Simple Truth chicken, beef products recalled

WASHINGTON (WISH) — Chicken and beef products with labels indicating they are sold at a popular grocery chain are being recalled by a California firm. 

Envolve Foods recalled 292,764 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken and beef products that contain a vegetable ingredient that may be contaminated with salmonella and listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service said Friday.

The food was produced and packaged from Feb. 2, 2017, through Oct. 12. The labels indicate it is the Simple Truth brand and displays a Kroger grocery icon. 

The recalled items:

• 22-oz. plastic bags containing Simple truth Chicken Bibimbap and a case code number of 011110890108 on the label and use by/sell by dates of Nov. 2, 2081, through March 12, 2020.
• 22-oz. plastic bags containing Simple Truth Thai Style Green Curry and a case code number of 011110816382 on the label and use by/sell by dates of March 13, 2019, through Jan. 24, 2020.
• 22-oz. plastic bags containing Simple Truth Chicken Tikka Masala and a case code of 011110890092 on the label and use by/sell by dates of March 22, 2019, through April 12, 2019.
• 10-lb. cases containing Cadence Gourmet Steak Fajitas with an item number of SS00024, and an expiration dates of  11/1/2018 through 01/18/19, on the label.
• 10-lb. cases containing Cadence Gourmet Tuscan Tomato Basil Chicken & Sausage with an item number of SS00032, and an expiration dates of  Oct. 20, 2018, through Jan. 9, 2019, on the label.
• 10-lb. cases containing Cadence Gourmet Rustic Toasted Tomato Basil Chicken & Vegetables with an item number of SS00047, and an expiration dates of Feb. 5, 2019 through Oct. 12, 2019, on the label.

The products bear establishment number “EST. 44857” inside the U.S. Department of Agriculture mark of inspection. These items were shipped to distribution warehouses nationwide.

The problem was discovered on Oct. 16 when Envolve learned the vegetables used in the production of their ready-to-eat products were being recalled by their supplier due to salmonella and listeria concerns.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a health care provider.  

Consumption of food contaminated with salmonella can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses. The most common symptoms of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating the contaminated product. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Most people recover without treatment. In some persons, however, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized.

Consumption of food contaminated with listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns. Less commonly, persons outside these risk groups are affected. Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. An invasive infection spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract. In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn. In addition, serious and sometimes fatal infections in older adults and persons with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. Persons in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the health care provider about eating the contaminated food.

Federal authorities are concerned that the product may be frozen and in consumers’ freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

Consumers with questions regarding the recall can the company’s customer service hotline at 1-877-244-0947.