When a food product is contaminated with a major pathogen like E. coli or Listeria, it will often make the national news. However, a huge number of food recalls are for more minor issues. This can include an undeclared allergen or a physical contaminant like a piece of plastic. These “quiet” recalls are still a serious safety risk. They are announced by the FDA, but they rarely get a major press release. This leaves the public completely in the dark. Here are eight recent examples.
1. King’s Hawaiian
A recall does not always mean the brand’s factory is the problem. In 2022, King’s Hawaiian issued a voluntary recall for its Pretzel Buns and Pretzel Bites. The issue came from one of their ingredient suppliers, Lyons Magnus. This supplier had a much larger recall for a potential contamination. This forced King’s Hawaiian to recall its own products to be safe. It shows how a problem at one supplier can affect dozens of other brands.
2. Trader Joe’s
Bacterial contamination is one of the most common and dangerous recall reasons. In March 2024, Trader Joe’s recalled its store-brand “50% Less Salt Roasted & Salted Whole Cashews” in 16 states. The company warned that the cashews had the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. This is a dangerous pathogen that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. The recall was issued after routine testing by the FDA found the potential contamination.
3. Oysters From The Republic of Korea
In early 2024, the FDA announced a recall for frozen, raw oysters from Korea. The oysters, which were sourced from Korea, were found to be contaminated with norovirus. This is a very contagious virus that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. This recall was a major health warning that many people missed.
4. Salm Partners Turkey Kielbasa
In late 2023, Salm Partners recalled over 130,000 pounds of its turkey kielbasa, which was sold under various brand names. The recall was issued after consumers reported finding small, sharp fragments of bone in the sausage. This was a physical contamination risk that could cause injury, but it was not a major headline story.
5. La Fiesta
Sometimes, the danger is an invisible, toxic chemical. In 2024, La Fiesta Food Products recalled its Ground Cinnamon. The FDA announced that the product contained “elevated levels of lead.” This is a very serious health risk, especially for children. Lead contamination in spices often happens when it comes from countries with less stringent environmental regulations. This is a danger that a shopper cannot see, smell, or taste.
6. Walmart (for Alleged False Advertising)
Not all product issues are safety recalls. Some are about consumer deception. A class-action lawsuit was filed against Walmart over its “Great Value Organic Raw Honey.” The lawsuit alleges that the honey is falsely advertised. It claims the product is heated and heavily processed. This processing would remove the beneficial enzymes that define “raw” honey. This is not a safety recall, but it is an issue of product integrity.
7. Various Bagged Salad Kits
There is a constant, low-level stream of recalls for bagged salad kits due to potential Listeria contamination. These recalls are often for a single brand, like Fresh Express or Dole. They are also often limited to a specific “best by” date. Because they are so frequent and so specific, these recalls rarely get a major press release.
8. TGI Fridays
A food safety issue is not always about bacteria. Sometimes, it is a physical contaminant. In 2023, the USDA announced a recall for over 26,000 pounds of TGI Fridays brand Boneless Chicken Bites. This was not due to spoilage. The products contained pieces of clear, hard plastic. This foreign material created a serious choking and injury hazard for consumers.
The Silent Recall System
These “quiet” recalls are a powerful reminder that you cannot rely on the evening news to keep you informed about food safety. The system is often too slow. The recalls are often too small to get the media’s attention. The only way to truly protect your family is to be proactive. You should sign up for the FDA’s automatic recall alert emails. This is the fastest and most reliable way to know if a product in your pantry has become a danger.
Have you ever found a recalled product in your own pantry? How do you stay informed about food recalls? Let us know your tips in the comments!
What to Read Next
- How Costco and Sam’s Club Handle Urgent Food Recalls
- 7 Things Shoppers Don’t Realize About Food Recalls Until It’s Too Late
- How Alabama’s Health Department Handles Food Recalls
- Why Are Food Recall Reports Late in Certain Southern States?
- 9 Common Reasons Why Bottled Beverages Face Recalls
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