Nearly 253,000 Pounds of Frozen Burritos Are Being Recalled

Susmita Baral
Susmita Baral
Susmita Baral is New York City-based multimedia journalist covering food, culture, technology, health and science.
updated May 30, 2019
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Burrito-lovers, be warned: There’s a massive recall for ready-to-eat frozen burritos, so double check your freezer before indulging. A Las Cruces, New Mexico-based company issued a recall for nearly 253,000 pounds of frozen burritos on Saturday morning over a possible listeria contamination in select products from the brand.

The Green Chile Food Company issued the recall in four states — California, Illinois, Oregon, and South Dakota — for a few different types of burritos (egg, chicken, pork, and beef) “shipped to institutions, retail stores, and distribution centers” and packaged between March 8 and May 10.

The potential contamination was discovered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) when it was conducting a routine sampling of the brand’s products. The beef and potato burrito tested were found to have the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. The USDA is advising consumers to throw away affected products or return them to the place of purchase.

The recall falls under a Class I recall. According to the USDA, this means it is a “health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.” Each year, roughly 1,600 individuals in the United States get listeriosis and 260 die from the bacteria.

The symptoms can pop up as early as a few days after eating contaminated food or up to a few weeks later, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues. The bacteria can result in a serious infection that is especially dangerous for pregnant women. Listeriosis can be fatal for the elderly, those who suffer from chronic medical conditions, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Thus far, there are no reported cases of illness from the products.

Make Your Own Frozen Burritos