SPRINGDALE, Ark. — Tyson Foods Inc. is voluntarily recalling approximately 8.5 million pounds of frozen, fully cooked chicken. Tyson has been working closely with the USDA on this recall, and while there is no conclusive evidence that the products were contaminated at the time of shipment, the voluntary recall is being initiated out of an abundance of caution.
The affected products were produced at one plant located in Dexter, Mo., between Dec. 26, 2020, and April 13, 2021, and distributed to foodservice and retail customers nationwide and Puerto Rico. They are being recalled as a precaution due to possible exposure to Listeria monocytogenes.
“We’re committed to providing safe, healthy food that people rely on every day,” said Scott Brooks, senior vice president, food safety and quality assurance, Tyson Foods. “We are taking this precautionary step out of an abundance of caution and in keeping with our commitment to safety.”
The recall includes Tyson® branded frozen, fully cooked products as well as private label products made for customers. Each package of the affected retail products has the establishment code P-7089.
The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, on June 9, noted that it was notified of two persons ill with listeriosis. Working in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state public health partners, FSIS determined there is evidence linking the Listeria monocytogenes illnesses to precooked chicken produced at Tyson Foods Inc.
The epidemiologic investigation identified three listeriosis illnesses, including one death, between April 6, 2021, and June 5, 2021. During routine sample collection, FSIS collected two precooked chicken samples from two establishments that are closely related genetically to Listeria monocytogenes from ill people. One of the samples was collected at Tyson Foods.
FSIS is continuing to work with federal and state public health partners to determine if there are additional illnesses linked to these products. Here’s a complete list of recalled products. Only those products listed are being recalled. No other Tyson products are impacted by the recall, including but not limited to any Tyson® brand fresh chicken; frozen, raw chicken products or chicken nuggets.
A list of retail stores that received the product will be posted on USDA’s website. Consumers with questions can call or text Tyson Foods’ customer relations at 855-382-3101.
