The maker of many popular precooked chicken products issued a massive recall after consumers experienced gastrointestinal distress and related symptoms after eating them. Distributed at grocery stores, restaurants, schools, hospitals and military bases across the United States, the tainted poultry products may be making Americans sick because of listeria contamination.
Per CBS News, the poultry recall involves more than 8.5 million pounds of frozen, pre-cooked chicken products. Recalled products include chicken nuggets, chicken patties, diced chicken and pizza with chicken on it.
Outbreak details
So far, the listeria outbreak has caused at least one death and sickened several people in different states. Many consumers who experienced gastrointestinal distress after consuming these tainted products may not have made reports about their experiences. Others may not have made the connection between their consumption of the chicken products and their illnesses.
Listeria signs and risks
Consumers who do eat tainted chicken products are at risk of a range of serious symptoms. Listeria contamination may lead to listeriosis, a potentially deadly infection. Symptoms associated with the infection include fever, chills, muscle aches, confusion, balance issues, headaches, body aches and severe stomach issues. Each year, more than 1,600 Americans develop listeriosis, and about 260 people die because of it annually.
Everyone faces listeria risks. However, older adults, pregnant women and Americans with compromised immune systems face an especially high risk of a listeria infection and associated complications.
Consumers who ate the recalled chicken products or other tainted food products and experienced serious illnesses or infections afterward may have recourse.