Contamination Issues Create 390-Ton Meat Product Recall

The onions used in the products have been identified as the primary source of the problem.

Breakfast Burrito

Carson, California-based Bakkavor Foods USA, Inc. is recalling approximately 795,261 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products that contain an onion ingredient that may be contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service made the announcement regarding products produced between September 27, 2017 and October 15, 2018.

Products included in the recall include BBQ Style Chicken Artisan Pizza, Chicken Sausage, Egg White and Cheese Breakfast Burrito, and Bacon, Egg and Cheese Burrito. The problem was discovered when Bakkavor received notification that the onion used in the production of their ready-to-eat meat and poultry products was being recalled by their onion supplier due to Listeria monocytogenesand Salmonella concerns.

While there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products, consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating the contaminated product. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Consumption of food contaminated with L. monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, which weakens the immune systems and can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions.

FSIS is concerned that some product may still be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers.

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