Woman's World

Chocolate Bar Recall: Check Your Pantry for This Mint Flavor

Raquel Lekic — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 19:11:37 +0000

If you like to indulge in a little bit of chocolate every now and then—and who doesn’t?—there’s urgent news you need to know. The FDA has just announced a nationwide recall of a popular chocolate bar due to potential salmonella contamination—putting consumers at risk. Before you indulge, check your pantry: Spring & Mulberry’s Mint Leaf Date Sweetened Chocolate Bars are being pulled from shelves and online stores across the country.

Keep reading to see if your chocolate is affected, which lot numbers to look for, and what steps to take to keep yourself and your family safe.

Chocolate bar recall

On January 12, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Spring & Mulberry, a specialty chocolatier, issued a voluntary recall of their Mint Leaf Date Sweetened Chocolate Bar due to potential salmonella contamination. These recalled chocolate bars can be distinguished by their teal wrapping, the Spring & Mulberry label, Mint Leaf flavor and a lot code of #025255. Beginning September 15, 2025, these bars were sold on the Spring & Mulberry website, as well as in select retail partners nationwide. Stores such as Nordstrom and Macy’s carry Spring & Mulberry chocolates, though it has not been confirmed whether chocolate bars sold at these particular retailers were affected by this recall.

Courtesy of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Salmonella symptoms

According to the FDA’s announcement, this salmonella contamination came to light after a third-party laboratory carried out routine testing. However, at this time, there have not yet been any reported illnesses and the company is doing all they can to protect consumers. While salmonella is often associated with foods like raw chicken and eggs, it’s an organism that can affect any food, and symptoms can range from stomach cramps and nausea to diarrhea, vomiting and fever. For children, the elderly or folks with compromised immune systems, salmonella can be fatal, and in some rare instances, it can enter the bloodstream, “causing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis,” explained the FDA’s announcement. If you consumed these chocolate bars and are experiencing any of these symptoms, see your medical provider.

What to do if you purchased the recalled chocolate

If you purchased the chocolate affected by this recall, dispose of it immediately. If you wish to receive a refund, Spring & Mulberry asks that you take a photo of the lot code on the chocolate and send it to recalls@springandmullberry.com.

About Spring & Mulberry

According to the Spring & Mulberry site, their gourmet chocolate bars (which cost around $10 to $12 per bar) are organic “when possible,” use direct trade cocoa, are made with clean ingredients and are sweetened with dates, as opposed to cane sugar.

The fact that this potential contamination was caught during routine testing—before anyone got sick—shows that the safeguards in place are doing exactly what they’re supposed to do. By staying informed and taking action when needed, you’re doing exactly what you need to do to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

Hormel Recalls Nearly 5M Pounds of Chicken for Metal Contamination

Raquel Lekic — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 18:01:17 +0000

Here’s some important news if you’ve been dining out lately: Hormel Foods just announced a major recall of nearly 5 million pounds of frozen chicken products due to potential metal contamination. The good news? These recalled products weren’t sold in grocery stores—they went exclusively to restaurants, hotels and other food-service locations. Still, if you’ve been enjoying chicken dishes at your favorite restaurants, you’ll want to know the details. Here’s everything you need to know about the Hormel chicken recall to stay informed and safe.

All about the Hormel chicken recall

About 4,874,815 pounds of various Hormel chicken products are part of this recall, and while no injuries or illnesses have been reported at this time, the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service reported that this issue came to light after Hormel “received multiple complaints from foodservice customers finding metal in their frozen chicken breast and chicken thigh products.” From there, Hormel was able to conclude that these pieces of metal came from the conveyor belt that was used during production.

fotofrog/Getty Images

What Hormel chicken products were affected?

Recalled products were distributed nationwide to HRI Commercial Food Service locations between February 10, 2025 and September 19, 2025, with an establishment number of “P-223” within the USDA inspection mark. The chicken thighs and breast products that are affected by this recall are as follows:

13.9-lb. cases of Hormel Fire Braised Meats All Natural Boneless Chicken Thigh Meat, Item code printed on label: 65009
13.8-lb. cases of 3-oz.Hormel Fire Braised Meats All Natural Boneless Chicken Breast, Item code printed on label: 77531
13.8-lb. cases of 4-oz. Hormel Fire Braised Meats All Natural Boneless Chicken Breast, Item code printed on label: 46750
23.8-lb. cases of 5-oz. Hormel Fire Braised Meats All Natural Boneless Chicken Breast, Item code printed on label: 86206
13.95-lb. cases of Hormel Boneless Chicken Breast with Rib Meat, Item code printed on label: 134394

What to do if you’ve purchased Hormel chicken

At this point in time, the Food Safety and Inspection Service has concerns that some restaurants, hotels and other institutions may still have these recalled products in their freezers unused. If this is the case, the agency urges them to dispose of the chicken. If you wish to speak to a representative regarding this matter, contact Hormel Foods Customer Relations using the “Contact Us” page on their website. You can also call them at 1-800-523-4635. If you have experienced any sort of illness or injury after consuming this product, please visit your healthcare provider immediately. Any additional complaints regarding egg, poultry or meat products can be directed to the Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System.

Ben's Original Recalls Ready Rice Over Stone Contamination

Raquel Lekic — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 17:32:22 +0000

When dinnertime rolls around, whipping up tasty sides to elevate the main attraction can take up quite a bit of time that on busy weeknights, most of us just don’t have. Being able to steam up a bag of ready-to-eat rice in the microwave is often one of our favorite shortcuts, but shoppers beware: Ben’s Original (the brand formerly known as Uncle Ben’s) has issued a voluntary recall of a handful of their popular products for possibly being contaminated with small stones. Don’t panic—we’re here to walk you through exactly which products are affected and what you need to do to keep your family safe.

What is the Ben’s Original rice recall?

On October 10, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released an announcement indicating that Ben’s Original had issued a voluntary recall of a wide array of products. According to the announcement, the company warned consumers that their Ben’s Original Long Grain White, Whole Grain Brown and Long Grain & Wild Ready Rice products potentially contained small stones, which likely entered the production process from the farm from which the rice came.

Ben’s Original rice
Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Which Ben’s Original products are recalled?

The retailers who sold these products include HEB, Target, United Markets, Amazon and Piggly Wiggly, according to the announcement, but the brand warns that the risk isn’t just limited to these stores, as “additional retailers may have purchased products distributed by Associated Grocers, C&S and Dot Foods from August through September.” To find out if your Ready Rice has been affected, check the bottom seal of your package for the following batch codes and best by dates:

Ben’s Original Ready Rice Long Grain White Rice

Batch Code: 533ELGRV22, Best By Date: 8/2026
Batch Code: 534ALGRV22, Best By Date: 8/2026, Retailer: HEB

Ben’s Original Ready Rice Whole Grain Brown Rice

Batch Code: 534AMGRV22, Best By Date: 8/2026, Retailer: Target
Batch Code: 534BMGRV22, Best By Date: 8/2026
Batch Code: 534DMGRV22, Best By Date: 8/2026, Retailer: HEB

Ben’s Original Ready Rice Long Grain & Wild Rice

Batch Code: 533BMGRV22, Best By Date: 8/2026
Batch Code: 533CLGRV22, Best By Date: 8/2026, Retailers: United Markets
Batch Code: 533CMGRV22, Best By Date: 8/2026, Retailers: HEB, Amazon, Piggly Wiggly

What happens if you eat contaminated rice?

Though at this time there haven’t been any reports of injury, it’s important to check your recent purchases and be mindful of what you are consuming. If eaten, the small stones could potentially pose oral injury, damage your teeth or even cause injury to the digestive tract, depending on how large or jagged the contaminants might be.

Wissawa Chamaboon/Getty Images

What to do if you have a recalled bag: refund & contact information

If you’ve checked your packages and learn you’ve bought this recalled rice, not to fret. Reach out to Ben’s Original Consumer Care via phone at 1-800-548-6253 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Central Standard Time (CST) Monday through Friday, or 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (CST) Saturday and Sunday to begin the return process and have any questions or concerns addressed. At this time, Ben’s Original is working quickly to remove all recalled products from stores in which they were sold. The good news? The company is taking swift action to protect families like yours, and with these simple steps, you can ensure your pantry stays safe. Keep enjoying those convenient weeknight dinners—just with peace of mind!

Corn Dog Recall: 58 Million Pounds of Corn Dog & Sausage Products Affected

Raquel Lekic — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 16:29:03 +0000

Before you reach for that convenient corn dog from your freezer or grab one at a fall festival, there’s something important you need to know. A major recall affecting corn dogs and sausage-on-a-stick products could impact what’s sitting in your kitchen. Here’s how to check if you’re affected and what to do next.

In a report released on September 27 by the USDA Food Safety & Inspection Service, The Hillshire Brands Company has recalled 58 million pounds of corn dogs and sausage-on-a-stick products distributed across the country due to the batter being contaminated with wood pieces. Here, find out everything there is to know about the corn dog recall.

Corn Dog Recall: Everything to know

The Hillshire Brands Company corn dog recall is major and affects dozens of products rolled out by the company. Hillshire Brands packaged the affected products between March 17, 2025 and September 26, 2025 and the situation came to light after several customer complaints highlighted an issue. Five customers suffered injuries from these contaminated products, according to the USDA’s Statement, and further investigation into the matter revealed that the wooden sticks “entered the production process prior to battering.” The result? Wood pieces were embedded in the batter of these products, contaminating all 58 million pounds.

nata_vkusidey/Getty Images

How to know if your corn dog and sausage-on-a-stick products are part of this recall

Products part of this recall will have an establishment number that reads “EST-582” or “P-894.” Dozens of products distributed by the Hillshire Brands Company have been recalled, including popular sellers such as the State Fair Classic Corn Dogs, State Fair Beef Hot Dogs Wrapped In a Honey Sweetened Batter, Jimmy Dean Original Pancake & Turkey Sausage on a Stick and several other variations. For full details on which products are part of the recall, as well as information like package size, package type, and the use by and sell by date, visit the link here. For images of the labels of each package for easier identification, visit the link here.

Who is affected by this recall?

The company shipped these products nationwide, and they’re likely still sitting in consumers’ freezers and refrigerators right now. If you’ve purchased corn dogs in recent months, it’s important to check your boxes immediately. While some products also went to school districts and Department of Defense facilities, the FSIS confirmed that school distribution came through commercial sales, not the USDA’s National School Lunch Program.

What do I do if I purchased these products?

If you discover any of these recalled products in your home, simply throw them out or return them to the store you purchased them and you’ll get a refund. If you have any questions or concerns, contact Christina Self at Hillshire Brands Customer Care at 888-747-7611. Need to make a report regarding one of these products? Visit the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System.

By taking a few minutes to check your freezer and knowing exactly what to look for, you’re taking control of your family’s wellbeing. With this knowledge, you can continue to enjoy your favorite foods with confidence.

Costco Tuna Poke Recall: Listeria Contamination Puts Customers At Risk

Raquel Lekic — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 19:33:30 +0000

If you’ve got Costco’s popular Kirkland Signature Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke in your fridge right now, stop what you’re doing and check the dates on the package. Over 3,000 pounds of this popular deli item have been recalled due to dangerous bacteria contamination—and it’s not the fish that’s the problem, it’s the green onions. Here, find out everything there is to know about the Costco tuna poke recall and what to do if you’ve purchased it

All about the Costco tuna poke recall

On September 20, the company behind this popular product announced a recall of Kirkland Signature brand Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke with an item number of 17193. While news of this recall might first prompt consumers to assume the raw fish was the reason for it, according to the FDA’s report on the recall stated that it was actually the green onions that prompted it. Turns out they may have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes—a type of bacteria that can cause illness. The products affected by this recall were sold in clear, plastic clamshell containers and have the Kirkland Signature brand label on the packaging. On the label, the pack date will read 9/18/2025, and the sell-by date will read 9/22/2025.

Where was the recalled Costco tuna poke sold?

The Kirkland Signature Brand Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke was sold at Costco locations in the deli section in states across the country. If you purchased this product from a store located in Alaska, Alabama, Connecticut, Colorado, Florida, Delaware, Idaho, Georgia, Louisiana, Indiana, Maryland, Maine, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, Ohio, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Texas, Virginia, Washington or Wisconsin, you could be at risk.

Costco
Scott Olson/Getty Images

What could happen if I eat the Costco tuna poke?

Though there haven’t yet been any reports of illness in relation to consuming this product, Listeria monocytogenes can cause fatal infections in those with weaker immune systems, children or elderly individuals, and it can cause complications for pregnant women. Healthy individuals would be more likely to experience short-term side effects such as fevers, nausea, stomach pain and headache, but exposure should still be taken seriously. The company was notified by their green onion supplier that this product was used only in the food prepared on September 17.

What to do if you purchased the recalled Costco tuna poke

If you purchased the affected item, do not consume the it. If you did consume the product, monitor how you are feeling and be mindful if any of the listed symptoms present themselves. If so, visit your healthcare provider immediately. After disposing of the product, visit your local Costco for a full refund. If you wish to discuss the matter, the company can be reached Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Pacific time at (425) 558-7809, or by email at info@annasea.com. By staying informed and taking quick action when needed, you’re doing everything right to keep your loved ones safe and healthy.

Check your Pantry! Sweetener Mix-Up Sparks Nationwide Recall

Raquel Lekic — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 18:04:52 +0000

Consumers of zero-sugar sweeteners beware: a packaging mix-up has led to a major recall of a popular sugar alternative nationwide. On July 14, NuNaturals Inc., a family-owned company known for its zero-sugar sweeteners, baking goods, collagen powders and other natural foods, issued a voluntary recall for certain Organic Monk Fruit and Stevia sweeteners they distribute. On August 1, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Class II warning for the recall. Here, everything we know, the specific products that were affected and what this recall means.

What products are part of this recall?

Part of this recall is 78 bottles of Pure Monk Fruit Sweetener and 78 bottles of Organic Pure Stevia. As a result of mislabeling, the monk fruit bottles are said to contain stevia, while the stevia bottles are said to contain monk fruit. The UPC for the Monk Fruit bottles is 7 39223 00187 6, with a lot number of 25104S. As for the stevia, those bottles have a UPC of 7 39223 00204 0, with a lot number of 25104S.

The recall, which is currently ongoing, includes products that were distributed to retailers across the nation. Those who may be affected by this packaging mix-up include those with allergies or sensitivities to stevia and monk fruit. According to the FDA website, a Class II recall refers to “a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”

Stefania Pelfini_la Waziya Photography/Getty Images

Where does stevia and monk fruit come from?

According to the NuNaturals website, monk fruit, or luo han guo, “is washed, crushed, and extracted with water three times. Macro porous resins and food grade alcohol are then used throughout the process. Finally, it is spray dried and checked for quality.” Similarly, stevia starts with the stevia plant, from which the liquid is extracted from the plant using food-grade alcohol or natural enzymes. “It is then filtered with natural resins to remove the bitter parts of the extract,” says the NuNaturals site, further explaining that it is then spray dried.

According to the FDA site, both the stevia product andthe monk fruit products are packaged in a plastic bottle with a white cap. Details also indicate that for both products, the instructions for use are essentially the same. A pinch is all that’s needed, as “1/64 tsp tastes as sweet as 1 tsp of sugar.”

eskymaks/Getty Images

All about NuNaturals

NuNaturals’ origin story starts with Warren Sablosky, a vegetarian from Pennsylvania who found a community of like-minded individuals when he moved to Eugene, Oregon. Warren had started out his journey by making his own tofu when it wasn’t available to him in Pennsylvania, and once he moved out to Oregon and met his wife, Paula, the two combined their passion for natural foods. Small businesses like all-natural ice pops and soy french fries ultimately led to the creation of NuNaturals, which now sells a wide array of products not limited to artificial sweeteners.

143,000 Pounds of Bologna Recalled—Check Your Fridge!

Julianne MacNeill — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 19:30:26 +0000

If you’ve recently purchased bologna from your local supermarket, you might want to give it a double check, as 143,000 pounds of ready-to-eat bologna product has been recalled nationwide due to misbranding.

The items being recalled were sold by the company Gaiser’s European Style Provisions for containing meat and poultry products that were not included on the label. This is a Class III recall, which is “a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.” There have also been no reports of any illness as of now.

Full list of bologna products affected by the recall

If you think you might have purchased a bologna product from Gaiser’s European Style Provisions, there are a few names that you should look out for. The products affected are listed below. See the labels here.

Vacuum-packed packages of “Family Tree Bologna Veal” containing undeclared pork.
Plastic-wrapped packages of “Babushka’s Recipe Chicken Bologna” containing undeclared pork.
Plastic-wrapped packages of “Fancy Bologna” labeled with pork as an ingredient but containing undeclared beef and chicken.
Vacuum-packed packages of “Gaisers Russian Brand Doktorskaya Bologna” containing undeclared beef.
Plastic-wrapped packages of “Gaisers Bologna Veal” containing undeclared chicken and pork.
Plastic-wrapped packages of “Gaisers Turkey Bologna” containing undeclared chicken and pork.
Plastic-wrapped packages of “Chicken Bologna Kypoyka Paba” containing undeclared pork.

How to check if your bologna is part of the recall

Knowing whether a product you purchased is part of the recall is simple. The recalled items were produced between the dates of March 20 and June 20, 2025, so if you made your purchase recently, you might want to check your refrigerators and freezers.

All of the products that have been recalled were distributed to wholesale and retail locations nationwide. You can also check the packaging for an establishment number. In this case, the number you are looking for to check whether your product has been recalled is “EST. 5385” inside the USDA mark of inspection on the product labels

What to do if you bought a recalled bologna product

If you find that one of your products matches one of those in the description, there are a few things you can do. First, you can either discard the items or you can return them to your place of purchase. Do not consume the products.

If you have any questions about the products or the recall, you can contact Steven Shuchinski, Manager, Gaiser’s European Style Provisions Inc., at (908) 686-3421 or gaisers@verizon.net.

For any questions about food safety, you can contact the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854). You can also send any questions via email to MPHotline@usda.gov.

Any consumer who needs to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product can do so at the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System, which is available to access 24 hours a day at this link.

Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt Containers Recalled for Possible Contamination

Jenna Fanelli — Thu, 22 May 2025 22:00:33 +0000

The manufacturer of popular frozen treat brands Blue Bunny, Halo Top, The Original Bomb Pop and Blue Ribbon Classics has pulled nearly 18,000 containers of ice cream and frozen yogurt from shelves nationwide. Wells Enterprises voluntarily recalled a range of products due to potential foreign object contamination. Keep reading for all of the details.

Wells Enterprises recalls ice cream and frozen yogurt cartons

The Iowa-based company issued the voluntary recall on April 25 citing concerns that the confections may contain pieces of plastic, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Which products are affected?

The recall includes 22 flavors of ice cream and frozen yogurt in 3-gallon tubs. The items have “Best If Used By” dates ranging from March 2026 to October 2026. Here are the specific items that have been flagged and their Universal Product Codes (UPC).

Rocky Road Flavored Ice Cream: 070640050314
Mocha Almond Fudge Ice Cream: 070640050420
Peanut Butter ‘N Fudge Ice Cream: 070640050574
Country Rich Vanilla Ice Cream: 070640600052
Scooper Hero Ice Cream: 070640050642
Cotton Candy Flavored Ice Cream: 070640050482
Vanilla Bean Flavored Ice Cream: 070640000272
Quick Blend Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream: 070640050604
Planet Smoothie ZSA Vanilla Fat Free Frozen Yogurt: 070640005567
Johnny Rockets Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream: 070640006564
BIPC Flavored Ice Cream: 070640008025
Vanilla Frozen Yogurt: 00070640022144
Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream: 070640022250
GFGB 12% Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream: 070640018451
Gordon Choice Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream: 00093901820730
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream with Madagascar Vanilla: 00093901820730
Glenview Farms Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream: 50758108118398
Glenview Farms Chocolate Ice Cream: 50758108118404
Glenview Farms Artificially Flavored French Vanilla Ice Cream: 50758108392668
Sysco French Vanilla Ice Cream: 00074865257275
Keith Valley Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream: 046045065871
Ellington Farms Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream: 046045065833

The sweet treats were distributed at 103 centers including:

Le Mars, Iowa
Wyoming, Michigan
Rosemont, Illinois
Houston, Texas
Fort Worth, Texas

What to do if you own a recalled ice cream or fro-yo product

This recall was categorized by the FDA as Class II, which the organization defines as “a situation in which use of, or exposure to, a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”

Still, if you have a recalled product, the best way to reduce health and safety risk is to not consume it, dispose of or return it to your original point of purchase.

Fragments of plastic can be dangerous because depending on the size and shape of the plastic, which could be hard and sharp, it may cause choking or lead to injury of the esophagus or stomach or intestines, cautions Mia Kazanjian MD, Stanford-trained radiologist. This can include inflammation, laceration or less likely perforation.

Oats Recall Alert! Here’s What to Know and Which Products to Toss ASAP

Courtney Shapiro — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 19:30:27 +0000

Oats are both a baking and breakfast staple; however, amid many recent food recalls, it’s a good idea to err on the side of caution when choosing your brand. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a recall of Grain Millers rolled oats due to the presence of potential foreign materials, resulting in the removal of 63,000 pounds. Read on to discover which items are affected and how to stay safe.

Inside the Grain Millers oats recall

While an official alert was issued on April 18, the FDA initiated a recall of Grain Millers’ oats on February 11, stating that 63,000 lbs of two types of rolled oats—regular and quick—contained potential foreign materials (plastic).

The report didn’t specify how the plastic was discovered. However, it’s worth noting that according to Grain Millers Inc’s website, they’re “the world’s largest organic oat processor,” making about a quarter of all oats in North America.

Grain Millers is based in Eden Prairie, MN, but the oats in the recall were harvested in Canada.

The difference between regular and quick rolled oats

Grain Millers says regular rolled oats are sometimes referred to as “old-fashioned oats” and can be used for oatmeal or as an ingredient in cookies, breads or granola. Conversely, quick rolled oats are known as “instant oats and are more likely to be used in microwavable oatmeal packets or granola bars.

How to tell if your oats are part of the recall

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Wondering if your oats are part of the recall? The report from the FDA says the rolled oats were packaged in bulk poly “supersacks,” with the following details:

1800 LB Regular Rolled Oats #5: These have a product ID of 810239153, and the code information is 250131N-1.
1,600 LB Quick Rolled Oats #21: These have a product ID of 811176, and the code information is 250202N-2.

20 totes of the regular rolled oats were part of the recall, while 17 totes of the quick rolled oats were pulled. Both products were manufactured at Grain Millers, 1 Grain Millers Drive, Yorkton, SK S3N 3Z4, and are products of Canada.

Where were the recalled oats sold?

The affected items were distributed to bakeries or other businesses that require bulk shipments in California and Indiana.

At this point, no one has reported any illnesses or injuries from eating the oats, and the FDA has not yet assigned a class to the recall.

While Grain Millers hasn’t said anything about the recalled oats, the company says it values quality and safety for all its products and consumers.

“Even though we have grown exponentially since our beginnings, we are still passionate about each and every link in the supply chain,” the website states. “Being a leader brings responsibility, something we don’t take lightly. That’s why we never stop looking for new ways to enhance the safety, quality and delivery of ingredients, from the field to the table.”

What to do if you have the recalled oats

Since the FDA hasn’t classified the recall, it’s challenging to determine the potential health risks. However, it’s best to discard any affected products and avoid consuming them further.

Why Are There So Many Food Recalls Lately? Food Safety Amid Uptick

Courtney Shapiro — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 19:15:46 +0000

From finding metal wires in chicken to listeria outbreaks in deli meat, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is no stranger to food recalls. However, the rise of items being pulled from the shelves for allergens and various contaminants is alarming to some consumers, leaving many wondering what—if anything—is behind the increased recalls. Keep reading to find out the latest products that have been flagged, why food recalls have increased and how you can keep yourself safe.

What is a food recall?

“A recall is a method of removing or correcting products that are in violation of laws administered by the (FDA),” the FDA details. It involves removing specific products at the direct request of the company selling the food or beverage, the FDA itself or another authority.

Recalls can happen for several reasons, with the main ones including the “discovery of organisms, including bacteria such as Salmonella or parasites such as Cyclospora, the discovery of foreign objects such as broken glass or metal or the discovery of a major allergen that does not appear on the product label,” according to Foodsafety.gov.

Why are there so many food recalls lately?

Food and beverage recalls declared by the FDA are always happening, but in recent years, they are more frequent than ever. Sometimes products can stay on the recall list for months or even years depending on the severity

As of April 2025, more than 650 different foods and beverages have been recalled in the U.S. alone since 2017, mainly due to unlabeled allergens. Products include breakfast foods, fresh produce, sauces, frozen pizzas and certain cooking oils.

One of the more recent recalls as of publication worrying consumers? Cabot Creamery issued a voluntary recall of its butter in April, citing potential fecal contamination.

Recent food and drink recalls

This issue extends beyond the U.S. The latest? Aldi has issued a “do not eat” warning after recalling one of its products due to allergy concerns across its U.K. stores. The supermarket issued such a notice due to its Inspired Cuisine Baby Potatoes with Herbs and Butter.

Packs of 385g with a use-by date of 12 April 2025 are the target of the latest recall, as it reportedly contains milk that is not mentioned on the label, with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) cautioning it could pose “a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents.”

Additionally, the FDA has increased the recall of one of Frito-Lay’s most popular chips, noting they “could cause death,” WKRC reported. Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips were first recalled on March 26 after Frito-Lay voluntarily recalled a batch of products. A limited number of 13 oz. bags could contain undeclared milk in the form of nacho cheese, the manufacturing company said.

There was a close call in January when vanilla soft serve ice cream mix from Mombo’s was voluntarily recalled due to potential food allergens, but the affected product was intercepted before reaching retailers. Manufacturer Arizona Foods Group voluntarily recalled the dessert because it may have contained egg. On February 21, the FDA identified the recall as Class I—the highest risk level as undeclared allergens consumed could cause severe or life-threatening reactions.

In February, Aldi also pulled 400 cases of Happy Farms shredded cheese due to potential contamination. By March 19, the FDA had declared a class II classification citing that the cheese may have contained stainless steel fragments.

A massive recall took place for nearly 200,000 cans of green beans sold exclusively at Target after a potential contamination risk was found. On March 13, the FDA issued a Class II recall notice for 197,808 cans of Good & Gather Cut Green Beans, citing concerns over foreign object contamination.

Also in March, more than 75,000 bottles of International Delight creamers including cinnamon and hazelnut flavors were recalled due to premature spoilage issues and illness concerns in 31 states.

And Little Leaf Farms issued a voluntary recall for certain Southwest Salad Kits due to the potential presence of undeclared fish and wheat allergens. While over 500 individual clamshell containers may have been impacted, the company estimated that fewer than 20 salad kits were affected, but all containers were recalled as a precaution.

Allergens are the most common reason for food recalls

Oftentimes the reason products are taken off the shelves is because they’re missing the proper label. Foods that don’t have allergens listed pose risks to those with food sensitivities or allergies and can be damaging to their health. Currently, there are nine major allergens included in the FDA’s list that must be clearly labeled if they’re present in a food or beverage.

The Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act added sesame as a major food allergen in 2023, per the FDA. While it will take time to properly change everything, going forward sesame must be properly identified on food and supplement labels.

The other major allergens include milk, and eggs, fish like bass, flounder and cod, crustacean shellfish, like crab, lobster and shrimp, tree nuts like almonds, walnuts and pecans, peanuts, wheat and soybeans.

How to protect yourself from food allergens

Since most food recalls have been due to mislabeled or unlabeled allergens, it’s more important than ever to pay attention to the ingredients. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than a quarter of adults and children in the U.S. have at least one allergy.

Consumers should be extra careful when buying products, manufacturers might not be taking enough time and care to ensure that foods are labeled with the right information. It’s important to read every food label and double check the ingredients and allergens are clearly disclosed. It’s also recommended to look for any cross-contamination or alerts about the product specifically. One of the best things you can do is stick to the brands you know and trust if you’re worried about a potential allergen.