The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for Trader Joe's "Turkey Gobbler Wrap" due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes, a potentially dangerous bacteria.
The alert covers products distributed nationally and highlights ongoing concerns over foodborne illnesses and the safety of ready-to-eat meals.
Newsweek contacted Trader Joe's for comment via online media inquiry form on Saturday outside of regular office hours.
Why it Matters
While no illnesses have been reported to date, listeriosis, the infection caused by this bacteria, can cause serious or even fatal complications, particularly for older adults, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems.
The FSIS decision to issue a broad alert, even in the absence of a recall, reflects a heightened caution in the oversight of the food supply chain and consumer safety.
What To Know
The affected product is the 10-ounce clear plastic clamshell package labeled "TRADER JOE'S TURKEY GOBBLER WRAP," with a "BEST BY SEP 16, 2025" date and establishment number "P-1644" inside the USDA mark of inspection.
According to the FSIS, these wraps were produced on September 10, 2025, by WCD Kitchen - Minooka in Illinois, and sent to Trader Joe's stores nationwide.
The health alert was issued after routine monitoring found that food-contact surfaces tied to the product tested positive for listeria.
The FSIS notes that a recall was not requested as the product is no longer available for purchase, but warns that some units may remain in consumers' refrigerators.
Consumers who purchased the product are urged not to consume it, but instead throw it away or return it to Trader Joe's for a refund.
In particular, people at higher risk of listeriosis -- including pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems -- are advised to be especially cautious and to contact their medical provider if they experience symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, headache, or gastrointestinal issues.
Listeriosis symptoms can emerge as late as 70 days after eating contaminated foods.
Separately, the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given the highest risk rating to the recall of vegetable products produced by Endico Potatoes Inc. due to fears of listeria contamination.
The FDA is also supporting the recall of cold smoked salmon and cold smoked sea bass produced by Haifa Smoked Fish, again because of listeria contamination fears.
What People Are Saying
FSIS officials described the nature of the alert and their actions, stating, "No recall has been requested since the affected product is no longer available for purchase," while emphasizing that "the issue was identified after the establishment informed FSIS that food contact surface samples related to this product tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes."
Linda Larsen, writing for Food Poisoning Bulletin, summarized consumer guidance: "Consumers who purchased this product are advised not to eat it. Freezing does not destroy the listeria pathogen, so if you have stored this product in your freezer, you should discard it or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund."
What Happens Next
FSIS is urging consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers for the affected product, and to seek medical attention if they develop symptoms of listeriosis after consumption. Food safety agencies will continue to monitor the situation.
Consumers with questions can contact Trader Joe's Customer Relations at 626-599-3817, Monday through Friday, or the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854. Reports about meat, poultry, or egg products may be filed online via the FSIS's Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System, which is open 24/7.