Seven States Hit By Major Chicken Recall Over Listeria Fears

Nearly seven tons of ready-to-eat grilled chicken breast fillets have been recalled across seven states after tests revealed potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium known to cause serious illness, especially in vulnerable populations. The recall, announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on January 16, 2026, involves approximately 13,720 pounds of chicken products manufactured by Suzanna’s Kitchen, a processor based in Norcross, Georgia.

According to WKRC, the FSIS triggered the recall after a third-party laboratory test came back positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The affected chicken was produced on October 14, 2025, and distributed exclusively to food service operations—not directly to retail consumers—in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Ohio. The specific product in question is a 10-pound case containing two 5-pound bags of fully cooked grilled chicken breast fillets with rib meat. Each package and case is marked with lot code 60104 P1382 287 5 J14 and establishment number P-1382 inside the USDA mark of inspection.

As of January 19, 2026, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled chicken, according to FSIS and Fox Business. Still, the agency is urging food service operators in the affected states to check their inventories immediately and remove any matching products. The recall does not currently affect retail consumers, but the FSIS emphasized the importance of vigilance for anyone handling bulk or foodservice products.

The risk was discovered after routine third-party laboratory testing identified the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in a sample of the ready-to-eat chicken. The FSIS said, "The issue was identified after a third-party laboratory reported a positive test result for Listeria monocytogenes in the ready-to-eat product." This finding prompted the voluntary recall by Suzanna’s Kitchen, as confirmed by multiple outlets including Newsweek and Economic Times.

While the recall is precautionary, the potential health risks associated with Listeria monocytogenes are significant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warn that listeria can thrive in unsanitary food production conditions, leading to contamination. Symptoms of listeriosis, the illness caused by the bacterium, can range from mild—such as fever, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting that last one to three days—to more severe effects like headaches, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. According to the CDC, symptoms can develop anywhere from three to 70 days after consuming contaminated food.

Particularly at risk are pregnant women and their unborn or newborn babies, adults over 65, and those with weakened immune systems. The FDA notes, "Pregnant women and their unborn or newborn babies, adults over the age of 65, and those with weakened immune systems are considered high-risk and are more susceptible to the serious and adverse effects of listeriosis." Alarmingly, the CDC estimates that listeriosis results in pregnancy loss or newborn death in about one in four pregnant women who are infected. Older adults, especially those over 65, account for more than half of the 1,250 listeria cases reported annually in the United States, and about one in six of those infected in this age group die from the infection.

The FSIS has advised anyone who may have consumed the recalled chicken and is concerned about illness to contact a healthcare provider. In its official statement, the agency said, "FSIS has advised anyone concerned about potential illness related to the chicken listeria recall to contact a health care provider." Food service venues have also been urged to follow strict cleaning and sanitation procedures for all equipment and surfaces that may have come into contact with the potentially contaminated chicken.

For those seeking more information or guidance on the recall, Suzanna’s Kitchen has provided contact details for both its customer service director, Dawn Duncan ([email protected]), and chief financial officer, Craig Pate ([email protected]). However, as of this writing, no information has been provided regarding refund procedures for affected customers, a point noted by Fox Business and WKRC.

Food safety authorities stress that ready-to-eat chicken is designed to simplify meal preparation, but even these products can pose risks if contamination occurs at any stage of production. The FDA explains, "Listeria can thrive in unsanitary food production conditions, leading to contamination of the food." This recall serves as a reminder for food service operators to remain vigilant, regularly review food safety protocols, and promptly remove any questionable products from their kitchens.

For those working in foodservice or handling bulk items, the FSIS recommends checking the lot code and establishment number on any grilled chicken breast fillets in inventory. If the code matches 60104 P1382 287 5 J14 and the establishment number is P-1382, the product should not be served or consumed. As Food & Wine put it, "The easiest move here is to check the code, and if it matches, get it out of your kitchen."

Although no illnesses have been reported so far, the seriousness of listeria cannot be understated. Healthy individuals may experience only mild symptoms, but for those in high-risk groups, listeriosis can be life-threatening. The CDC highlights that older adults infected with listeria almost always require hospitalization, and the mortality rate in this group is significant.

As this situation develops, the FSIS will continue to monitor for any reports of illness and provide updates as necessary. In the meantime, food service establishments in the affected states are urged to act swiftly, and anyone with concerns about potential exposure is encouraged to seek medical advice.

This recall stands as another example of the ongoing challenges in ensuring food safety from production to consumption. With nearly 14,000 pounds of chicken affected, the incident underscores both the importance of rigorous testing and the need for transparency in the food supply chain. For now, the best defense remains awareness, careful inventory checks, and adherence to recommended safety measures.