Tyson Recalls 8 Million Pounds of Frozen, Cooked Chicken Because of Listeria Risk

Nationwide recall comes after one person died and two others were hospitalized

By Lisa L. Gill
Investigative Reporter

July 3, 2021

Chicken Packaging in Voluntary Product Recall — Frozen, cooked chicken recalled by Tyson because of listeria risk.

Tyson Foods recalled more than 8 million pounds of cooked, frozen chicken today, according to an announcement from the Department of Agriculture, because of a risk of listeria. More than two dozen products, distributed nationwide, are affected; they bear the number “EST. P-7089” on the product bag or inside the Department of Agriculture inspection stamp.

The company said in a statement that while “there is no conclusive evidence that the products were contaminated at the time of shipment, the voluntary recall is being initiated out of an abundance of caution.”

One person died and two others were hospitalized, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is still investigating the outbreak. People affected so far were in Delaware and Texas.

See the full list of recalled products (PDF).

Listeria Symptoms

Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems. It’s also dangerous for pregnant women because infection with the bacteria can lead to miscarriage, preterm labor, and stillbirth.

If you experience a fever and muscle aches, along with a headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions, the CDC urges you to contact your doctor. For those who are pregnant, those symptoms may be more mild but can cause premature birth or miscarriages.

The Details

Products recalled: Cooked, frozen chicken products by Tyson Foods, Inc. that bear the number “EST. P-7089.” See the full list of recalled products (PDF).

The problem: The frozen, cooked chicken may be contaminated with listeria.

The fix: Check your freezer, and if you have any of the recalled products, remove the UPC and date code from the package, then throw it away. You may be able to eventually return the UPC and date code to the retailer where it was purchased for a refund.

How to contact the manufacturer: Call Tyson Foods customer relations at 855-382-3101.

Lisa L. Gill

Lisa L. Gill is an award-winning investigative reporter. She has been at Consumer Reports since 2008, covering health and food safety—heavy metals in the food supply and foodborne illness—plus healthcare and prescription drug costs, medical debt, and credit scores. Lisa also testified before Congress and the Food and Drug Administration about her work on drug costs and drug safety. She lives in a DIY tiny home, where she gardens during the day and stargazes the Milky Way at night.