A food manufacturer is recalling thousands of pounds of pre-made chicken sold in seven states due to contamination with the dangerous Listeria bacteria.
Suzanna’s Kitchen, based in Norcross, Georgia, issued a warning about 13,720lbs of meat, packed in 10lbs cases containing two 5lbs bags of fully cooked breast fillets with rib meat.
Listeria is a foodborne bacterium found in soil, water, and some animal feces. When ingested, it can cause an illness called listeriosis.
While healthy individuals may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, listeriosis is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.
The chicken was distributed across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina and Ohio. It is not meant for retail in grocery stores and was sold to restaurants, hotels, cafeterias in schools and hospitals and caterers.
The department said: ‘Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.’
The recall was triggered by a positive listeria test from a third-party lab. The FSIS warns that some products may still be in commercial cold storage and must not be served. They should be disposed of or returned.
No illnesses have been reported. The lot code for the product was 60104 P1382 287 5 J14 on the side of the case and on the package. The USDA did not include expiration dates but said the chicken was made on October 14, 2025.
Approximately 13,720 pounds of grilled chicken breast fillets have been recalled by Suzanna’s Kitchen in Georgia. The recalled product was sold in 10-pound cases containing two five-pound bags (stock)
Listeria monocytogenes causes an estimated 1,250 to 1,600 illnesses in the US every year, resulting in roughly 1,500 hospitalizations and about 260 deaths annually.
Initial symptoms of listeriosis resemble the flu, including fever, muscle aches, headache and sometimes diarrhea.
But in severe cases, the infection can become invasive, leading to neurological issues such as stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance or seizures.
In vulnerable groups, the infection can become severe, leading to meningitis, sepsis or even death.
Symptoms of listeriosis usually appear within a day of consuming the bacteria and last up to three days in healthy people.
But for those at greatest risk, particularly adults 65 and older, a Listeria infection can be far more dangerous.
Older adults not only face higher susceptibility, but often have underlying conditions like diabetes, cancer or heart disease that weaken their immune defenses and worsen outcomes.
No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled chicken in the states where it was distributed: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina and Ohio
Newborns under one month are also exceptionally vulnerable. Their immune systems are not sufficiently developed to fight serious bacterial infections.
Pregnant women are also among the most at-risk groups. Listeria can cross the placental barrier, infecting a fetus that has no immune defenses of its own.
This can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery or life-threatening infection in the newborn.
In its most severe forms, especially among older adults, newborns and immunocompromised individuals, listeriosis can be fatal.
