The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced a nationwide recall of Al-Safa Halal chicken kebabs due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
This significant recall affects over 2,000 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat chicken products distributed across various retail locations in the United States.
Chicken Kebab Nationwide Recall
FSIS uncovered that Al-Safa U.S. had imported the contaminated chicken products from Canada. The products were produced on June 5 and imported into the U.S. on June 13 and June 21, 2024. The recalled goods include two specific products:
Al Safa Halal Charcoal Grilled Chicken Seekh Kebab: Packaged in 12.1-ounce cardboard boxes, this product is labeled "Grilled, Minced, Chicken Patty Kebab" and marked with a best-by date of "NOV 30 25" and lot number "0605404."
Al Safa Halal Fully Cooked Chicken Chapli Kebab: Packaged in 14.11-ounce cardboard boxes, this seasoned chicken patty is labeled with a best-by date of "NOV 30 25" and lot number "0605416."
Both products bear the establishment number "866" inside the Canadian mark of inspection, making them easily identifiable to consumers and retailers.
Listeria Contamination Discovery and Health Risks
The possible contamination was discovered through FSIS's regular product testing. The presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the test results led to the critical pullout of 2,010 pounds of chicken products.
Although there have been no confirmed cases of negative effects linked to these products, the threat from Listeria is substantial, especially for specific at-risk populations.
Listeria is a type of bacteria that can lead to listeriosis, a severe infection that substantially impacts aged individualities, people with compromised vulnerable immune systems, and pregnant women along with their babies.
If someone is infected with the bacteria, this can be noticed as muscle pains, seizures, a high fever, headaches, and neck stiffness might be experienced. Adding to this is the first sign, which could manifest as a digestive issue or diarrhea before it transpires to something more serious.
Pregnant women who contract Listeria have an advanced chance of suffering miscarriages, stillbirths, premature birth, or severe infections in their babies.
Elderly people and those with compromised vulnerable immune systems are more susceptible to serious and conceivably deadly consequences. Prompt treatment with antibiotics is essential for individualities infected by listeriosis, particularly among high-threat populations.
Consumer Guidance and Safety Measures
Consumers who bought the Al-Safa Halal chicken kebabs that were recalled should avoid eating them. Alternatively, they should promptly discard the items or bring them back to the retailer for reimbursement.
FSIS is presently carrying out checks to confirm that the recalled products are no longer accessible to customers and that retailers are informed about the recall.
FSIS is worried that some of these items might still be in people's freezers, presenting an ongoing danger if eaten. Hence, it is recommended that customers examine their freezers for the recalled products and adhere to the disposal or return instructions.
FSIS will keep covering the situation and will offer necessary updates. The agency is making sure that all products that have been recalled are taken off the request and that consumers are apprehensive of the possible health hazards linked to using these products. The FSIS website will publish retail distribution lists as soon as they're ready.
While there have been no verified cases of illness related to the recalled Al- Safa Halal chicken kebabs, the FSIS urges consumers to take immediate action to avoid possible health pitfalls.
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