Kroger’s Popular Home Chef Product Faces Recall Over Health Concerns

Kroger’s Home Chef Chicken Street Tacos face FDA recall over listeria concerns, affecting 24,072 units across 31 states.

At a Glance

FDA issues Class II recall for Kroger’s Home Chef Chicken Street Tacos due to potential listeria contamination
Recall affects 24,072 units distributed across 31 states
Additional products like Pancho Chicken Quesadilla and Green Chili Chicken Enchilada meal kits also recalled
Listeria can cause serious health issues, especially for vulnerable groups
Consumers advised to check their products and return or dispose of affected items

FDA Announces Recall of Kroger’s Home Chef Chicken Street Tacos

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Class II recall for Kroger’s Home Chef Chicken Street Tacos, raising concerns about potential listeria contamination. This recall affects 24,072 units of the product, which were distributed across 31 states. The chicken used in these tacos was supplied by BrucePac, a company that had previously initiated its own recall due to listeria concerns.

The FDA’s decision to classify this as a Class II recall indicates a situation where exposure to the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences. Initially, the recall was designated as Class I, but upon reassessment, the FDA modified it to Class II.

Taco recall in 31 states as FDA sets risk level over listeria fears https://t.co/Rcdp2ganOT

— Newsweek (@Newsweek) November 14, 2024

Expanded Recall and Health Risks

The recall extends beyond the Chicken Street Tacos to include other related products. Pancho Chicken Quesadilla meal kits, Don Pancho Green Chili Chicken Enchilada meal kits, and Home Chef Asian Style Chicken Stir Fry have also been recalled. These additional recalls underscore the potential widespread impact of the contamination.

“The product may be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes and, if eaten, could result in severe illness to those individuals who are pregnant or have a weakened immune system.” – Kroger Co.

Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria responsible for this recall, can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that poses significant risks to certain groups. Young children, older adults, individuals with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to severe complications from listeriosis.

Symptoms and Potential Complications

Symptoms of listeriosis can vary but often include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and gastrointestinal issues. For pregnant women, the consequences can be even more severe, potentially leading to miscarriages, stillbirths, or life-threatening infections in newborns.

“can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.” – FDA

The FDA’s concern is not unfounded. Listeria is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illnesses in the United States, with approximately 1,600 cases and 260 fatalities reported annually. These statistics highlight the importance of swift action in recalling potentially contaminated products.

Consumer Action and Company Response

Consumers who have purchased any of the affected products are strongly advised to check their refrigerators and freezers. If found, these items should either be disposed of immediately or returned to the place of purchase for a full refund. This precautionary measure is crucial to prevent potential illness.

For those with questions or concerns about the recall, Reser’s Fine Foods, the company behind some of the affected meal kits, has set up a dedicated hotline. Consumers can contact them at 888-223-2127, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time.

As this situation continues to develop, consumers are encouraged to stay informed about food safety alerts and to take all necessary precautions to protect their health and the health of their families. The FDA and involved companies are working diligently to address this issue and ensure the safety of the food supply chain.