In one of the most extensive food safety recalls in 2024, more than 11 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat products from the protein supplier BrucePac were pulled from shelves due to potential contamination by Listeria bacteria.
This recall has affected many products across the country, including four popular items sold at Costco. Shoppers are now urged to check their kitchens and return any affected items to avoid potential health risks.
In this article, we’ll dive into the details of the recall, the products affected, and what you must do if you’ve purchased any of these items.
What Is Listeria, and Why Is It Dangerous?
Listeria is a germ that can make you sick if you eat it in your food. The CDC says that Listeria infections can be dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weak immune systems. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, diarrhea, and vomiting. In severe cases, it can cause serious problems like meningitis and death.
Symptoms typically appear within a few days to weeks after consuming contaminated food. Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you suspect you’ve eaten a recalled product and experienced any of these symptoms.
The BrucePac Recall: A Nationwide Food Safety Incident
On October 9, 2024, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a recall notice after detecting Listeria in ready-to-eat chicken products from BrucePac during routine testing. This prompted a massive recall affecting restaurants, schools, and retailers nationwide.
Costco, one of the impacted retailers, has issued recalls for four specific products containing BrucePac chicken. Below is everything you need to know about these recalled items.
1. Rana Meal Kits
Costco has taken back two Rana-brand meal kits:
- Chicken Truffle Carbonara
- Tagliatelle Grilled White Chicken & Portobello Mushroom Sauce
These meal kits were sold between September and October 2024 and were pulled from shelves due to potentially contaminated BrucePac chicken use. Customers who purchase these items are advised not to consume them and return them to their local Costco for a full refund.
If you have additional questions, contact Rana Meal Solutions at (888) 326-2721, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST.
What to Do:
- Don’t eat the meal kits that have been recalled.
- Take the items back to Costco and get all your money back.
2. El Monterey Mexican Grill Chicken & Cheese Taquitos
Another product affected by the BrucePac recall is El Monterey Mexican Grill’s Chicken & Cheese Taquitos. These are popular freezer aisle items at Costco. The recall affects boxes with “best if used by” dates ranging from October 2025 to December 2025.
As with the other recalled items, consumers should avoid consuming these taquitos and return them to Costco for a refund. Ruiz Foods, the brand owner of El Monterey, has provided a consumer helpline for any additional inquiries. You can contact them at 1-800-772-6474, extension 2500.
What to Do:
- Check the “best if used by” date on your El Monterey taquitos to see if they are part of the recall.
- Return any affected products to Costco for a refund.
3. Red’s Southwestern Grilled Chicken Mini Burritos
Red’s small grilled chicken burritos from the Southwest were also taken off the shelves because of safety concerns. Even though the burritos did not have Listeria, Red’s decided to recall them just to be safe.
This recall is only for burritos that have best-by dates:
- 3/27/26
- 4/1/26
- 4/2/26
- 4/7/26
Customers can return these products to Costco for a full refund. Red’s also provided a helpline for additional support at (888) 522-9408.
What to Do:
- If you purchased Red’s Southwestern Grilled Chicken Mini Burritos with the affected best-by dates, do not consume them.
- Return the product to Costco for a full refund.
Why Are These Products Recalled?
All four items contain chicken supplied by BrucePac, the company at the center of this nationwide recall. The USDA’s Food Safety & Inspection Service found Listeria in BrucePac products, so they had to be recalled.
While there are no confirmed reports of illness related to these Costco products, it’s essential to err on the side of caution. Listeria can make people very sick, especially those who are more likely to get sick easily. Symptoms may not show up until a few days or even weeks after eating contaminated food.
What Should You Do if You Purchased a Recalled Item?
If you have purchased any of the recalled items from Costco, here’s what you should do:
- Do Not Consume the Product: Even if you have not experienced any symptoms, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Avoid eating the recalled items.
- Return the Product to Costco: You can return any affected products to your local Costco for a full refund. Check the specific “best by” dates and product descriptions to see if your items are part of the recall.
- Contact the Manufacturer for More Information: If you have questions or concerns, each brand has provided a helpline for customers: Rana Meal Solutions: (888) 326-2721
- Ruiz Foods (El Monterey) can be reached at 1-800-772-6474, extension 2500
- Red’s: (888) 522-9408
Final Thoughts
Over 11 million pounds of BrucePac meat products were taken off the shelves, and four popular items at Costco were also recalled. No one has gotten sick from these products, but it’s important for people to know about it, look in their kitchens & bring back any recalled items to Costco for a refund.
Keeping an eye on recall notices and following food safety recommendations can help protect your health. If you’ve purchased any recalled products, take action immediately and avoid consuming potentially contaminated food.