by Washington, D.C. – Nearly seven tons of fully cooked grilled chicken breast fillets are being recalled nationwide after Listeria monocytogenes was detected during routine third-party laboratory testing, federal food safety officials announced.
The recall involves approximately 13,720 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken produced by Suzanna’s Kitchen, a Georgia-based food company, and distributed to food service operations across seven states, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
Incident Overview
FSIS said the recall was initiated after laboratory testing identified the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, a potentially deadly bacterium, in the cooked chicken product. While no illnesses have been reported so far, officials emphasized that the recall is being issued out of an abundance of caution due to the serious health risks associated with Listeria exposure.
The recalled chicken was shipped exclusively to food service locations, meaning it was not sold directly to retail consumers in grocery stores.
Product Details and Identification
The recall specifically applies to 10-pound cases of fully cooked grilled chicken breast fillets with rib meat that were produced on Oct. 14, 2025.
Each case contains two 5-pound bags and can be identified by the following details:
- Lot Code: 60104 P1382 287 5 J14
- Establishment Number: P-1382
- Packaging: Fully cooked, ready-to-eat grilled chicken breast fillets with rib meat
- Total amount recalled: 13,720 pounds
FSIS said the products bear the establishment number inside the USDA mark of inspection and were distributed to food service operators in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Ohio.
States and Distribution Scope
Officials stressed that the recall does not affect retail consumers, but food service providers — including institutions, catering companies, and commercial kitchens — in the seven affected states are being urged to immediately review inventory.
FSIS instructed operators to stop using, serving, or distributing the recalled chicken and ensure it is either discarded or returned to the supplier.
Additional details about the recall were published by FSIS in its official announcement on the USDA website.
Health Risks Associated with Listeria
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can survive and grow in cold environments and is often linked to unsanitary food production conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Listeria infection — known as listeriosis — can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms may begin with fever, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting, typically lasting one to three days. In more severe cases, the infection can progress to headaches, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.
Health officials warn that symptoms can appear anywhere from three to 70 days after consuming contaminated food, making it difficult to immediately link illness to a specific product.
Impact on Pregnant Women and Older Adults
The CDC estimates that about 1,250 people in the United States become sick from Listeria each year, with more than half of infections occurring in adults aged 65 and older.
For pregnant women, the risks are especially severe. The CDC warns that listeriosis results in pregnancy loss or newborn death in roughly one in four cases involving pregnant individuals.
Older adults are also disproportionately affected. As people age, weakened immune systems and reduced stomach acid levels make it harder for the body to detect and eliminate harmful bacteria like Listeria. Nearly all older adults infected with Listeria require hospitalization, and about one in six die from the infection.
What Consumers and Providers Should Do
FSIS advises anyone who may have consumed the recalled chicken and is concerned about illness to contact a health care provider immediately. Food service operators are urged to sanitize any surfaces or equipment that may have come into contact with the recalled product.
Conclusion
Although no illnesses have been confirmed, federal officials say the recall highlights the ongoing risks associated with ready-to-eat foods and the importance of strict food safety controls. As investigators continue monitoring for potential health impacts, food service providers are being reminded to remain vigilant in checking product codes and responding swiftly to recall notices. Share your experiences in the comments below.
