According to News Week, In October, over 20 food products were recalled due to various safety concerns, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issuing warnings about potential risks. The recalls stemmed from issues such as undeclared allergens and contamination with harmful bacteria.
Reasons for Recalls
The recalls were initiated for several reasons, including contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium known for causing severe infections. Many of the recalls were connected to a massive recall involving nearly 12 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products from BrucePac. Other concerns included contamination with Salmonella and E. coli, mold contamination, and the potential presence of foreign objects.
List of Recalled Products
Here is a summary of notable food recalls from October:
- BrucePac Ready-to-Eat Items: Products sold nationally with numbers 51205 or P-51205 near the USDA inspection mark may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
- Jack and the Green Sprouts Alfalfa Sprouts: Five-ounce packages with lot numbers 300 or 246 and UPCs 763247198915 or 763247195945 were sold in grocery stores and co-ops across Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa and may contain Listeria.
- Happy Moose Juices: Tropical Roots Juice (lot number H240903-E, UPC 860012096503) and Strawberry Fields (lot number H240903-H, UPC 866175000388) were recalled due to a food processing safety issue, leading to potential contamination with Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli.
- Enoki Mushrooms: Sold in 5.3-ounce packages with lot number 4877 and UPC 860011505600, these mushrooms were distributed from California to New York and may be contaminated with Listeria.
- Shirakiku Korean Seasoned Seaweed: 3.52-ounce packages with UPC 074410516031 may contain undeclared sesame, an FDA-recognized allergen.
- Trail Bologna Meat Processing Kits: Sold in 17.88-ounce pouches (UPC 797442404137, lot number B241851006, best by date 2-08-27), these kits may contain undeclared soy and wheat.
- Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon: Available at select Costco locations in the southeast, this product may be contaminated with Listeria (lot number 8512801270).
- Glaser Farm Foods Salsa: 8-ounce packages of “All Raw Vegan Certified Organic Salsa” (UPC 832910001514, lot code 0110092451, best by October 24, 2024) may contain glass fragments.
- Frozen Waffles: Various brand-name frozen waffles were recalled due to potential Listeria contamination, including products from Albertson’s, Aldi, Dollar General, and Walmart.
- Sprouts Farmers Market Chicken Street Taco Kits: These kits (UPC 205916813991, best by dates between 9/2/2024 and 11/7/2024) were recalled due to Listeria concerns.
- Fresh Express Chicken Caesar Salad Bowls: Containing chicken from BrucePac, these products (UPC 071279565620) were sold in California, Louisiana, Texas, and Washington.
- Dakota Tom’s Sandwiches: Pepperjack Cheeseburger, Bacon Cheeseburger, and “The Gambler” were recalled due to BrucePac-supplied meat, with best by dates from 9/1/24 to 11/23/24.
- Reser’s Fine Foods Meal Kits: Meal kits sold under the “Don Pancho” and “Bistro 28” labels were recalled in over two dozen states due to BrucePac meat contamination.
- Church Brothers Green Onions: Sold in the U.S. and Canada, these green onions were recalled due to Salmonella concerns.
- Cachapa de Maiz Sweet Corn Pancakes: Under the Los Andes Foods label, these pancakes were recalled for possible undeclared wheat (lot numbers 2622404 to 2772412).
- Hammond’s Candies Mini Waffle Cones: Recalled for undeclared milk, these were sold in 4-ounce bags in more than two dozen states (UPC 6 91355 90513 5).
- Lunds & Byerlys L&B Lone Star Dip: Sold in Minneapolis-St. Paul, this dip was recalled for potential mold contamination (UPC 18169-74197, best by dates 10/15/24 and 10/17/24).
- Grand Central Bakery Frozen Pies: Frozen pie products and pie dough were recalled for undeclared eggs and sold only at Grand Central Bakery Café locations in Portland and Seattle.
- Hannaford Seafood Salad: These 12-ounce packages (UPC 0 41268 25161 2, best by dates 11/13/2024 and 11/14/2024) were recalled due to undeclared soy.
- Atwater’s Spider Web Tarts: Recalled due to undeclared almond flour, sold at farmers’ markets in the Washington, D.C. area on October 19 and 20.
- Pork Dynasty Inc. Fried Pork Skins: Various “Texarones” products were recalled for uncleared soy, distributed in Texas and Oklahoma.
- Frozen A Tu Gusto Paladar Croquettes: These croquettes contained undeclared wheat, sesame, and soy and were sold at retail locations in Texas and Florida.
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Health Risks of Undeclared Allergens and Pathogens
Undeclared allergens can lead to serious health conditions, such as anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms may include throat swelling, difficulty breathing, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness, among others.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 6% of U.S. adults and 8% of children have at least one food allergy. While fatal reactions are rare, recalls due to undeclared allergens are common. Additionally, contamination with dangerous pathogens is a frequent trigger for recalls.
Understanding Listeriosis and Other Infections
Listeriosis, caused by Listeria monocytogenes, can lead to severe health issues, with about 260 of an estimated 1,600 annual cases resulting in death. Most listeriosis cases are limited to gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea and vomiting, appearing within 24 hours after consumption. However, invasive cases can develop within two weeks and result in severe symptoms like fever, muscle aches, confusion, and seizures. The risk of fatality increases, particularly in individuals who are not pregnant.
For pregnant individuals, symptoms are usually mild or absent, but the infection can lead to serious outcomes, including miscarriage or severe infection in the newborn.
Risks Associated with E. coli and Salmonella
E. coli infections typically manifest within three to four days of consuming contaminated food, with symptoms such as dehydration and abdominal cramps. While most recover within a week, some strains can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, particularly affecting young children and the elderly.
Salmonella is the leading cause of food poisoning in the U.S., with symptoms of salmonellosis typically appearing six hours to six days after eating contaminated food. These symptoms last four to seven days and can include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and fever, with severe cases affecting children and immunocompromised individuals more significantly.
Conclusion
Consumers are urged to check their pantries for any of the recalled products and dispose of or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Staying informed about food recalls and understanding the risks associated with contaminated and allergenic foods are crucial for ensuring safety in the kitchen.
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