Co. has initiated a significant recall of its Home Chef Chicken Street Tacos and other meal kits due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recall, which affects 24,072 units across 31 states, stems from concerns about chicken supplied by BrucePac. This action underscores the importance of food safety vigilance in the supply chain.

The recall extends beyond the Chicken Street Tacos to include additional meal kits such as Pancho Chicken Quesadilla, Don Pancho Green Chili Chicken Enchilada, and Home Chef Asian Style Chicken Stir Fry. This broad scope highlights the potential widespread impact of contaminated ingredients in the food production process.

FDA Classification and Health Risks

Initially categorized as a Class 1 recall, the FDA has since reclassified it as a Class II recall. This classification is defined by the FDA as:

“a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.” – Newsweek

Despite the reclassification, the potential health risks associated with Listeria remain significant. The FDA warns that Listeria

According to the FDA, listeria “can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.”

Pregnant women are particularly at risk, as Listeria infections can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, or life-threatening infections in newborns. The bacteria is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illnesses in the United States, with approximately 1,600 cases and 260 fatalities annually.

Consumer Action and Company Response

In light of these risks, Kroger has stated:

“The product may be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes and, if eaten, could result in severe illness to those individuals who are pregnant or have a weakened immune system.”

Consumers who have purchased any of the affected products are strongly advised to check their refrigerators and freezers. These items should either be disposed of or returned to the place of purchase for a full refund. The recall affects products sold in 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, and Wyoming.

For those with questions or concerns, Reser’s Fine Foods, the company voluntarily recalling these meal kits, can be contacted at 888-223-2127, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time. This recall serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of food safety measures and the potential far-reaching consequences of contamination in the food supply chain.

Sources:

  1. Taco Kits Recalled in 30 States for Listeria Risk, FDA Elevates to Highest Risk Level
  2. Taco Recall in 31 States As FDA Sets Risk Level Over Listeria Fears
  3. Food Safety Alert: Listeria possibly linked to taco kits, waffles and pancakes

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