H-E-B is Texas' favorite grocery store, beloved for its gigantic size, wide selection and Texas pride. This San Antonio-based chain is "Made for the love of Texans," and it shows this in every way possible. However, any Texans who just stocked up on groceries at their local HEB may need to take a second look at any Tyson Foods products.
Texas' Favorite Grocery Store
H-E-B Grocery Company, LP is a popular supermarket chain with over 340 stores throughout the country, founded in Kerrville over a century ago. The majority of HEB stores are in Texas and can be found in San Antonio, Houston, Austin, Waco, Corpus Christi, and more. The grocer also has other retail formats, like Central Market, H-E-B Plus, and Joe V's Smart Shop. H-E-B has locations in northeast Mexico and had retail in Louisiana for a brief period.
Last year, H-E-B ranked in the top ten of Forbes' list of "America's Largest Private Companies," and it shows no sign of stopping soon. Already popular for its Texas spirit, the benefits given to HEB employees, and its selection, the grocery store made customers feel safe throughout the Covid-19 pandemic with curbside pickup options.
Tyson Food Recall
Tyson Foods Inc just recalled over 8 million pounds of chicken over 4th of July weekend, meaning that many ready-to-eat chicken products may be unsafe for consumption. H-E-B sells many of these products, so any frequent customers of the grocery chain may have bought the contaminated poultry.
The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service announced that the chicken may be contaminated with listeria, which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections. Individuals in good health will probably only feel minor symptoms like headache, nausea and diarrhea, but those with weakened immune systems are at much higher risk.
Contaminated Chicken Products
The foods recalled are all frozen, fully-cooked chicken products produced between December 2020 and April 2021. Some are Tyson Foods products, while others are HEB brand products, and they have been shipped nationwide to retailers and institutions.
Although all contaminated products have been removed from grocery store shelves, anyone who bought chicken from H-E-B from December to April is in danger of consuming the products in question.
So far, only two people have become sick, but it's important to be careful when it comes to food safety. many of the items in question are H-E-B Meal Simple items, like the buffalo chicken salad and fajita chicken strips. The Meal Simple deli items are perfect as BBQ sides, weeknight meals, or toppings in a tortilla for taco night. The full list of contaminated foods can be found here.
Any consumers with questions or concerns are encouraged to call Tyson Foods customer relations, at (855) 382-3101, and anyone who's purchased a contaminated item will receive a full refund for returning the item. Those with food safety inquiries are encouraged to call the USDA meat and Poultry Hotline at (1-888-674-6854). H-E-B customers, check your fridges!
