Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc., based in Phoenix, Arizona and Fresh Express, based in Windermere, Florida, have each announced recalls of their respective Chicken Street Taco Meal Kit and Gourmet Cafe Chicken Caesar Salad Bowl due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria). Listeria is a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Background
The affected products from both Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. and Fresh Express are being recalled as part of a larger recall of meat and chicken products by ingredient supplier BrucePac.
Fresh Express said they are no longer using chicken from BrucePac’s impacted facility.
Distribution
The recall notice from Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. did not say where the recalled product was distributed.
The Fresh Express recalled product was distributed only in California, Louisiana, Texas, and Washington.
Product Details
| Brand | Product | Size | UPC Code | Package Code | Best by Dates |
| Fresh Express | Gourmet Cafe Chicken Caesar Salad Bowl | 5.75 oz | 071279565620 | S281 S282 S285 S288 | 10/26/2024 10/27/2024 10/30/2024 11/2/2024 |
| Sprouts | Chicken Street Taco Meal Kit | 1.5 lb (680 g) | 205916813991 | NA | 9/2/2024 to 11/7/2024 |
Consumer Action
As with all food recalls, consumers are strongly advised to discontinue use of the affected products even if they look or smell safe to eat.
Anyone in possession of the recalled product is requested to not sell, serve, or distribute them.
The affected products should be returned to the location of purchase for a refund or be disposed of immediately.
Consumers should thoroughly sanitize any surface or utensils that have come into contact with the recalled products.
Consumers with additional questions or concerns can contact the recalling company:
- Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.
- Fresh Express
- 800-242-5472 from 8 am to 7 pm Eastern Time
Health Risks
The recall notice did not say if there have been any reported cases of illness in connection to the consumption of the recalled product.
Listeriosis, the infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, is particularly dangerous for certain vulnerable populations. Pregnant individuals, people aged 65 or older, and those with weakened immune systems are at highest risk. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, sometimes preceded by gastrointestinal symptoms. In pregnant individuals, listeriosis can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery, or life-threatening infections in newborns.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of Listeriosis should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Commenting on this article, one national Listeria lawyer said, “The massive recall of BrucePac sourced products continues to grow almost every week. I urge consumers in possession of the affected items to closely follow all recall instructions.”
