Turkey is a popular centerpiece for holiday meals and a staple ingredient in many ready-to-eat foods like salads, tacos, enchiladas, and more. However, in late 2024, there was a major recall on turkey products due to a multi-state outbreak of Listeria infections linked to contaminated turkey.
Background on the Listeria Outbreak
In 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced an investigation into a Listeria outbreak spanning 38 states that sickened over 200 people and caused multiple deaths. An early breakthrough came when investigators linked several illnesses back to raw ground turkey products from Jennie-O Turkey Store Sales This prompted a recall of over 164,000 pounds of their ground turkey
However, it soon became clear that the outbreak was much larger than just one brand. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) identified Listeria contamination at a BrucePac facility in Oklahoma which produced ready-to-eat turkey for various brands. This discovery triggered an expansive recall as BrucePac turkey had made its way into salad bowls, frozen meals, and other products nationwide.
The Recall Spreads to Major Retailers
Within days, the recall spread to include major grocery chains like Walmart, Kroger, Target, and Aldi which sold ready-to-eat foods containing the contaminated BrucePac turkey As the USDA continued releasing updated lists, the recall grew to over 200 products and 10 million pounds of recalled meat
Some of the major brands involved in the recall
- Jennie-O
- Walmart (Great Value, Marketside)
- Target (Good & Gather)
- Aldi (Little Salad Bar)
- Amazon (Amazon Fresh)
- Kroger (Private Selection)
- Trader Joe’s
Many of the affected items were salad bowls, pasta bowls, rice bowls, and other ready-to-eat meals with turkey as an ingredient. The “best by” dates on recalled products ranged from early October 2024 to as far out as March 2026.
Dangers of Listeria
Listeria infection causes flu-like symptoms and gastrointestinal distress. While most healthy adults will recover from a mild case, the bacteria can be dangerous or deadly for vulnerable groups like pregnant women, newborns, and the elderly.
In pregnant women, Listeria can lead to premature delivery, miscarriage, stillbirth, and newborn infections. The CDC estimates Listeria causes around 1,600 illnesses and 260 deaths annually in the U.S.
Key Takeaways
- A 2024 Listeria outbreak linked to turkey products prompted a massive recall encompassing over 200 items and 10 million pounds of meat.
- The recall affected major retailers like Walmart, Target, Aldi, and Trader Joe’s which sold ready-to-eat foods containing the contaminated turkey.
- Listeria can be deadly for pregnant women, newborns, and the elderly. For healthy adults, symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea.
- Check the USDA and CDC websites for updated information on recalled products to avoid Listeria infection. Thoroughly cook turkey to 165°F and practice safe food handling.
The 2024 turkey recall serves as an important reminder about the seriousness of Listeria contamination and the extensive distribution networks that can spread tainted ingredients nationwide. Stay vigilant and inspect recall lists to protect yourself and loved ones from Listeria this holiday season. Cook turkey thoroughly, disinfect surfaces, and take care when handling raw poultry.
What people at higher risk should do
Listeria is especially harmful if you are pregnant, are aged 65 or older, or have a weakened immune system due to certain medical conditions or treatments. Other people can be infected with Listeria, but they rarely become seriously ill.
What you should do
- Do not eat recalled meats. Throw them away or contact stores about returns.
- Check your refrigerator for any recalled deli meats and throw them away or return them to the store. Listeria can grow on foods kept in the refrigerator.
- Clean your refrigerator, containers, and surfaces that may have touched recalled meats.
Turkey recall: One of the largest in U.S. history
FAQ
What brand of turkey was recalled?
In October 2021, Butterball was forced to initiate a recall of approximately 14,107 pounds of ground turkey products. Both Butterball all-natural ground turkey and Kroger ground turkey were pulled from grocery store shelves after it was discovered that they may contain small pieces of blue plastic.
Is it safe to-eat ground turkey now?
The short answer is yes ground turkey is safe to eat. After all, it is inspected meat processed in an inspected plant. However, like hamburger and other raw, ground products, the grinding process adds a little more possibility of eating harmful meat.
What food is being recalled right now in 2024 in the USA?
| Date | Company | Product |
|---|---|---|
| 12/20/2024 | Ralph’s Packing Company | Garlic Bologna |
| 12/20/2024 | Ridley USA, Inc. | Robot Pellets |
| 12/19/2024 | Orgain, LLC | 30g Plant Protein Complete Protein Powder Chocolate |
| 12/19/2024 | Nail Factory | Stewed Catfish |
Has Jennie O’ turkey been recalled?
Jennie-O has announced it’s recalling an additional 164,000 pounds of raw ground turkey products that may be linked to an ongoing Salmonella outbreak. The voluntary recall comes as health officials continue to investigate a multi-state outbreak that’s sickened more than 200 people.