A recall has been initiated for ready-to-eat grilled chicken breast fillet products due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. , the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that Suzanna’s Kitchen, located in Norcross, Georgia, is recalling approximately 13,720 pounds of the product.
The FSIS announcement follows a separate recall reported by Lithuanian authorities regarding marinated chicken wing portions contaminated with Salmonella Infantis. According to reports, the product was available for purchase in Rimi stores. Rimi’s Head of Public Relations and Corporate Responsibility, Luka Lesauskaitė-Remeikė, stated that the “Marinated Chicken Wing Mid-Sections Honey and BBQ, 1 kg” product was immediately removed from sale across all their stores.
“We are currently assessing the situation and cooperating with the supplier and responsible authorities. The amount of affected product is being determined,” Lesauskaitė-Remeikė said. Customers can return the purchased product to all Rimi stores until , with a refund provided regardless of whether a purchase receipt is presented, based on the purchase receipt amount or the current selling price.
Salmonella Infantis can cause salmonellosis, characterized by abdominal and headache pain, fever, nausea, and diarrhea, potentially leading to dehydration. Listeria monocytogenes, the contaminant identified in the Suzanna’s Kitchen product, poses a particularly serious risk to pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The FDA provides detailed information on recalls, market withdrawals, and safety alerts on its website, with archived information available for searches extending back three years.
The recalls highlight the ongoing challenges in maintaining food safety standards across the supply chain. While the Rimi recall focuses on a specific product and retailer, the Suzanna’s Kitchen recall in the US demonstrates a broader pattern of potential contamination risks within the ready-to-eat poultry sector. The FSIS recall notice indicates that the issue stems from potential adulteration, suggesting a breakdown in processing or handling procedures.
The FDA’s recall database, along with Recalls.gov, serves as a central repository for information on product recalls across various regulated industries. These resources are crucial for consumers to stay informed about potential hazards and take appropriate action. The FDA also offers a subscription service for receiving updates on recalls, market withdrawals, and safety alerts.
Beyond these specific incidents, several other recalls were announced in the week of , according to the FDA. Advanced Alkaloids issued a recall of Alkaloids Chewable Tablets—White Vein Dietary Supplements due to the presence of 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) exceeding the declared value. Go Raw LLC recalled Quest Cat Food Chicken Recipe Freeze Dried Nuggets, 10oz bag, due to potential low levels of thiamine (Vitamin B1). Tippy Toes Baby Food was subject to a recall due to elevated levels of patulin, and Green Lumber recalled a dietary supplement containing an undeclared prescription drug, Tadalafil. Ambrosia Brands, LLC recalled Rosabella Moringa capsules due to possible contamination with Salmonella.
These diverse recalls underscore the complexity of ensuring product safety across a wide range of industries, from food and beverages to dietary supplements and pet food. The presence of undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients in dietary supplements, as seen with Green Lumber, is a recurring concern, raising questions about the oversight and regulation of this rapidly growing market. The recalls involving potential contamination with pathogens like Salmonella and Listeria emphasize the importance of robust food safety protocols throughout the production and distribution process.
The economic impact of these recalls can be significant, extending beyond the direct costs of removing affected products from shelves. Companies face potential legal liabilities, reputational damage, and lost sales. For retailers like Rimi, recalls necessitate logistical challenges in managing returns and ensuring consumer confidence. The broader food industry must invest in preventative measures, such as enhanced testing and traceability systems, to mitigate the risk of future contamination events.
The abattoir strike mentioned in historical records from the Newcastle Morning Herald, dating back to , serves as a historical reminder of disruptions within the meat processing industry. While unrelated to the current recalls, it illustrates the vulnerability of food supply chains to labor disputes and other unforeseen events. The ongoing focus on food safety and supply chain resilience reflects a continuous effort to minimize risks and protect public health.
