Albertsons Companies announces voluntary recall of ReadyMeals and taco kits due to health risks

Albertsons Companies has initiated a voluntary recall of five ReadyMeals and store-made taco kits after identifying a potential health risk stemming from Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recall affects products containing a specific cheese ingredient supplied by Rizo-López Foods, Inc., based in Modesto, California, which is currently under scrutiny by the FDA and CDC due to a multi-year, multistate outbreak of Listeria infections linked to queso fresco and cotija cheeses.

Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that poses severe health risks, can lead to critical infections especially in vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. While healthy individuals may experience temporary symptoms, including fever, headache, stiffness, and nausea, Listeria infection poses a grave threat to pregnant women, potentially resulting in miscarriages or stillbirths.

In response to the contamination, Albertsons Companies urges consumers who have purchased the affected ReadyMeals and taco kits to avoid consumption and either dispose of the products or return them to their local store for a full refund. The FDA emphasizes the importance of thorough cleaning and sanitizing of any surfaces and containers that may have come into contact with the recalled products to mitigate the risk of cross-contamination, as Listeria can survive in refrigerated environments and spread to other foods and surfaces.

The products subject to recall were sold at Albertsons, Carrs-Safeway, Eagle, Lucky, Pavilions, Randalls, Safeway, Shaw’s, Star Market, Tom Thumb, and Vons across multiple states, including Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and Wyoming. Detailed product information, including UPC codes and sell-through dates, has been provided to assist consumers in identifying the recalled items.

The proactive recall by Albertsons Companies underscores the critical importance of stringent food safety measures and the need for rapid response to potential health threats in the food supply chain. It also highlights the collaborative efforts between grocery chains, suppliers, and health agencies to protect consumers from foodborne illnesses. Consumers are advised to heed recall notices and follow recommended safety protocols to ensure their well-being.