A go-to grab-and-go is under a food safety alert
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health advisory about a ready-to-eat turkey wrap distributed in Trader Joe’s stores nationwide. The problem? Possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination, or bacteria that can cause severe illness.
In contrast to a full recall, FSIS isn’t pulling products off store shelves since the product is no longer on the market. Rather, the notice is designed to warn consumers who may still have the wrap remaining in their refrigerator.
What product is affected?
The involved product is the “Trader Joe’s Turkey Gobbler Wrap”—a 10-ounce clear plastic clamshell pack. It contains a best-by date of September 16, 2025, and the establishment number P-1644 from the USDA mark of inspection.
The wraps were produced on September 10, 2025, and distributed to all states, FSIS reports.
Why was the alert issued
The contamination problem stems from routine environmental sampling conducted by the product company. Sampling detected minute amounts of Listeria on food-contact surfaces linked to producing the turkey wraps.
Though no illness cases have been reported linked to the wraps, FSIS released the notice as a precaution. Consumers who purchased the product are advised not to consume it.
What to do if you have one at home
If you find the tainted wrap in your fridge, the advice is simple: do not eat it. Get rid of it immediately, or take it back to Trader Joe’s for a refund.
It’s also required to disinfect and sanitise any containers, utensils, or surfaces that have had contact with the product. Listeria will survive and grow in kitchen settings, especially in refrigerators, where it will increase at low temperatures.
Who is at greatest risk?
While Listeria will infect anyone, certain populations are more vulnerable. That includes:
- Pregnant women
- Older persons
- People with weakened immune systems
Common symptoms are fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea, and upset stomach. In severe situations, the infection may extend beyond the digestive tract and be life-threatening. Pregnant women
are at risk of miscarriage or complications.
Anyone who consumed the wrap and is ill should call a healthcare provider immediately.
How to get more information
For more information, shoppers can call Trader Joe’s Customer Relations at 626-599-3817, Monday through Friday, or the USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854. Online complaints can be submitted through FSIS’s Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System.
The bigger picture
This case shows just how quickly food safety testing can ignite a response—before anyone actually gets sick. Although the item is no longer in stores, the health alert serves as a reminder to never overlook reading labels and best-by dates before digging into pre-packaged meals.
For fans of Trader Joe’s easy lunch options, the Turkey Gobbler Wrap can be a holiday treat, but this year it’s a snack that’s best left on the menu.
