In a recent announcement, Costco has initiated a voluntary recall of its Red’s Southwestern Grilled Chicken Mini Burritos due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can lead to serious foodborne illness. This follows a series of recalls that the retailer has implemented over the past month, including frozen waffles and skirt steak.

On October 10, 2024, Costco alerted its customers about the recall, emphasizing the importance of consumer safety. Red’s Foods, the manufacturer of the burritos, issued a statement confirming that all products tested negative for Listeria, and no illnesses have been reported in connection with the affected product. However, the recall was executed as a precautionary measure following a recall from BrucePac, one of their poultry suppliers, due to possible contamination.

Red’s Foods reassured customers that they prioritize health and safety, stating, “At Red’s, the health and safety of our consumers is of the utmost importance. On October 9, 2024, BrucePac issued a recall of some poultry products due to possible Listeria contamination. Out of an abundance of caution, we have voluntarily recalled a limited number of our products.” The company has contacted consumers who purchased the potentially affected burritos, advising them to return the product for a full refund.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Listeria poses the greatest risk to vulnerable populations, including pregnant individuals, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. While healthy individuals can also contract Listeria, serious illness is less common among them.

Symptoms of Listeria infection can manifest anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks after consuming contaminated food. Common symptoms include fever, flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, and vomiting, making it crucial for consumers to be aware of any potential risks associated with their food.

The Red’s Southwestern Grilled Chicken Mini Burritos are filled with grilled chicken, white cheddar cheese, black beans, brown rice, sweet corn, and smoky chipotle sauce. These burritos are exclusively available at Costco locations in the Midwest, and they were introduced to the market only recently. The recall specifically affects packages with the following best by dates: March 27, 2026; April 1, 2026; April 2, 2026; and April 7, 2026.

Costco has advised customers who may still have the recalled burritos in their freezers to discard them or return them to the store for a refund. The retailer has taken steps to ensure that all impacted products are removed from their shelves to protect consumer health.

As food safety remains a top priority for retailers and manufacturers alike, consumers are encouraged to stay informed about recalls and to check their food products regularly. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance when it comes to food safety and the potential risks associated with foodborne pathogens.

In light of this recall, customers are urged to remain cautious and to report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider if they suspect they may have consumed contaminated food. The proactive measures taken by both Costco and Red’s Foods demonstrate a commitment to consumer safety and health.