Tyson Foods Inc., a major player in the food industry, has initiated a significant voluntary recall of approximately 8.9 million pounds of ready-to-eat chicken products. This action, announced on July 3, 2021, comes after the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) identified potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination in these products. This recall highlights the critical importance of food safety and the rigorous measures taken to protect public health.
Understanding the Tyson Foods Inc. Chicken Recall
The recall specifically targets frozen, fully cooked chicken products produced by Tyson Foods Inc. at their Dexter, Missouri establishment. The production dates for the affected items span from December 26, 2020, to April 13, 2021. These products, bearing the establishment number “EST. P-7089” on their packaging, were distributed across the nation to a wide range of outlets. This includes retail stores where consumers directly purchase food, and institutions such as hospitals, nursing homes, restaurants, schools, and even Department of Defense locations. The extensive distribution network underscores the potential reach and impact of this recall.
Here is a detailed list of the recalled products. Consumers and institutions are strongly advised to consult this list to determine if they possess any of the affected Tyson Foods Inc. chicken. Labels for the products are also available for review here to aid in identification.
The Listeria Monocytogenes Link and Health Impact
The recall was prompted by an ongoing investigation into Listeria monocytogenes illnesses. FSIS was alerted to two cases of listeriosis on June 9, 2021. Working collaboratively with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health officials, the investigation established a link between these illnesses and precooked chicken originating from Tyson Foods Inc.
Epidemiological evidence pointed to three listeriosis cases, including a tragic fatality, occurring between April 6, 2021, and June 5, 2021. Further bolstering the link, routine FSIS sampling detected Listeria monocytogenes strains in precooked chicken samples from two establishments that were genetically similar to the Listeria found in ill individuals. Notably, one of these positive samples was collected directly from Tyson Foods Inc. Authorities are continuing their investigation to ascertain if additional illnesses are connected to these recalled Tyson Foods Inc. products. For more detailed information on the ongoing investigation, please refer to the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/precooked-chicken-07-21/index.html.
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a serious infection. While anyone can contract listeriosis, it disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. These high-risk groups include older adults, individuals with compromised immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns. Even outside these groups, infection can occur.
Symptoms of listeriosis can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. These symptoms may sometimes be preceded by gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea. In severe cases, the infection can become invasive, spreading beyond the gastrointestinal tract. For pregnant women, listeriosis poses significant risks, potentially leading to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, or life-threatening infections in newborns. Furthermore, serious and sometimes fatal infections can occur in older adults and those with weakened immunity. Listeriosis is treatable with antibiotics, but early detection and treatment are crucial. Individuals in high-risk categories who develop flu-like symptoms within two months of consuming potentially contaminated food should seek immediate medical attention and inform their healthcare provider about the possible foodborne link.
What to Do if You Have Recalled Tyson Foods Inc. Products
FSIS is concerned that consumers and institutions may still have the recalled Tyson Foods Inc. chicken products in their freezers. Consumers should not eat these products, and institutions should not serve them. The recommended course of action is to discard the products immediately. Alternatively, consumers can return the products to their place of purchase for a refund or exchange.
FSIS regularly conducts effectiveness checks to ensure that recalling companies, like Tyson Foods Inc., effectively notify their customers about recalls and take steps to remove the recalled product from circulation. When available, retail distribution lists are posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls. Consumers are encouraged to check this website for updates.
For media inquiries regarding this recall, Derek Burleson, Communications Manager at Tyson Foods, can be contacted at (479) 290-6466 or [email protected]. Consumers with questions can reach Tyson Foods customer relations at (855) 382-3101. General food safety inquiries can be directed to the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) or through live chat at Ask USDA from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. Additional food safety information and email inquiries can be found at Ask USDA and [email protected], respectively. To report issues with meat, poultry, or egg products, the Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System is available 24/7 at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.
This recall by Tyson Foods Inc. serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance in food safety practices and the importance of consumer awareness regarding food recalls.
