Threat-to-Life Warning Issued Prompting Nationwide Burrito Recall

A nationwide recall has been issued for more than 90,000 pounds of ready-to-eat breakfast burritos and wraps following a “threat-to-life” warning from federal authorities.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) confirmed that M.C.I. Foods, Inc. of Santa Fe Springs, California, voluntarily recalled its products after potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections.

The Company Behind the Recall

M.C.I. Foods, Inc., a major supplier for school and institutional food programs, issued the recall on October 18, 2025, after testing revealed traces of Listeria in egg products sourced from a third-party supplier. While no illnesses have been reported so far, the FSIS urged consumers and distributors to avoid eating or serving any affected items, warning of a potential risk to public health.

How the Contamination Was Found

Routine quality checks first detected the issue when internal tests flagged a batch of scrambled egg ingredients for Listeria. The company immediately notified federal authorities and began tracing its supply chain to determine contamination points. The FSIS noted that M.C.I. Foods acted promptly, halting production and isolating affected products pending further testing.

The Risks of Listeria

Health officials warn that Listeria monocytogenes poses the greatest threat to pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Infection can cause severe illness, including meningitis, miscarriage, and septicemia. The USDA’s recall was classified as Class I, its highest level, indicating a reasonable probability that consuming the product could result in serious adverse health consequences or death.

Expert Warnings

Experts emphasize the resilience of Listeria, which can survive and grow even in refrigerated conditions. Dr. Mary O’Riordan of the University of Michigan told Newsweek that the bacterium’s ability to thrive at low temperatures makes it particularly dangerous in processed and prepackaged foods. Similarly, Dr. Haley F. Oliver from Purdue University explained that Listeria infections are “often misdiagnosed” early on, meaning symptoms can progress before detection, sometimes weeks after consumption.

What Products Are Affected

The recall covers El Mas Fino, Los Cabos, and Midamar brands of breakfast burritos and wraps, including egg, cheese, sausage, and beef varieties. These products bear the establishment numbers EST. 1162A or P-5890A, located near the USDA inspection mark, and were distributed nationwide, with a focus on schools and institutional facilities. Each recalled package includes a best-by date of August 2026, according to the FSIS product list.

Federal Response and Consumer Alerts

The FSIS and state health departments have issued widespread alerts to schools, distributors, and grocery stores. They are urging anyone in possession of the recalled burritos to dispose of them immediately and to sanitize any surfaces or equipment that may have come into contact with the products. The recall follows a similar listeria-related recall earlier this year, which affected frozen meals distributed across several states, as reported by CBS42.

How to Identify the Recalled Packages

Customers can verify affected products by checking their lot codes and establishment numbers printed near the USDA inspection seal. A comprehensive list, including packaging photos and expiration details, is available through the USDA recall announcement. Schools and retail outlets have been instructed to remove all impacted items from shelves and distribution lines until clearance from regulators.

What Happens Next

M.C.I. Foods has suspended operations for a full facility inspection and is conducting a supply chain review to prevent recurrence. Federal agencies continue to monitor for potential listeriosis cases. Since symptoms can appear up to 70 days after exposure, health experts advise anyone experiencing fever, nausea, or muscle aches to contact their healthcare provider immediately.

A Cautionary Tale for Food Producers

The M.C.I. Foods recall serves as a sobering reminder of how fragile food safety can be within large-scale production systems. While swift action likely prevented a broader crisis, it underscores the need for stronger oversight of ingredient suppliers and processing plants. As federal agencies ramp up testing, consumers are once again reminded: when it comes to ready-to-eat meals, vigilance begins at the label.