The Recall Desk
Agency classClass IOur severity:CriticalUSDA FSIS·014-2015·Announced 2015-01-17

La Guadalupana Recalls Chicken Tamales Lacking Required Safety Plans

La Guadalupana Wholesale is recalling chicken tamales produced without required HACCP and Listeria programs. No illnesses have been reported.

The agency’s classification

USDA FSIS: Class I

Class I is a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.

This is the agency’s own classification, taken from its notice. The severity score below is our assessment, not the agency’s. How recall classes work

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 5/5 (Critical).

Highest-severity recall. The hazard can cause serious injury or death. Stop using the product now and follow the agency's instructions.

Our severity reasoning: The source metadata explicitly classifies this recall as 'High - Class I' and 'Class I'. Per the rubric, an agency classification of FDA Class I or USDA Class I mandates a severity score of 5 (Critical), regardless of the absence of reported illnesses.

Plain-English summary

La Guadalupana Wholesale, Inc., a Chicago, Illinois establishment, is recalling approximately 8,856 pounds of chicken tamales. The recall was initiated because the products were not produced under a fully implemented Ready-To-Eat (RTE) Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan, a Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) program, or a hazard analysis. The recall was later updated to include an additional 1,248 pounds of chicken tamales produced from December 1, 2014, through January 5, 2015.

The affected products are vacuum-packed bags containing two packs of six tamales each. They bear the establishment number P-21094 inside the USDA mark of inspection, with packaging dates from November 19, 2014, through January 4, 2015. The products were distributed for retail sale in Chicago, Illinois. An FSIS inspector discovered the issue when plant personnel were seen handling the RTE product in a room where raw product is also handled. Investigations confirmed the co-packer had not conducted the necessary hazard analysis or implemented the required safety plans.

FSIS and the company have received no reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. However, because the required safety controls were not in place, there is no assurance the products are wholesome and safe for consumption, and they may support the growth of pathogens. Consumers with questions may contact the company's general manager, Alejandro Castro, at 1-866-954-3654 or via email at [email protected].

The recalled product

Product
Illinois Firm Recalls Chicken Products Produced Without Adequate Ready-To-Eat HACCP Plan and a Listeria Monocytogenes Program
Brand
La Guadalupana
Manufacturer
La Guadalupana
Category
Food — Poultry / Ready-to-Eat
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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