Unprecedented Surge in August Food Recalls: What’s Happening?

August set a record for food recalls due to significant contamination and labeling issues, prompting widespread concern and action from consumers.

At a Glance

Over a dozen food product recalls were issued in August, including desserts, spices, and infant formula. Consumers are advised to avoid these products due to safety risks.
The recalls were mainly due to undeclared allergens, bacterial contamination, and elevated lead levels.
Notable recalls include Bliss Tree butter snacks for undeclared allergens and El Servidor Corp. ground cinnamon for elevated lead levels.
The FDA and USDA issued 313 food product recall announcements in 2023, representing an 8% increase from the previous year.

Record Number of Food Recalls in August

This past August, the FDA and FSIS issued over a dozen food product recalls due to safety concerns. The recalls covered a broad spectrum of items, including meats, dairy products, baked goods, and snacks. These recalls were fueled by issues like bacterial contamination with Salmonella and Listeria, elevated lead levels, and undeclared allergens like milk, sesame seeds, and nuts. These issues pose significant risks to consumers, prompting urgent recall notices.

Significant recalls included Terrafina Golden Raisins for undeclared sulfites and North Fish USA’s Cold Smoked Capelin for potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum. Consumers were advised to avoid using these products immediately. In addition to these, Bliss Tree butter snacks were recalled for having undeclared milk and sesame seeds, while Authentik Fudge faced a recall due to potential mold growth.

Allergen Violations and Contaminations

One of the primary reasons for these recalls was the presence of undeclared allergens, posing severe health risks, especially for those with allergies. For instance, El Servidor Corp. and Gutierrez’s ground cinnamon were recalled due to elevated levels of lead. “elevated levels of lead.”

Another significant recall involved Unilever’s single-serve Popsicle Jolly Rancher Frozen Confection Pops, which were found to contain undeclared milk. Additionally, Meijer Dunking Cookies Chocolate Chip had to be recalled for undeclared milk, and Emerald Kettle Glazed Walnuts for undeclared peanuts, almonds, and pecans. Due to these inconsistencies, consumers with allergies are at a high risk of severe reactions.

Bacterial Contamination and Other Hazards

Beyond allergens, bacterial contamination has also been a critical issue. For instance, Thal Golden Spices’ Bikano Moong Dal faced recall due to potential Salmonella contamination. “Bikano: Thal Golden Spices Inc. has issued a recall for 640 packs of its ‘Bikano Moong Dal’ due to potential contamination with Salmonella.” The Cold Smoked Capelin by North Fish USA was recalled for potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum.

“North Fish Inc.: North Fish USA Inc. has issued a recall for its 9-ounce packages of ‘Cold Smoked Capelin’ due to potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that can cause severe and potentially fatal food poisoning. The recall was prompted by the discovery that the fish, imported from Belarus, exceeded 5 inches in length and was uneviscerated, increasing the risk of contamination.”

The extensive list of recalls also includes Metro Produce Distributors’ Lunds & Byerlys fresh guacamole for potential listeria contamination, and Perdue Foods’ 167,171 pounds of frozen chicken nuggets and tender products for possible metal contamination.

Notable Statistics and Consumer Warnings

In 2023, the FDA and USDA issued 313 food product recall announcements, marking an 8% increase from 2022. According to reports, over 1,000 individuals were sickened, and six fatalities were reported due to foodborne illnesses related to recalled products. “A total of 313 food product recall announcements were issued in 2023 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)—an increase of 8 percent over 2022—and foodborne illnesses associated with the recalled products sickened more than 1,000 people and resulted in six fatalities.

Consumers are strongly urged to stay informed about current recalls and adhere to food safety guidelines. The FDA has announced numerous recalls in August, including Full Circle Market Coconutmilk Chocolate Almond Crunch Frozen Dessert and Boar’s Head and Old Country Deli Meats.

Constant vigilance is critical for ensuring consumer safety. Staying updated on recall lists can prevent potential health risks associated with contaminated or mislabeled food products.