Listeria outbreak sickens at least 10 across US
At least 10 people in the U.S. have been sickened in a listeria outbreak linked to ready-to-eat food products, with a producer voluntarily recalling several products.
Scripps News
Some chicken sold in four U.S. states is the subject of a public health alert and may be deadly, according to a federal public health alert.
The Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued the warning for ready-to-eat chicken and bacon wrap products on May 13th due to the possibility of Listeria monocytogenes contamination which can cause listeriosis (listeria poisoning).
Is the ready-to-eat chicken being recalled?
The affected products are no longer being sold, according to the USDA. But some people may have frozen the chicken.
While not a formal recall, a public health alert is issued to inform consumers about potential health risks associated with some products.
What chicken has a health alert been issued for?
The affected chicken was produced on May 2, 2025 and is as follows:
- 10-oz. clear plastic clamshell packages containing “Big Y quick easy meals Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap”
- 10-oz. clear plastic clamshell packages containing “Market 32 by price Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap”
The sell by date for both items is May 7, 2025.
The lot code listed on the bag is 25122.
What states sold and distributed the chicken?
The affected chicken was shipped to distributors in two states and also distributed to retail locations in three of them. The states are:
- Connecticut (Sold)
- Massachusetts (Distributed and sold)
- New York (Distributed and sold)
Listeria poisoning symptoms
Listeria poisoning is a foodborne bacterial infection most commonly caused by the bacterium listeria monocytogenes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is considered a serious condition and can be dangerous or life-threatening, especially to older adults, people with weak immune systems, and pregnant women.
Symptoms include, per the CDC:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Convulsions
- Diarrhea
- Other gastrointestinal symptoms
- Miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery and/or life-threatening infection of newborn infants
- Death
People in higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care.
Toss affected ready-to-eat chicken out, USDA says
No illnesses have immediately been reported in connection to the alert.
For consumers who bought the item and froze it, the USDA said to throw it away.
Concerned about an illness regarding the product? The USDA has advised contacting a health care provider.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.
