Food safety is crucial, and with food recalls becoming more common, staying updated is vital to avoid harmful products in your pantry. Companies and food safety authorities like the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) & the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issue recalls when they detect safety risks such as contamination, undeclared allergens, or packaging errors.
While some recalls gain media attention, many go unnoticed. This article provides you with the latest updates on significant food remembers that you should be aware of, including frozen waffles, eggs, and even snack mixes.
What is a Food Recall?
Food recalls occur when a company identifies a problem with one of its products that could risk consumer health. Recalls can happen due to contamination by harmful bacteria such as Listeria or Salmonella, undeclared allergens, or foreign objects in the product. Consumers are generally advised to return or discard recalled items to avoid potential illness.
Latest Food Recalls You Should Know About
1. Frozen Waffles
Supplier TreeHouse Foods has started a big recall of frozen waffles in the U.S. because they might have Listeria. Many popular brands are included in the recall:
- Kodiak Cakes
- Walmart’s Great Value
- Aldi’s Breakfast Best
- Target’s Good & Gather
Listeria is a serious infection that can make people sick, especially pregnant women, babies, older adults, and those with weaker immune systems. Although no one has gotten sick from it yet, customers should throw away or bring back the waffles that have been recalled to get their money back.
2. Trader Joe’s Green Onions
Trader Joe’s issued a recall of its green onions after the supplier, Church Brothers Farms, flagged potential Salmonella contamination. The recall includes 1,271 cases of green onions that were packed on September 25, 2024, and sold in many states. Eating contaminated green onions can make you sick with symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
3. Minute Maid Zero Sugar Lemonade
Coca-Cola recalled more than 13,000 cases of Minute Maid Zero Sugar Lemonade after the company discovered that some cans contained the full-sugar version, which poses a risk to people with sugar sensitivities or diabetes.
The impacted cans were distributed in Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio. The recall has been completed, but checking any remaining stock in your pantry is essential.
4. Enoki Mushrooms
Enoki King Mushroom Farm recalled a batch of mushrooms due to a possible Listeria contamination. The recall covers 5.3-ounce packages with the lot code 4877.
While no illnesses have been reported, Listeria infections can be serious & sometimes fatal, especially in vulnerable groups. The mushrooms were sold nationwide, and customers should return them for a refund.
5. Eggs from Milo’s Poultry Farms
A recent salmonella outbreak prompted a large recall of eggs distributed by Milo’s Poultry Farms and Tony’s Fresh Market. The FDA categorized this recall as Class 1, which means it poses a serious health risk. The recall affects various carton sizes and types of eggs distributed across Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan.
6. BrucePac Meat Products
BrucePac has recalled nearly 10 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat products that could be contaminated with Listeria. The products were distributed between June and October 2024 to restaurants and institutions nationwide.
The recall covers dozens of BrucePac items, all of which should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase.
7. Grabeez The Big Cheese Snack Mix
Truly Good Foods has recalled its Grabeez The Big Cheese Snack Mix due to undeclared almonds and cashews, which could be dangerous for people with nut allergies. The recall involves 3.25-ounce snack cups sold in several states, including Florida, Illinois, and Texas. Consumers should return the product for a refund.
8. Lactaid Milk
Lactaid recalled several milk products in September 2024 due to possible almond contamination. The recall affects five varieties of Lactaid milk, all sold in 96-ounce containers across 27 states. Undeclared almonds can trigger severe allergic reactions in individuals with nut allergies. Customers are advised to return the affected products for a refund or exchange.
9. Hammond’s Dark Chocolate Filled Mini Waffle Cones
Hammond’s Candies recalled its Dark Chocolate Filled Mini Waffle Cones due to undeclared milk allergens. The products, sold across 38 states, pose a risk to those with milk allergies.
Consumers should check for UPC codes 6 91355 90513 5 and expiration dates of “03/20/2025” or “05/20/2025.” One allergic reaction has been reported.
10. Brookside Sausage
About 2,000 pounds of Brookside sausage were taken off the shelves because they didn’t say they had pork and soy in them. The sausages were sold in Ohio and could be harmful to people with food allergies. The USDA said to either bring back or throw away the sausages right away.
11. 7-Eleven Fudge Brownie
7-Eleven recalled more than 2,000 Fudge Brownies sold in Southern California stores due to undeclared walnuts. Individuals allergic to walnuts could suffer severe allergic reactions if they consume the product. Consumers who bought the brownies are urged to return them for a refund.
12. Kandy Cantaloupe
Eagle Produce LLC, a food distributor, recalled 224 cases of Kandy cantaloupes due to a risk of Salmonella contamination. The cantaloupes were sold in multiple states, including Ohio, Texas, and Michigan.
Symptoms of Salmonella poisoning include fever, diarrhea & stomach cramps. Consumers are urged to discard the affected cantaloupes.
13. Perdue Chicken Products
Perdue Foods has taken back more than 167,000 pounds of chicken products because they might have metal pieces in them.
The recall affects items sold nationwide, including Perdue Simply Smart Organics Chicken Breast Nuggets and ButcherBox Organic Chicken Breast Nuggets. The USDA has recommended discarding or returning the products.
Final Thoughts
Food recalls are a necessary measure to protect consumer health. It’s crucial to stay informed about these recalls to avoid consuming potentially harmful products.
Regularly checking recall notices on the FDA and FSIS websites can help you stay up to date on the latest recalls. Always err on the side of caution—if you suspect a product in your pantry may be part of a recall, return it or dispose of it as instructed.