Raeford Farms Chicken Breast Recall Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Raeford Farms Chicken Breast Recall Lawsuit Overview

The Raeford Farms chicken recall lawsuit involves claims against the company for distributing chicken products potentially contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Numerous cases of food poisoning have been reported across multiple states, with several consumers requiring hospitalization. The recall affects over 862,000 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken products distributed nationwide.

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a Class I recall, indicating a high health risk situation where there is reasonable probability that consuming the product will cause serious health consequences.

Latest Raeford Farms Chicken Recall Lawsuit Updates

• September 3, 2024 – The first class action lawsuit against Raeford Farms has been filed in federal court in North Carolina, representing 47 individuals who allegedly became ill after consuming recalled chicken products. Plaintiffs are seeking damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• August 28, 2024 – USDA expanded the initial recall to include additional ready-to-eat chicken products produced between June 1 and August 15, 2024, bringing the total amount of recalled products to over 862,000 pounds.
• August 20, 2024 – CDC confirmed 28 cases of Listeria infection across 12 states linked to consumption of Raeford Farms chicken products, with 17 hospitalizations and 3 deaths reported.
• August 12, 2024 – Raeford Farms issued a voluntary recall of approximately 420,000 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes after routine testing revealed the presence of the bacteria.
• August 10, 2024 – Initial reports of illness began surfacing in multiple states, prompting an investigation by the CDC and USDA into a potential Listeria outbreak linked to poultry products.

Chicken Recall Lawsuit Statistics

According to industry reports and regulatory data, the chicken industry in the United States is valued at approximately $70 billion annually, with an estimated 9 billion chickens processed each year. The economic impact of foodborne illness outbreaks from poultry products costs approximately $2.5 billion annually in healthcare expenses and lost productivity.

The current Raeford Farms recall affects approximately 862,000 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken products distributed to retailers, institutions, and food service locations across all 50 states. According to CDC data, Listeria infections cause approximately 1,600 illnesses and 260 deaths annually in the United States, with a hospitalization rate of over 90% among reported cases.

Industry data indicates that Raeford Farms holds approximately 4% of the U.S. poultry market share, with annual production exceeding 200 million pounds of chicken products. The company’s affected product lines represent approximately 0.4% of annual U.S. chicken consumption.

FDA Reports and Statistics

According to the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System and USDA FSIS data:

• 28 confirmed cases of Listeria infection linked to this outbreak across 12 states
• 17 hospitalizations (60.7% hospitalization rate)
• 3 deaths reported
• 862,000 pounds of chicken products recalled
• 112 adverse event reports filed with the FDA related to consumption of recalled products

The USDA has classified this as a Class I recall, their highest risk category, defined as “a health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.”

Raeford Farms Chicken Injuries & Side Effects

Consumption of Listeria-contaminated chicken products can lead to severe foodborne illness, particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations including pregnant women, newborns, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.

Reported injuries and side effects include:

• Listeriosis: High fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea
• Invasive Infection: Bacteria spreading beyond the gastrointestinal tract to the bloodstream and other body sites
• Pregnancy Complications: Miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn
• Meningitis: Inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord
• Septicemia: Blood poisoning resulting from bacterial infection in the bloodstream
• Death: Particularly among elderly and immunocompromised individuals

Do You Qualify for a Chicken Recall Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Raeford Farms chicken recall lawsuit if:

• You consumed Raeford Farms chicken products between June 1 and August 30, 2024
• You experienced symptoms of Listeria infection within 70 days of consumption
• Your illness required medical treatment or hospitalization
• You can provide medical documentation confirming Listeria infection
• You have proof of purchase of the recalled chicken products

Evidence Required for a Chicken Recall Lawsuit

To strengthen your case, the following evidence is typically required:

• Medical records documenting your diagnosis, treatment, and related expenses
• Proof of purchase such as receipts, credit card statements, or loyalty program records
• Product packaging or lot numbers (if available)
• Documentation of lost wages due to illness
• Timeline of consumption and onset of symptoms

Damages You Can Recover

Successful plaintiffs in chicken recall lawsuits may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (including hospitalization, medications, and follow-up care)
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Wrongful death damages (in fatal cases)
• Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

Raeford Farms Chicken Recall Information

On August 12, 2024, Raeford Farms initiated a voluntary recall of ready-to-eat chicken products after routine testing revealed potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recall was expanded on August 28, 2024.

Products Affected:

• Ready-to-eat chicken breast strips (various flavors)
• Chicken breast fillets
• Pre-cooked chicken breast cubes
• Marinated chicken breast products
• Chicken salad kits

Production Dates: June 1, 2024 – August 15, 2024

Distribution: Nationwide to retailers, restaurants, institutions, and food service locations

USDA Recall Number: FSIS-RC-087-2024

Consumers are advised to check their refrigerators and freezers for the affected products, which can be identified by the establishment number “P-239A” inside the USDA mark of inspection. All recalled products should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase.

Statute of Limitations for Chicken Recall Lawsuits

The time limit to file a chicken recall lawsuit varies by state but generally ranges from 1-3 years from the date of injury or discovery of illness. Some key state limitations include:

• California: 2 years from date of injury
• Florida: 4 years from date of injury
• New York: 3 years from date of injury
• Texas: 2 years from date of injury
• Illinois: 2 years from date of injury

These timeframes may be extended in cases involving minors or in situations where the connection between the product and illness wasn’t immediately apparent. Consult with an attorney promptly to ensure your claim is filed within the applicable statute of limitations for your state.

Related articles:

• Chicken Nugget Poisoning Illness Case
• Chicken Salad Poisoning Illness Litigation
• Foster Farms Chicken Recall Lawsuit

See the other food poisoning cases our attorneys have covered.

FAQs

1. What Is Listeria and How Dangerous Is It?

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in vulnerable populations. It can survive refrigeration temperatures and cause symptoms ranging from fever and muscle aches to more serious conditions like meningitis. The CDC reports a 20-30% mortality rate from invasive listeriosis, making it one of the most dangerous foodborne pathogens.

2. How Do I Know If I’ve Been Affected by the Raeford Farms Chicken Recall?

Check your refrigerator or freezer for chicken products with the establishment number “P-239A” inside the USDA mark of inspection. Symptoms of Listeria infection typically appear 1-4 weeks after consumption but can occur as early as the same day or as late as 70 days after exposure. Common symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, and gastrointestinal symptoms.

3. What Compensation Can I Expect from a Chicken Recall Lawsuit?

Compensation varies widely based on the severity of illness, medical expenses incurred, lost wages, and other factors. Recent settlements in similar food contamination cases have ranged from $10,000 for minor illnesses to over $1 million for cases involving hospitalization, long-term health effects, or death. Each case is evaluated individually based on specific circumstances and damages.

4. How Long Does a Chicken Recall Lawsuit Take to Resolve?

Most food contamination lawsuits take between 6-18 months to resolve, though complex cases may take longer. Class action lawsuits typically take 1-3 years to reach final settlement. Individual cases may settle more quickly, especially when liability is clear and documentation of illness and damages is complete.

5. Can I Join the Chicken Recall Class Action Lawsuit?

Yes, if you consumed recalled Raeford Farms chicken products and became ill as a result. The current class action is accepting new plaintiffs who meet the qualification criteria. Our attorneys can evaluate your case and determine if joining the class action or pursuing an individual claim would be more beneficial based on your specific circumstances.

6. What If I Ate the Recalled Chicken But Haven’t Gotten Sick?

If you consumed recalled chicken but haven’t developed symptoms, you should still monitor your health closely for up to 70 days after consumption. While you may not currently qualify for compensation without an injury, you should document proof of purchase and dispose of any remaining product. If symptoms develop later, having this documentation will strengthen your potential claim.

7. How Can I Prove I Purchased the Recalled Chicken Products?

Acceptable proof of purchase includes store receipts, credit card statements, grocery store loyalty program records, product packaging with lot numbers, or photographs of the product. In some cases, testimony from others who witnessed your purchase or consumption may provide supporting evidence when physical documentation is unavailable.

8. Who Is Liable in a Chicken Recall Lawsuit?

Multiple parties may be held liable, including the manufacturer (Raeford Farms), distributors, retailers, restaurants, or food service companies that prepared and served contaminated products. Liability depends on where in the supply chain contamination occurred and whether proper food safety protocols were followed. Our attorneys investigate all potentially responsible parties to maximize your compensation.

Related Article: Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit Update

Get A Free Raeford Farms Chicken Breast Recall Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for injuries related to the Raeford Farms chicken recall. Most states enforce strict statutes of limitations of only 1-3 years from the date of injury, and these deadlines vary by state.

Schmidt & Clark, LLP offers:

• Free, confidential case evaluations
• No upfront costs or fees
• Payment only if we win your case
• Decades of experience with food safety litigation

Don’t delay seeking legal representation if you’ve been affected by this chicken recall lawsuit.