Are you at risk? Popular ready-to-eat meal triggers urgent listeria health alert

If you’ve picked up a ready-to-eat meal for a quick lunch lately, you’ll want to pay close attention.

The US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has just issued a public health alert for certain products due to the risk of Listeria monocytogenes contamination—a bacteria that can cause serious illness, especially in older adults.

At The GrayVine, we know that convenience foods are a staple for many of us, whether it’s for a picnic, a quick meal on the go, or a no-fuss dinner. But when food safety is at stake, it’s important to stay informed and take action to protect yourself and your loved ones.



What’s the Issue?
On May 13th, the FSIS sounded the alarm about two popular ready-to-eat chicken and bacon wraps that may be contaminated with Listeria.

While these products are no longer on store shelves, there’s a chance some folks may have stashed them in the freezer for later. If that’s you—or someone you know—read on.

Which Products Are Affected?
The health alert covers the following items, both produced on May 2, 2025, and sold in clear 10-ounce plastic clamshell packages:
  • Big Y Quick Easy Meals Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap
  • Market 32 by Price Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap
Both products have a “sell by” date of May 7, 2025, and a lot code of 25122.


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A public health alert has been issued in the US for some ready-to-eat chicken and bacon wrap products due to a potential listeria contamination risk. Image source: FDA.



Where Were These Chicken Wraps Sold?
The affected wraps were distributed to retail locations in the following states:
  • Connecticut (Sold)
  • Massachusetts (Distributed and sold)
  • New York (Distributed and sold)
If you live in or have recently traveled to any of these states, check your fridge and freezer for these products.

What Is Listeria—and Why Is It So Dangerous?
Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria that can cause a serious infection called listeriosis.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), listeriosis is especially dangerous for adults over 65, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns.

In earlier news: Deadly alert: More victims claimed by the listeria outbreak linked to these popular ready-to-eat meats!



Listeria can survive and even grow in cold environments, like your refrigerator or freezer, making it a particularly sneaky threat.

Symptoms to Watch For
Listeria infection can look a lot like the flu at first, but it can quickly become much more serious. Symptoms may include:

- Fever and muscle aches
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion or loss of balance
- Convulsions
- Diarrhea or other stomach issues


compressed-Screenshot 2025-05-15 at 10.58.38.jpeg
The affected products are the “Big Y quick easy meals Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap” and “Market 32 by price Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap”, with a sell by date of May 7, 2025 and lot code 25122. Image source: FDA.



In severe cases, listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection in newborns. In older adults and those with weakened immune systems, it can be fatal.



What Should You Do If You Have the Product?
  • Check your fridge and freezer: Look for the affected wraps, especially if you shop at Big Y or Market 32 by Price.
  • Don’t take chances: If you find a wrap with the lot code 25122 and a sell-by date of May 7, 2025, throw it away—even if it looks and smells fine.
  • No illnesses reported yet: As of now, there have been no confirmed cases of illness linked to these products. But listeria can take up to two months to cause symptoms, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
For more information: Visit the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service or contact your healthcare provider if you have concerns about listeria or foodborne illness.

Read next: Is your favorite snack making people sick? FDA recalls grab-and-go items after 10 hospitalizations

Key Takeaways

  • A public health alert has been issued in the US for some ready-to-eat chicken and bacon wrap products due to a potential listeria contamination risk.
  • The affected products are the “Big Y quick easy meals Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap” and “Market 32 by price Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap”, with a sell by date of May 7, 2025 and lot code 25122.
  • These products were distributed and sold in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York; although they are no longer available for sale, some consumers may have frozen them.
  • Listeria infection is a serious health risk, especially for vulnerable groups, and consumers who purchased the affected item are advised to discard it and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms.

We want to hear from you! Have you ever had to toss out a favorite food because of a recall? Do you have tips for staying on top of food safety news? Share your stories and advice in the comments below!
 

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