Ruiz Food Products Inc., based in Denison, Texas, recently issued a recall for more than 2,490,593 pounds of ready-to-eat poultry and meat taquitos over concerns the products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella. The recalled taquitos were produced between July 1 through October 10, 2018, and include the following, according to the recall notice:

• 4.5-lbs. cardboard cases containing 24-count Go-Go Taquitos “Beef Taco & Cheese Taquitos” with a case code 86183 printed on the label.

• 4.5-lbs. cardboard cases containing 24-count Go-Go Taquitos “Buffalo Style Cooked Glazed Chicken Taquitos” with a case code 86006 printed on the label.

• 4.5-lbs. cardboard cases containing 24-count Go-Go Taquitos “Chipotle Chicken Wrapped in A Battered Flour Tortilla” with a case code 86019 printed on the label.

The products mentioned above are labeled with the establishment numbers '17523A or P-17523A' and ' 45694 or P-45694' inside the USDA mark of inspection. Additionally. The products were shipped to distributors nationwide, though the potential contamination wasn't discovered until October 16, 2018, when “Ruiz Food Products, Inc. received notification that the diced onions used in the production of their beef and cheese taquitos were being recalled by their supplier due to Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella concerns.”

A microscopic view of salmonella; image courtesy of the CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/

Fortunately, there have been no confirmed cases of consumers having adverse reactions from consuming the recalled products. However, if you recently consumed one of the recalled taquitos and are concerned you may have Salmonella or Listeria, contact your healthcare provider. For those who don't know, consuming products contaminated with Listeria or Salmonella may result in serious and potentially life-threatening infections. Both food-borne illnesses are especially dangerous for pregnant women, children, the elderly, and anyone with a weakened immune system.If you recently purchased any of the recalled products or have them in your refrigerator or freezer, either toss them in the trash or return them to the place of purchase for a refund. If you have additional questions about the recall, contact Ruiz Food Products, Inc. at 1-800-772-6474.

Sources:

Ruiz Food Products, Inc. Recalls Beef and Poultry Products due to Possible Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination in Onion Ingredient2.4 million pounds of taquitos recalled over salmonella, listeria fears