Costco has recalled another popular frozen product due to possible contamination that could make people sick. This time it’s El Monterey Mexican Grill Chicken & Cheese Taquitos.
This change has worried Costco customers, especially those who bought these items recently. Here’s what you should know about the recall, possible dangers & what to do if you have the affected product.
The Recall Overview
On October 14, 2024, Costco notified customers about the possible contamination of El Monterey Mexican Grill Chicken & Cheese Taquitos.
According to the notice, specific batches of these taquitos may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. These bad bacteria can make people very sick, especially pregnant women, babies, older people, and those with weak immune systems. This product is sold in packs of 30 and is popular in Costco’s freezer section.
The recall is more extensive and ongoing and involves BrucePac, a protein supplier. Close to 10 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat products distributed to various restaurants and institutions have been affected by this recall.
BrucePac supplies products to other companies for resale or repackaging, which has led to secondary recalls of products containing BrucePac ingredients, including Red’s Southwestern Grilled Chicken Mini Burritos and now El Monterey Chicken & Cheese Taquitos.
Details of the Affected Product
This recall impacts only specific sets of El Monterey Chicken & Cheese Taquitos sold at Costco. If you have purchased this product during the past week, you’ll be interested in reviewing your package for the expiration dates on the affected batches:
- From October 12, 2025, to October 31, 2025
- November 1, 2025, to November 29, 2025
- December 3, 2025, to December 26, 2025
If your package is dated within these time periods, Costco recommends that you do not eat the taquitos. Instead, you are encouraged to return the product to your local Costco warehouse for a full refund.
What Is Listeria?
Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria that can cause a severe infection called listeriosis. While healthy individuals may experience mild symptoms, such as fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, it can be much more dangerous for certain populations.
Pregnant women, for example, are more susceptible to severe complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature delivery. Babies, elderly people, and those with weak immune systems are more likely to get very sick or die from listeriosis.
The infection can occur when food contaminated with Listeria is consumed. Symptoms of listeriosis typically appear within a few days to several weeks after consumption of contaminated food.
Common symptoms include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea or diarrhea. Worse cases can cause problems like meningitis, sepsis, or death.
Steps to Take If You Have the Affected Product
If you bought El Monterey Chicken & Cheese Taquitos at Costco, it’s important to do these things:
- Check the “Best if Used By” Date: Review the dates on the packaging. If they fall within the affected range, do not eat the product.
- Return for a Refund: Costco offers a full refund for customers who return the recalled taquitos to their local store. Even if you don’t have the receipt, you should still be able to receive a refund.
- Monitor Your Health: If you or someone in your household has consumed the recalled taquitos, pay attention to any potential symptoms of listeriosis. Ass the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) say, individuals should seek medical attention if they experience fever, muscle aches, or other symptoms after eating potentially contaminated food.
- Contact the Manufacturer: If you have further questions or concerns, you can reach out to Ruiz Foods, the owner of the El Monterey brand. They created a phone number for customers..
Preventing Listeria Infection
Although the current recall is worrying, there are ways you can protect yourself from getting Listeria infections in the future:
- Cook Foods Thoroughly: Listeria bacteria can be killed through proper cooking. Ensure to heat frozen foods to the appropriate temperature to reduce the risk of contamination.
- Store Foods Properly: Listeria can grow in refrigerated conditions, so ensure your fridge is set to the proper temperature (40°F or lower).
- Practice Good Hygiene: Always thoroughly wash your hands, kitchen utensils, and surfaces after handling raw food.
Final Thoughts
Even though no one has gotten sick from the recalled El Monterey Chicken & Cheese Taquitos, it’s important for people to pay attention to the recall. Listeria can make people very sick, especially those who are more likely to get sick.
You, your family, and the future will be well protected if you get yourself up to date with information, do the correct procedure for returning the product, and monitor yourself for symptoms. Don’t forget to log onto Costco’s website or call your local store for any new information about the recall.