GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Earlier this month, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that nearly 12 million pounds of ready-to-eat chicken could be contaminated with listeria. Hundreds of products containing the chicken are now being recalled.
The chicken was produced by an Oregon-based company called BrucePac between May 31 and Oct. 8. The recall was initially announced on Oct. 9.
The chicken wasn't just sold in stores, but sent to schools and restaurants. So far, the USDA has identified eight Michigan schools that received the chicken, including East Rockford Middle School, Muskegon Catholic School, Ferris State University and the Pansophia Academy in Coldwater.
The chicken was also sold at Meijer, Trader Joe's, Amazon, Aldi, Target and more. It was used in salads, frozen meals and other products with ready-to-eat chicken.
More than 300 products are being impacted by this recall.
Eating foods contaminated with listeria can cause potentially serious illness. About 1,600 people are infected with listeria bacteria yearly in the U.S. and about 260 die, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Listeria infections typically cause fever, muscle aches and tiredness and may cause stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions, the CDC says. Symptoms can occur quickly or up to 10 weeks after eating contaminated food. The infections are especially dangerous for older people, those with weakened immune systems or people who are pregnant.
There have been no confirmed reports of illness linked to the recall as of Oct. 16. However, if you have concerns about getting sick, you should contact your healthcare provider.
You can see a full list of recalled products here.