Listeria outbreaks cause at least 10 people to get sick in all of us
At least 10 people in the US have become ill from the outbreak of Listeria, which is linked to ready-to-eat foods, and producers are voluntarily recalling some of the products.
Scripps News
According to the federal public health warning, some of the chicken sold in four US states are subject to public health warnings and can be fatal.
The Ministry of Agriculture’s Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a warning on May 13th of immediately edible chicken and bacon wrap products due to the possibility of listeria monocytogenes contamination that could cause listeria disease (listeria poisoning).
Are immediate chicken recalled?
According to the USDA, the affected products are no longer on sale. But some people may have frozen the chicken.
Although not a formal recall, a public health warning will be issued to notify consumers of potential health risks associated with certain products.
Which chickens have health alerts issued?
The affected chicken was produced on May 2, 2025 and is as follows:
- 10 oz. Clear plastic clamshell package containing “Big Y Quick Easy Meal Chicken Bacon Lunch Wrap”
- 10 oz. Transparent plastic clamshell package containing “Market 32 by Price Chicken Bacon Lunch Wrap”
Both items will be on sale until the date on May 7, 2025.
The lot code listed on the bag is 25122.
What state did chickens sell and distribute?
The affected chicken was shipped to distributors in two states, of which three were distributed to retailers. The states are:
- Connecticut (Sales)
- Massachusetts (dispersion and sales)
- New York (distributed and sold)
Listeria poisoning symptoms
Listeria poisoning is a food-borne bacterial infection most commonly caused by Listeria monocytogen, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is considered a serious condition and can be dangerous or life-threatening, especially for the elderly, those with a weak immune system, and pregnant women.
Symptoms include per CDC.
- heat
- Muscle pain
- headache
- Stiff shoulders
- confusion
- Loss of balance
- convulsions
- diarrhea
- Other gastrointestinal symptoms
- Miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and/or life-threatening infections of newborn babies
- death
People in the high-risk category who experience flu-like symptoms within two months of eating contaminated food should seek medical care.
Toss has affected the ready-to-eat chicken, says USDA
No illnesses were reported immediately in connection with the alert.
For consumers who bought and frozen items, the USDA said they would throw it away.
Are you worried about product illness? The USDA recommends contacting your healthcare provider.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter at USA Today. Contact her at nalund @usatoday.com and follow her at x @nataliealund.

