A major food safety recall has been issued after a routine third-party test detected the presence of listeria monocytogenes in a batch of frozen, ready-to-eat chicken. The product, distributed across seven states, is linked to Georgia-based Suzanna’s Kitchen, which has voluntarily pulled more than 13,000 pounds of grilled chicken breast from distribution.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) confirmed that no illnesses have been reported at this stage, but emphasized the importance of immediate disposal or return of the affected products. With listeria posing a serious risk to vulnerable populations, the recall aims to minimize any potential public health threat.
Grilled Chicken Distributed across Seven States Pulled from Shelves
According to FSIS, Suzanna’s Kitchen has recalled approximately 13,720 pounds of fully cooked grilled chicken breast fillets. The products in question were produced on October 14, 2025, and shipped in 10-pound bulk cases containing two 5-pound bags. Each package is marked with lot code 60104 P1382 287 5 J14 and the establishment number P-1382, visible within the USDA mark of inspection.
The frozen fillets were distributed to food service centers, not directly to consumers, across seven states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Ohio. A third-party laboratory was responsible for detecting the contamination, according to the CBS News report published on January 19.
No cases of illness have been confirmed in connection with this recall. However, due to the serious nature of listeria monocytogenes (a bacterium known to thrive even in refrigerated conditions) the USDA and health officials are urging any businesses or institutions in possession of the affected products to discard them or return them to the point of purchase. Consumers with questions have been directed to contact either the company’s customer service or the USDA’s Meat and Poultry Hotline.
Understanding the Risks Posed by Listeria Monocytogenes
Listeria contamination in food products presents a significant health risk, particularly for certain groups such as pregnant individuals, older adults, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis, the illness caused by this bacterium, can manifest in two primary forms: a non-invasive gastrointestinal version that typically includes symptoms like fever, nausea, and muscle aches, and a more dangerous invasive form which may lead to severe complications including confusion, seizures, and even death in vulnerable patients.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that listeria infects roughly 1,600 people annually in the United States, with about 260 resulting in death. Because listeria can survive and grow at low temperatures, it presents unique challenges in food safety management, particularly in the processing and packaging stages of ready-to-eat products.
The source of contamination was not immediately clear, but FSIS has confirmed that it originated during processing and was flagged during quality assurance testing. With food recalls involving bacterial contamination continuing to draw national attention, this incident underscores the importance of stringent monitoring systems, even post-production.
In the meantime, health authorities maintain that the proactive recall demonstrates the effectiveness of surveillance protocols. FSIS, along with Suzanna’s Kitchen, has reiterated that the public should not consume the recalled items under any circumstances.
