Over the weekend, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced that around 795,261 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products were being recalled by Bakkavor Foods USA, Inc. The recalled products all contain an onion ingredient that may have been contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.
The products included in the recent recall were sold under Harris Teeter Fresh Foods Market Deli-Bakery and Trader Joe's branding. Specifically, the recalled items include Harris Teeter BBQ Style Chicken Artisan Pizza; Harris Teeter Chicken Sausage, Egg White, and Cheese Breakfast Burrito; Harris Teeter Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Burrito; and Trader Joe's Carnitas with Salsa Verde Burrito.
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The Carnitas with Salsa Verde Burrito has been recalled from all Trader Joe's locations, and it's not the only TJ's product that was affected by a recent recall. The Trader Jose's Mexicali Inspired Salad, Trader Joe's BBQ Flavored Chicken Salad, and Trader Joe's Field Fresh Chopped Salad with Grilled Chicken were also recalled late last week from select locations. These products were recalled by McCain Foods because the corn included in them is suspected of being contaminated with listeria or salmonella as well.
So far, no reports of illness caused by any of these products have been confirmed. The USDA explains that most common symptoms of Salmonella poisoning are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. Most people recover in four to seven days without treatment. However, salmonella poisoning can be especially harmful to young children, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems.
Listeria, on the other hand, can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. These symptoms are also sometimes preceded by diarrhea and other gastronomical issues, according to the USDA. Listeria is especially harmful to pregnant women, as it can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn. It can also cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in older adults and those with weakened immune systems.
If you find any of the products listed above in your refrigerator or freezer, do not consume them. The FSIS encourages consumers to instead throw out the recalled products or return them to the store for a refund. We're sure the Trader Joe's employees won't mind.