The problem was discovered when a cheese supplier contacted Ready Pac Foods to say the cheese used in the chicken salad was included in an earlier recall due to possible listeria monocytogenes adulteration.
The affected products – Puro Picante Blazin’ Hot salad bowls – were produced from 17 January 2017 to 17 February 2017, according to the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
The chicken salad bowls have been distributed to retail locations nationwide. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reaction due to consumption of the affected products.
Listeria
Eating food that is contaminated with the listeria monocytogenes bacteria can cause listeriosis – a serious infection that predominantly affects the aged, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and their newborn babies.
In most cases, listeriosis includes a high temperature, vomiting and diarrhoea. Most symptoms pass within three days.
In extreme cases, the infection can spread to other parts of the body and can cause other health complications, such as meningitis. Pregnant women, particularly, face serious problems as the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infections for the newborn baby.
FSIS said Ready Pac Foods was “concerned” that some of the recalled products might have been taken home by consumers who might not be aware of the recall.
Ready Pac Foods could not be reached for comment at the time of writing.
The recalled products
7.5oz single-serve salad bowl packages of Ready Pac Foods’ Puro Picante Blazin’ Hot, with use-by dates of 31 January 2017-4 March 2017.