Due to probable listeria contamination, the USDA has lately expanded a recall involving more than 11 million pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry items.
Along with merchandise from other big stores, including Walmart and Kroger, this recall covers many H-E-B salads and entrees. Customers are advised to follow the correct methods to guarantee safety and look for impacted products in their refrigerators.
Listeria Issues Extend Recall To Reach Over 11 Million Pounds
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a major recall in October 2024, originally covering about 10 million pounds of RTE meat and poultry items. Now covering over 11.7 million pounds of meat, the recall includes several items sold at H-E-B locations all around Texas.
This development adds 1.7 million pounds to the already recalled goods. Bruce Pac, a company with manufacturing sites in Oklahoma and Oregon, created these goods connected to possible listeria contamination. Originally produced between May 31, 2024, and October 8, 2024, the tainted goods now comprise this extensive recall.
Which Products Are Affected?
The recall list now features a lot of H-E-B salads and entrees. The USDA has included particular information on its website to enable consumers to find any affected goods, including establishment figures and best-by dates. Among the things now under recall are:
- Southwest Style Chopped Salad Bowl
- Backyard BBQ Chop Salad Bowl With Chicken And Bacon
- Chicken Caesar Chop Salad Bowl With Bacon
- Avocado Ranch Chop Salad Bowl
- BLT Salad Bowl With Chicken
- Shake Rattle And Bowl Caesar Salad With Chicken
- Shake Rattle And Bowl Southwest Salad With Chicken
- Shake Rattle And Bowl Hatch Chile Salad With Chicken
- Chicken Broccoli And Rice Casserole
- Texas Ranch Chicken Casserole
- Texas Ranch Style Chicken
Not only is H-E-B impacted by this recall, but other stores are as well. Products included to the recall list also come from other big stores including Walmart, Kroger, and 7Eleven.
What Actions Should Customers Take?
The USDA has instructed all consumers, restaurants, and businesses to stop immediately using or serving these recalled items. Either products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. Listeria is a major concern; proper handling will help lower the disease risk.
To find out if they own any recalled items, those who bought any impacted goods should review the USDA recall list for particular information such as product establishment numbers, best-by dates, and packaging data. Avoiding possible health hazards mostly depends on returning or properly disposing of the items.
Another Listeria Recall Involving Waffles
In addition to the meat and poultry recalls, TreeHouse Foods, Inc. has issued a voluntary recall on waffle products, one H-E-B item, among others, due to listeria concerns.
From H-E-B, the particular item in question is Higher Harvest Original Protein Waffles with best-by dates like these:
- November 6, 2024
- November 29, 2024
- December 19, 2024
- March 27, 2025
- May 20, 2025
Customers are recommended to review the product specifications and either return or throw away any recalled waffles, same as with previous recalls.
Knowing Listeria And Its Risk Factors
Listeria bacteria can lead to a major sickness called listeriosis, which can affect a person’s health differently. Although some people might not have symptoms, others, especially those who are pregnant, elderly, young children, or have compromised immune systems, are more likely to suffer severe sickness. Symptoms could include fever, muscle aches, tiredness, headaches, and even seizures or confusion.
Listeria can also produce digestive problems like diarrhea and vomiting when ingested through contaminated food. Anyone displaying symptoms who believes they may have eaten contaminated food should immediately get medical help.
Not One Verified Illness Yet
Luckily, at this point, there have been no verified cases of disease connected to these recalls. The USDA and CDC counsel customers to remain alert and follow the required procedures to prevent possible health hazards. Tracking symptoms and contacting healthcare professionals should one have questions is advised.
Food Safety At Home
Protecting against foodborne diseases like listeria depends critically on keeping up with recalls and following correct food safety procedures. Food should always be cooked to safe temperatures and kept and prepared correctly.
Careful washing of fruits and vegetables, therefore reducing cross-contamination, further lowers the possibility of contamination in the kitchen.
FAQs
1. Which Items Comprise The H-E-B Listeria Recall’s Products?
The recall includes several H-E-B salads and entrees, including a Southwest-style Chopped Salad Bowl, a Chicken Caesar Salad, a Texas Ranch Chicken Casserole, and more.
2. How May Listeria Compromise Health?
Listeria can cause major health problems, particularly for pregnant women, the elderly, newborns, and people with compromised immune systems. Symptoms include fever, muscular pains, and exhaustion.
3. Regarding Recalled Items, What Ought To Be Done?
Products recalled should be disposed of or returned to the retailer from whence they were bought. One should avoid possibly tainted food at all.
4. Are Other Products Besides Meat And Poultry Involved In The Recall?
Yes, TreeHouse Foods has also recalled waffle products in response to listeria concerns. One particular H-E-B waffle item is included in this recall.
5. How Can Listeria Contamination Be Avoided?
To prevent listeria exposure, always handle food carefully, cook meat thoroughly, wash produce, and avoid cross-contamination in the kitchen.