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Several popular deli items sold in Arizona stores have been recalled over the risk of causing a "fatal" infection.
Albertons Companies has voluntarily recalled 12 types of ReadyMeals and store-made deli items supplied by Fresh Creative Foods due to possible contamination of Listeria monocytogenes, according to a recall notice shared by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. The recall was first initiated by Fresh Creative Foods because the affected products contain a ready-to-eat chicken ingredient supplied by another company that was contaminated. See the full list of recalled products on the FDA's website.
The products were sold in the several stores — Albertsons, Carrs-Safeway, Eagle, Jewel-Osco, Pavilions, Randalls, Safeway, Shaw's, Star Market, Tom Thumb and Vons — in the following states: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington and Wyoming.
Listeria monocytogenes is the bacteria that can cause listeria, leading to "serious and sometimes fatal infections" that can cause severe illness in high-risk groups like children, the elderly, those who are pregnant and persons with weakened immune systems, according to the FDA. Symptoms can include fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhea.
Anyone who has purchased the recalled products are urged not to consumer them and to either throw them out or return them for a refund.
For more information about the recall, visit fda.gov.