SPRINGDALE, ARK. – Tyson Foods, Inc. initiated a recall of approximately 8.5 million lbs of ready-to-eat chicken products on July 3 due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The affected products were manufactured at the company’s Dexter, Mo., plant between Dec. 26, 2020, and April 13, 2021.

The recall includes Tyson branded frozen, fully cooked products as well as private label brands manufactured at the plant. Distribution was nationwide and to Puerto Rico. Customers receiving the recalled products include retailers, foodservice operators and institutions.

The US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notified it on June 9 of two people ill with listeriosis. Following an investigation, the agency determined there was evidence linking the illnesses to products produced at the Tyson Foods plant.

As of July 3, the CDC said it had identified three illnesses and one death associated with the recall. Tyson Foods said it initiated the recall out of an abundance of caution and that there was no conclusive evidence the recalled products were contaminated at the time of shipment.