Contamination scare hits chicken; you’ll have to wait for your grilled breast

A massive food safety alert has been issued after more than 13,700 pounds of ready-to-eat grilled chicken breast fillets were recalled over potential listeria contamination.

Georgia-based Suzanna’s Kitchen initiated the recall after a third-party lab detected Listeria monocytogenes in the chicken, prompting the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to step in.

The recalled products include 10-pound cases containing two 5-pound bags of fully cooked grilled chicken breast fillets with rib meat, marked with lot code 60104 P1382 287 5 J14 and USDA establishment number P-1382. These fillets were distributed to foodservice centers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Ohio.

So far, there have been no confirmed illnesses linked to the products, but authorities urge anyone who may have consumed the chicken to contact a healthcare provider if they feel unwell.

The FSIS advisory comes as part of ongoing efforts to ensure food safety and prevent the spread of dangerous bacteria. Details on refunds or returns were not immediately provided by Suzanna’s Kitchen.

Food safety experts insist that proper handling, storage, and cooking of poultry products are crucial to prevent foodborne illness. Consumers are advised to keep raw and ready-to-eat chicken separate, wash hands and surfaces thoroughly after contact, and heat all poultry to the recommended internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

The FSIS also encourages anyone who suspects they may have eaten contaminated products and experiences symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, or gastrointestinal distress to seek medical attention promptly.