Texas-based company Pilgrim’s Pride Co. is recalling about 11,240 lbs. of its products of check from ready-to-eat range. These products were recalled because they have been possibly contaminated with the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.

The possible contamination was discovered during a random internal sampling conducted by FSIS. The recalled chicken products have the following specific information:

Product description:
“Sweet Georgia Fully Cooked Breaded White Nugget-Shaped Patties”
Contained in: 10-lb. boxes, with two 5-lb. bags of recalled products per box
Date code: 11471010
Series number: P-7091A
Date of production: 5-27-2011

Product description:
“Pilgrim’s Pride Fully Cooked Grilled Chicken Breast Fillet with Rib Meat”
Contained in: 30-lb. boxes, with six 5-lb. bags of recalled products per box
Date code: 11801050
Date: 12-6-2011
Series number: P-20728

The nugget-shaped patties were shipped to distribution centers in Texas and New Jersey, while the breast fillets were delivered to a site in Ohio. These distribution centers would be the ones to distribute the products to various retail establishments in the states.

Listeria monocytogenes is a harmful bacterium that is a common food contaminant. Symptoms of infection or food poisoning caused by these bacteria include high fever, stiff neck, severe headache and nausea. In some instances, Listeria infection (Listeriosis) can lead to death. This happens when the person infected already has an existing medical condition prior to the infection, like HIV or cancer. Listeriosis can also lead to stillbirths or miscarriages in pregnant women. For the recalled products however, no cases of Listeriosis have been reported.

Consumers who are concerned about the recall and who may have questions about it can call and speak to the company’s representative at 800-321-1470. They can ask for Cheri Schneider, Pilgrim’s representative regarding the recall.