Pilgrim's Expands Voluntary Recall on Ready-to-Eat Chicken Products Due to Potential Listeria Contamination

GREELEY, Colo., July 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Pilgrim's Pride Corporation (NYSE: PPC) today announced it is expanding last week's voluntary recall of ready-to-eat chicken products due to potential contamination from Listeria Monocytogenes.

The expanded recall involves approximately 7,072 pounds of Pilgrim's Pride Brand Fully Cooked Chicken Breast Nuggets that were shipped to 57 Dollar General stores in the following states: West Virginia, Tennessee, Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Georgia, Florida and Alabama.  The recalled product was sold in two-pound bags and carries the best-by date of June 2, 2012 and UPC number 77013 16224.  It was produced in the Pilgrim's plant in Mt. Pleasant, Texas.  Pilgrim's is working closely with Dollar General to locate all of the recalled product.

"Food safety is our top priority and we take product recalls very seriously," said Kendra Waldbusser, senior vice president of food safety and quality assurance.  "Over the past week we have been conducting a detailed review of our quality assurance processes, work systems and plant-level controls.  During that internal examination, we identified a potential issue involving this product.  As a precaution to our customers and consumers, we have expanded the recall to this Pilgrim's brand product.  We have identified the source of the potential contamination and have taken corrective action.  At the same time, we are implementing best practices that include improved product testing at our plants.  We are confident that these measures will help ensure the continued quality and safety of our products."

Pilgrim's is not aware of any illnesses or adverse reactions due to the consumption of this product.  Anyone who is concerned about an illness should contact a physician.  Consumers with questions regarding the recall may contact Pilgrim's toll-free at 800-321-1470.

About Pilgrim's Pride

Pilgrim's employs approximately 42,000 people and operates chicken processing plants and prepared-foods facilities in 12 U.S. states, Puerto Rico and Mexico.  The Company's primary distribution is through retailers and foodservice distributors.  For more information, please visit http://www.pilgrims.com.

SOURCE Pilgrim's Pride Corporation