Public health alert issued for popular Trader Joe’s product
- Replies 0
If you’ve ever grabbed a quick lunch from Trader Joe’s refrigerated section, this news might give you pause.
Federal food safety officials recently issued a nationwide public health alert for one of the chain’s ready-to-eat items, warning that it may pose a serious health risk—especially for older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
Although no illnesses have been reported, routine monitoring uncovered a potential contamination concern at the product’s manufacturing facility.
The item has already been removed from shelves, but many shoppers may still have it in their fridges.
Here’s what to know, and how to protect yourself and your household.
The FSIS issued the alert after environmental samples collected from a food-contact surface at the production facility tested positive for listeria during routine testing.
Here are the specifics of the affected product:
There has been no recall issued since the wraps are no longer being sold.
However, the concern is that customers may have purchased and stored the product in their refrigerators or freezers.
FSIS opted to issue a public health alert to raise awareness and prevent potential illness.
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that can cause a foodborne illness called listeriosis.
While it may result in only mild symptoms for healthy individuals, it poses a far greater risk for certain groups—including adults over 60, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant individuals, and newborns.
Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, confusion, and gastrointestinal distress.
In more severe cases, listeriosis can lead to bloodstream infections or meningitis.
What makes listeria especially concerning is its ability to grow in cold environments, such as refrigerators.
Even if a food item looks or smells fine, it may still be unsafe.
And because the incubation period can stretch from several days to more than two months, symptoms can show up long after the contaminated food has been eaten.
So far, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the Turkey Gobbler Wrap—but that doesn’t mean the danger has passed.
Older adults are more vulnerable to complications from listeria, and even a small amount of contaminated food can trigger serious illness.
That’s why FSIS moved forward with the alert despite the absence of confirmed cases.
This isn’t an isolated event, either. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently flagged other food products—like vegetables from Endico Potatoes Inc. and smoked fish from Haifa Smoked Fish—for similar listeria-related concerns.
With ready-to-eat foods growing in popularity, staying aware of food safety alerts is more important than ever.
If you think you may have purchased a Turkey Gobbler Wrap that matches the description above, here’s what FSIS recommends:
The best way to stay safe from listeria and other foodborne illnesses is through prevention. These simple tips can help:
Food safety systems have become more advanced in recent years, allowing agencies to detect risks earlier in the supply chain.
However, with modern food production spanning multiple states or countries, the chances for contamination have also increased.
Convenience foods like pre-made wraps, salads, or cold dishes don’t get cooked before consumption, so the margin for error is smaller.
Health alerts like this one are a good reminder that while food safety systems are improving, we all have a role to play in staying vigilant—especially when it comes to perishable, ready-to-eat products.
Read next:
Whether you’ve had a close call, a good tip for kitchen safety, or thoughts on how your local Trader Joe’s handles alerts like these, we’d love to hear from you. Sharing your story could help others stay safe and informed—and that’s what The GrayVine community is all about.
Federal food safety officials recently issued a nationwide public health alert for one of the chain’s ready-to-eat items, warning that it may pose a serious health risk—especially for older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
Although no illnesses have been reported, routine monitoring uncovered a potential contamination concern at the product’s manufacturing facility.
The item has already been removed from shelves, but many shoppers may still have it in their fridges.
Here’s what to know, and how to protect yourself and your household.
Trader Joe’s recently faced a food safety alert involving one of its popular prepared items. Image Source: YouTube / The Wall Street Journal.
Product alert: Turkey Gobbler Wrap details
The FSIS issued the alert after environmental samples collected from a food-contact surface at the production facility tested positive for listeria during routine testing.
Here are the specifics of the affected product:
- Product name: Trader Joe’s Turkey Gobbler Wrap
- Packaging: 10-ounce clear plastic clamshell
- Best by date: September 16, 2025
- Establishment number: “P-1644” inside the USDA mark of inspection
- Produced by: WCD Kitchen, Minooka, Illinois
- Production date: September 10, 2025
- Distributed to: Trader Joe’s stores nationwide
There has been no recall issued since the wraps are no longer being sold.
However, the concern is that customers may have purchased and stored the product in their refrigerators or freezers.
FSIS opted to issue a public health alert to raise awareness and prevent potential illness.
Also read: Frozen vegetables recalled in 7 states over Listeria concerns—what to check in your freezer
What is listeria, and why is it serious?
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that can cause a foodborne illness called listeriosis.
While it may result in only mild symptoms for healthy individuals, it poses a far greater risk for certain groups—including adults over 60, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant individuals, and newborns.
Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, confusion, and gastrointestinal distress.
In more severe cases, listeriosis can lead to bloodstream infections or meningitis.
What makes listeria especially concerning is its ability to grow in cold environments, such as refrigerators.
Even if a food item looks or smells fine, it may still be unsafe.
And because the incubation period can stretch from several days to more than two months, symptoms can show up long after the contaminated food has been eaten.
Also read: FDA recalls tuna salad sold in multiple states due to listeria concerns
Why it matters for older adults
So far, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the Turkey Gobbler Wrap—but that doesn’t mean the danger has passed.
Older adults are more vulnerable to complications from listeria, and even a small amount of contaminated food can trigger serious illness.
That’s why FSIS moved forward with the alert despite the absence of confirmed cases.
This isn’t an isolated event, either. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently flagged other food products—like vegetables from Endico Potatoes Inc. and smoked fish from Haifa Smoked Fish—for similar listeria-related concerns.
With ready-to-eat foods growing in popularity, staying aware of food safety alerts is more important than ever.
Check your fridge—this ready-to-eat wrap may still be sitting on shelves at home. Image Source: USDA.
Also read: 2 popular cold-smoked fish products recalled nationwide over listeria risk
What to do if you bought one
If you think you may have purchased a Turkey Gobbler Wrap that matches the description above, here’s what FSIS recommends:
- Do not eat it. Even if it looks or smells normal, don’t take the risk.
- Check both your fridge and freezer. Listeria can survive freezing, so stored leftovers are still a concern.
- Dispose of it safely or return it to Trader Joe’s for a full refund.
- Monitor for symptoms. If you already ate the wrap and begin feeling feverish, achy, or experience stomach upset, call your healthcare provider—especially if you are in a higher-risk group.
Look for the best-by date and inspection number to see if yours is part of the alert. Image Source: USDA.
Also read: Cheese lovers beware! FDA recall issued after listeria risk detected
Tips for protecting yourself from listeria
The best way to stay safe from listeria and other foodborne illnesses is through prevention. These simple tips can help:
- Stay informed. Sign up for food recall alerts via the USDA or FDA websites.
- Clean your fridge regularly. Prevent bacteria buildup and cross-contamination.
- Double-check labels. Look for best-by dates, establishment numbers, and product codes.
- When in doubt, throw it out. Don’t risk your health over questionable leftovers.
Also read: Popular ice cream bars recalled in 23 states due to listeria concerns
Why we’re seeing more alerts lately
Food safety systems have become more advanced in recent years, allowing agencies to detect risks earlier in the supply chain.
However, with modern food production spanning multiple states or countries, the chances for contamination have also increased.
Convenience foods like pre-made wraps, salads, or cold dishes don’t get cooked before consumption, so the margin for error is smaller.
Health alerts like this one are a good reminder that while food safety systems are improving, we all have a role to play in staying vigilant—especially when it comes to perishable, ready-to-eat products.
Helpful contacts
- Trader Joe’s Customer Relations: 626-599-3817 (Monday–Friday)
- USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline: 888-674-6854
- Report a food safety issue: Submit a report to FSIS online
Read next:
- Are you at risk? Popular ready-to-eat meal triggers urgent listeria health alert
- Popular breakfast item recalled over listeria concerns—check your fridge
- A major meat plant is reopening after a deadly outbreak—what shoppers should know
Whether you’ve had a close call, a good tip for kitchen safety, or thoughts on how your local Trader Joe’s handles alerts like these, we’d love to hear from you. Sharing your story could help others stay safe and informed—and that’s what The GrayVine community is all about.
