A voluntary recall of chicken products raises significant concerns about food safety in the heartland of America.
Story Snapshot
Suzanna’s Kitchen recalls 13,720 pounds of grilled chicken due to Listeria contamination.
No confirmed illnesses reported so far.
Products are shipped to foodservice centers in seven states.
Details of the Recall
In January 2026, Suzanna’s Kitchen, a Georgia-based food company, issued a voluntary recall of approximately 13,720 pounds of ready-to-eat grilled chicken breast fillet products. The recall was due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, discovered through third-party laboratory testing. This proactive measure underscores the company’s commitment to consumer safety, despite no reported illnesses linked to the products.
The affected products were manufactured on October 14, 2025, and have been distributed to foodservice establishments in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Ohio. The recall remains in effect, and establishments must identify, quarantine, and dispose of the products to prevent potential health risks to consumers.
A Georgia-based food company has recalled thousands of pounds of ready-to-eat chicken products, which were sold in seven different states, after determining the products may have been contaminated with listeria. https://t.co/4ipgY5Mpvv
This recall underscores the ongoing challenge of controlling Listeria contamination in refrigerated ready-to-eat products. Listeria monocytogenes can thrive in cold environments, making it particularly difficult to manage. This bacterium is a leading cause of death from foodborne illnesses in the U.S., highlighting the importance of rigorous testing and quality control in food processing facilities.
Suzanna’s Kitchen’s decision to conduct third-party testing before any consumer illnesses were reported exemplifies an effective food safety protocol. The voluntary recall not only protects consumers but also maintains the company’s integrity and reputation in the industry.
Regulatory and Industry Implications
The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) oversees the recall, ensuring compliance with federal food safety standards. This incident may prompt increased regulatory scrutiny and potentially more stringent safety protocols for Suzanna’s Kitchen. It also serves as a reminder to the broader industry about the essential need for vigilant monitoring of food safety risks.
Consumers, on the other hand, are reminded of the risks associated with foodborne illnesses, particularly Listeria, which poses significant threats to vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
As Americans continue to demand accountability and safety in food production, incidents like these reinforce the importance of transparency and proactive measures in protecting public health.
