Attention Costco shoppers! Your favorite quick and easy meal might be harboring an unwelcome guest. Costco has issued an urgent recall for one of its popular frozen meals. What’s the culprit? None other than those seemingly innocent Red’s Southwestern Grilled Chicken Mini Burritos. But before you panic and toss out every frozen item in your freezer, let’s break down what’s really going on and what you need to know to keep your family safe.
The recall affects specific batches of mini burritos
First things first: not all Red’s Mini Burritos are affected. The recall is specifically for packages with sell-by dates of 3/27/26, 4/1/26, 4/2/26, and 4/7/26. These burritos were sold at Costco locations in the Midwestern region of the United States. If you’ve recently purchased these burritos, check the packaging immediately.
Why the specific dates? Well, it turns out that these batches might have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a nasty bacteria that can cause serious health issues. The contamination didn’t originate with Red’s, but rather with their chicken supplier, BrucePac.
If you find that your burritos match these dates, don’t panic—but don’t eat them either. Costco is urging customers to return the product to their nearest warehouse for a full refund. Better safe than sorry, right?
No reported illnesses, but vigilance is key
Here’s some good news: as of now, there have been no reported illnesses or adverse reactions linked to these burritos. Red’s has even stated that all of their products tested negative for Listeria. So why the recall? It’s a precautionary measure, prompted by BrucePac’s massive recall of 10 million pounds of meat and poultry products.
While it’s reassuring that no one has fallen ill, it’s crucial to remain vigilant. Listeria is not something to be taken lightly, especially for certain groups of people. Pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk.
What if you’ve already eaten some of these burritos? Keep an eye out for symptoms like fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. These can appear anywhere from a few days to a few weeks after consuming contaminated food. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider.
The broader impact: beyond burritos
This recall isn’t just about one product. It’s part of a much larger issue that’s affecting multiple retailers and products. BrucePac, the supplier at the center of this recall, has recalled nearly 10 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat products. This affects not just Costco, but also other major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Trader Joe’s.
What does this mean for you? Well, it’s a good reminder to stay informed about food recalls in general. The mini burritos might be the headline-grabber, but they’re not the only products affected by this widespread recall.
In fact, Costco has had to recall other frozen products in recent months. Remember the Kodiak Power Waffles recall? Or the Rock River Cattle Co. Smokey Hibachi Skirt Steaks? It’s clear that even big retailers like Costco aren’t immune to food safety issues.
What to do if you have the recalled product
So, you’ve checked your freezer and found a package of the recalled burritos. What now? First, don’t panic. Second, don’t eat them! Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do:
1. Keep the package sealed. There’s no need to open it and risk contamination.
2. Return the product to your nearest Costco warehouse. They’ll give you a full refund, no questions asked.
3. If you can’t make it to a Costco, you can contact Red’s customer service at (888) 522-9408. They’re available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT to answer any questions you might have.
4. If you’ve already consumed some of the product, monitor your health closely. If you experience any symptoms of listeria infection, consult your healthcare provider immediately.
The recall process: how it works
Ever wonder how these recalls actually happen? It’s not as simple as a company deciding one day to pull their product off the shelves. In this case, the recall was set in motion when USDA testing found that one of BrucePac’s chicken products tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.
Once a contamination is detected, it sets off a chain reaction. The supplier (in this case, BrucePac) initiates a recall of their products. This, in turn, prompts recalls from all the companies that use those products—like Red’s, which uses BrucePac’s chicken in their burritos.
Costco, as the retailer, then has the responsibility to inform their customers and facilitate the return and refund process. It’s a complex system, but it’s designed to protect consumers and prevent foodborne illnesses from spreading.
Listeria: the unwelcome guest
Let’s talk about the villain of this story: Listeria monocytogenes. This bacterium is more than just a tongue-twister—it’s a serious health concern. Listeria can cause an infection called listeriosis, which is particularly dangerous for certain groups of people.
Who’s most at risk? Pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems top the list. For these groups, a listeria infection can lead to severe complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infections in newborns.
Symptoms of listeriosis can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. In some cases, these symptoms might be preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal issues. The tricky part? These symptoms can appear anywhere from a few days to a few weeks after consuming contaminated food.
Beyond burritos: other affected products
While the Red’s Southwestern Grilled Chicken Mini Burritos are the focus of this recall at Costco, they’re not the only product affected by the BrucePac contamination. Costco has also recalled El Monterey Mexican Grill Chicken & Cheese Taquitos due to the same potential listeria contamination.
The affected taquitos were sold between July 25 and October 11, 2024, with item number 18668. If you’ve purchased these taquitos recently, check your freezer and return them to Costco if they match the recall description.
It’s worth noting that this recall extends far beyond Costco. The BrucePac contamination has led to recalls at other major retailers, including Target, Walmart, and Trader Joe’s. The lesson here? Always stay informed about food recalls, regardless of where you shop.
