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Trader Joe’s Recalls Products Potentially Contaminated With Listeria and ‘Foreign Material’

February 8, 2024

Trader Joe’s has found itself faced with two separate food contamination issues. Some of the supermarket’s products are contaminated with Listeria, while others may potentially contain “foreign material.”

The company’s official website shared details regarding the food items affected. It also details what customers can do if they purchase the affected products.

The first item recalled was Trader Joe’s Chicken, Lentil & Carmelized Onion Pilaf. That meal was recalled due to the potential presence of “foreign material.” Trader Joe’s advised shoppers that if they purchased the product, they should either discard it or return it to any Trader Joe’s for a full refund.


As for concerns regarding Listeria, Trader Joe’s has recalled four separate items that contain cotija cheese. The dairy product has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

These recalled items include Chicken Enchiladas Verde (SKU 58292), Cilantro Salad Dressing (SKU 36420), Elote Chopped Salad Kit (SKU 74768) and Southwest Salad (SKU 56077).

The FDA announced on Feb. 6 that an ongoing listeria outbreak is linked to cheese and other dairy products sold by Rizo López Foods, a company in Modesto, California. At least two people have died due to the outbreak, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency did not specify where the deceased customers purchased the contaminated products.


Customers with questions may contact Trader Joe’s Customer Relations at 626-599-3817 Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time, or send an email.

The FDA website lists symptoms of Listeria, including fever, muscle aches, nausea, tiredness, vomiting, and diarrhea. If the more severe form of listeriosis develops, symptoms may include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Symptoms usually start within two weeks after eating food contaminated with Listeria but may begin as early as the same day or as late as 10 weeks after.

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