WASHINGTON — Federal health officials have issued a high-priority “Class I” recall for more than 13,000 pounds of ready-to-eat grilled chicken breast fillets following a positive test for Listeria monocytogenes. The recall, announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on January 16, 2026, impacts foodservice distribution centers across the Eastern and Midwestern United States.
The Contamination Discovery
The recall was initiated by Suzanna’s Kitchen, a food processing establishment based in Norcross, Georgia. According to official reports, the potential contamination was identified after a third-party laboratory sample of the “fully cooked grilled chicken breast fillets” returned a positive result for Listeria.
While the chicken was produced on October 14, 2025, the FSIS is concerned that significant quantities of the product may still be stored in commercial refrigerators or freezers at restaurants, schools, and other foodservice institutions.
Official Product Details for Identification:
- Product: 10-lb. cases containing two 5-lb. bags of fully cooked grilled chicken breast fillets with rib meat.
- Lot Code: 60104 P1382 287 5 J14 (printed on the side of the case and package).
- Establishment Number: P-1382 (located inside the USDA mark of inspection).
Geographic Reach: Affected States
The 13,720 pounds of affected poultry were shipped specifically to distribution centers intended for foodservice sales. The following seven states are currently under the recall alert:
- Alabama
- Florida
- Georgia
- Missouri
- New Hampshire
- North Carolina
- Ohio
Authorities are urging kitchen managers and inventory specialists in these regions to check their supplies immediately.
Health Risks: What You Need to Know
As of today, January 19, 2026, there have been no confirmed reports of illness. However, Listeria monocytogenes is a hardy bacterium that can survive—and even grow—in refrigerated environments.
Consumption of contaminated food can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects:
- Older Adults (65+): High risk of invasive infection.
- Pregnant Individuals: Can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature delivery.
- Immunocompromised Individuals: May lead to life-threatening complications like meningitis or sepsis.
Symptoms to Watch For:
- Fever and muscle aches.
- Severe headache and stiff neck.
- Confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions.
- Gastrointestinal distress (diarrhea or nausea).
USDA Response and Secretary’s Stance
The recall comes as the USDA, led by Secretary Brooke Rollins, continues its “Eat Real Food” initiative, focusing on higher safety standards and transparency in the American food supply chain. Secretary Rollins, who assumed her role in early 2025, has emphasized that the department will prioritize rapid communication during foodborne illness outbreaks to protect rural and urban families alike.
Action Steps for Consumers and Businesses
If you possess any product matching the lot codes above:
- Do Not Serve or Consume: Immediately sequester the product.
- Dispose or Return: The FSIS recommends either throwing the product away or returning it to the place of purchase.
- Sanitize: Clean any surfaces, containers, or utensils that may have come into contact with the recalled chicken.
For questions regarding the recall, consumers can contact Dawn Duncan, Customer Service Director at Suzanna’s Kitchen, or call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854).