Several brands of chicken taco kits have been pulled from shelves in February 2024 following a lethal outbreak of Listeria infections affecting numerous individuals.
The recalls specifically target chicken taco kits featuring dairy products, such as cheese or crema sauce, produced by Rizo-Lopez Foods. The company initiated a comprehensive recall of all their dairy items after being linked to a Listeria outbreak responsible for 2 fatalities and severe infections in at least 23 people since 2014, according to the ongoing CDC Outbreak Investigation.
Rizo-Lopez Foods’ recalls triggered a ripple effect, prompting over a dozen other recalls by companies incorporating dairy products into their offerings. Among these recalls, many involved chicken taco kits.
Fresh Creative Foods Recall: On February 7, 2024, Fresh Creative Foods recalled various products, including Cilantro Lime Crema, Everything Sauce Fiesta, Cilantro Cotija dressing, Poblano Caesar dressing, Cilantro Dressing, and Chicken Street Taco Express Meal Kit. The recall was prompted by the potential Listeria risk in the cheese ingredient. These products were distributed to retailers like Costco, H-E-B, Trader Joe’s, and Albertson’s across multiple states.
Bristol Farms Recall: On February 14, 2024, Bristol Farms recalled the Chicken Taco Kit (9-oz., Sell-By 1/18/24) due to potential Listeria contamination in the Chipotle Crema sauce cup. The affected kit was sold at specific Bristol Farms California retail store locations.
Save Mart, Lucky Recall: On February 9, 2024, The Save Mart Companies recalled chicken street taco kits, citing a Listeria risk. These kits were sold in Save Mart, Lucky, and Lucky California store service delis, featuring a cup of crema sauce containing cotija cheese produced by the recalled Rizo-Lopez Foods.
Stater Bros. Recall: On February 9, 2024, Stater Bros. issued a recall for chicken street taco kits due to potential Listeria contamination. The recall affected 768 units of “CHICKEN STREET TACO KIT” with Sell-Thru dates up to and including February 10, 2024. The kits, supplied by Fresh Creative Foods, were available at all Stater Bros. Markets in California.
If you have any of these recalled products, it’s advised to dispose of them promptly or return them to the point of purchase for a full refund.
