Suzanna’s Kitchen Recalls 13,720 Pounds of Ready-to-Eat Grilled Chicken Fillets Over Possible Listeria Contamination

WASHINGTON, DC (January 16, 2026) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA FSIS) has announced that Suzanna’s Kitchen Inc. is recalling approximately 13,720 pounds of ready-to-eat grilled chicken breast fillet products due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. In this case, USDA FSIS said a third-party laboratory detected the bacteria during testing, which prompted the company to initiate the recall.

Regulators issued the recall as a precaution, and no illnesses have been confirmed to date.

Suzanna’s Kitchen recall: quick summary

Suzanna’s Kitchen has voluntarily recalled a single lot of fully cooked grilled chicken breast fillets after testing identified potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Specifically, the recall applies to products produced on October 14, 2025, and distributed through foodservice channels in multiple U.S. states. Meanwhile, USDA FSIS confirmed that no illnesses have been reported and emphasized that Listeria monocytogenes poses serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations. As a result, the agency urged consumers and foodservice operators not to consume the affected product and to follow all recall instructions.

What happened?

The USDA FSIS said Suzanna’s Kitchen initiated the recall after a third-party laboratory sample tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes in the ready-to-eat grilled chicken product. Suzanna’s Kitchen announced the recall on January 16, 2026, in coordination with USDA FSIS.

In its recall notice, the agency warned that “Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.”

Suzanna’s Kitchen produced the products on October 14, 2025, and shipped them to foodservice distribution centers in seven states. Because the items are fully cooked and not shelf-stable, regulators stressed the need for immediate removal from circulation.

Affected products

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Issue	Affected states
Suzanna’s Kitchen	Fully cooked grilled chicken breast fillets with rib meat	10 lb (2 x 5 lb bags)	N/A (foodservice)	Possible Listeria monocytogenes	AL, FL, GA, MO, NH, NC, OH

What caused the issue?

According to USDA FSIS, third-party laboratory testing detected Listeria monocytogenes, thereby identifying the issue. Notably, Listeria is a bacterium that can survive in refrigerated environments and is especially dangerous in ready-to-eat foods. To date, the agency has confirmed that no illnesses have been reported. However, pregnant individuals, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems face the highest risk. In such cases, symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, and gastrointestinal distress.

Questions you might have

Here’s what you should do

• Do not consume the recalled chicken product
• Foodservice operators should stop using it immediately
• Check case labels for the lot code and establishment number
• Dispose of the product or return it according to the supplier’s instructions
• Contact Suzanna’s Kitchen with questions or refund requests

Brand contact:
Dawn Duncan, Customer Service Director
Email: [email protected]

Behind the brand

Suzanna’s Kitchen Inc., based in Norcross, Georgia, produces fully cooked poultry products for foodservice customers. The company’s recall notice states that it has ceased distribution of the affected product and is working closely with USDA FSIS.

Source86 reached out to Suzanna’s Kitchen for additional comment on how the issue occurred, but has not yet received a response.

Other relevant recalls

This recall follows several recent USDA FSIS actions involving Listeria monocytogenes contamination in ready-to-eat foods distributed through foodservice and institutional channels. Similar actions have included Primavera Nueva’s recall of tamales due to a potential Listeria risk, Boss Dairy Farms’ recall of Charlevoix Mild Cheddar cheese over Listeria concerns, and Ambriola Company’s recall of pecorino romano cheese linked to possible contamination. More recently, Wegmans also recalled Locatelli grated pecorino romano cheese after Listeria was detected. Together, these cases underscore the ongoing challenges of controlling Listeria in ready-to-eat products that require strict environmental monitoring and sanitation controls.

“Effective Listeria control in ready-to-eat food facilities depends on validated environmental monitoring, routine sanitation verification, and rigorous pathogen testing to prevent contamination before products reach consumers.” — Catherine W. Donnelly, Ph.D., food microbiologist and former USDA committee member.

Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, added:

“Food safety isn’t just about compliance; it’s about trust. Every recall underscores the importance of supplier accountability and transparent quality systems.”

Ensuring safe eats

The Suzanna’s Kitchen recall highlights the ongoing challenges of controlling Listeria in ready-to-eat food environments. For the industry, it reinforces the need for rigorous testing, sanitation, and traceability. Consumers and operators should always follow recall guidance and remain alert to food safety alerts.

At Source86, we support brands with ingredient sourcing, FSQA oversight, and private label production designed to reduce risk and respond quickly when issues arise. Contact us.