We received notice 10/2/19 that there has been a recall for chicken possibly served in the Garden Café. The recall, issued by Tip Top Poultry, Inc., of Rockmart, Ga., for ready-to-eat diced white chicken meat, produced between January 21, 2019, and September 24, 2019, was possibly contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  At this time, we are not aware of any illness caused by the food, however, as a precaution, we are notifying you. Due to the risk to vulnerable populations, older adults, those with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns, if you think you became sick from eating this product please contact your medical provider.

Meriwether Godsey, the Garden’s in house food service provider, has removed all the recalled chicken products from its food stocks and supply chain.  Meriwether Godsey has also issued a recall statement.

According to the USDA:

Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns. Less commonly, persons outside these risk groups are affected.

Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. An invasive infection spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract. In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn. In addition, serious and sometimes fatal infections in older adults and persons with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics.

Persons in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the health care provider of possibly eaten contaminated food.

See USDA news release 094-2019 for more detailed information on the recall.

Those with questions may contact Beth Monroe, Director of Public Relations, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden at 804-262-9887 x316 or [email protected]