Costco Recalls Tainted Burritos and Taquitos Amid Listeria Outbreak

In a concerning development, international retailer Costco has issued voluntary recall notices for two of its supplier products due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The affected items, Red's-brand Mini Burritos and El Monterey Mexican Grill Chicken & Cheese Taquito from Ruiz Foods, have been linked to a larger recall of ready-to-eat meat and chicken products from BrucePac. Listeria is a serious bacterial infection that can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations, making this recall a significant public health concern.

Uncovering the Listeria Threat: Costco's Supplier Recalls

Tracing the Contamination: BrucePac's Widespread Recall

The current Costco recalls are directly connected to a larger-scale recall of nearly 10 million pounds of BrucePac's ready-to-eat meat and chicken products. Chicken from BrucePac is an ingredient in both the Red's Mini Burritos and the El Monterey Mexican Grill Chicken & Cheese Taquito, leading to the subsequent recalls by Costco's suppliers.

Identifying the Affected Products: Red's Mini Burritos and El Monterey Taquitos

The specific products affected by the Costco recall are the Red's Southwestern Grilled Chicken Mini Burritos and the El Monterey Mexican Grill Chicken & Cheese Taquito. The Red's Mini Burritos are sold in 20-count packages, while the El Monterey Taquitos come in 30-count, 51-ounce (3 lb 3 oz) packages.

Pinpointing the Contamination Dates: Best-By Ranges

The Red's Mini Burritos have been recalled with Best-By dates ranging from March 27, 2026, to April 7, 2026. The El Monterey Taquitos have a broader range of affected Best-By dates, spanning from October 12, 2025, to December 25, 2025.

Identifying the Costco Item Numbers

The Costco item numbers for the recalled products are 1850156 for the Red's Mini Burritos and 18668 for the El Monterey Taquitos.

Expanding the Recall: El Monterey Chicken Enchilada Meal

In addition to the El Monterey Taquitos, Ruiz Foods has also recalled their El Monterey Chicken Enchilada Meal sold at various retail grocery locations. This product has a 10.25-ounce (291 g) size, an establishment number of P 6009, an SKU of 32350, a Lot Code of 24267, and a Best-By date of September 23, 2025.

Ensuring Consumer Safety: Proper Handling and Disposal

Consumers are strongly advised to discontinue use of the affected products, even if they appear safe to consume. Those in possession of the recalled items should not sell, serve, or distribute them, and should instead return them to Costco for a full refund or dispose of them properly. It is also crucial to thoroughly sanitize any surfaces or utensils that may have come into contact with the recalled products.

Providing Consumer Support: Hotlines for Inquiries

Consumers who have purchased the Red's Mini Burritos can contact the company's service line at 888-522-9408 from 8 am to 5 pm Central time with any questions or concerns. For the Ruiz Foods' El Monterey Taquitos, consumers can reach the company's consumer line at 800-772-6474 from 7:30 am to 4 pm Central time.

Addressing the Health Risks: Listeriosis and Vulnerable Populations

Listeriosis, the infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, can be particularly dangerous for certain vulnerable groups, including pregnant individuals, people aged 65 or older, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can range from fever and muscle aches to more severe complications like miscarriages, stillbirths, and life-threatening infections in newborns. Anyone experiencing symptoms of Listeriosis should seek immediate medical attention.

Anticipating Further Recalls: Lawyer's Perspective

According to a national Listeria lawyer, these recalls are likely part of the larger BrucePac recall and may not be the last. Consumers are advised to thoroughly check their homes for the affected products and return them to the store if found.