2.5 million pounds of taquitos recalled over possible salmonella, listeria contamination

(KTVU) - Almost 2.5 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry taquitos have been recalled because of possible salmonella and listeria contamination.

The taquitos were produced by Central Valley-based Ruiz Food from July 1 through Oct. 10 and were shipped to distributors nationwide, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service.

The recall affects the brand Go-Go Taquitos sold at 7-11 stores. It stems from the diced onions used in the taquitos. On Oct. 16, Ruiz Food was notified that those onions were being recalled by their supplier due to listeria and salmonella concerns, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) said.

The agency said so far, there have been no confirmed reports of people getting sick because of the products, but it has identified the problem as one with a high health risk and categorized the recall as a Class I, which means "there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death."

Symptoms of salmonella include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating the contaminated product, according to health experts.

Listeria is described as a serious infection that can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. It is sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal-related problems. Those most at risk are older adults with weakened immune systems and pregnant women and their newborns.

People with listeria can experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food. In such an event, they're urged to seek medical care and alert their health care provider about eating the contaminated food.

The recall applies to the following products:

The products also carry identification numbers "17523A or P-17523A" and "45694 or P-45694" in the USDA mark of inspection.

Federal food safety officials are urging those who may have purchased Go-Go Taquitos to check their refrigerators for the recalled items.

Consumers who have the recalled products in their possession are urged to throw out the items or returned them to the place of purchase.