Inaccurate Web Posting on Recalls - Creating Confusion and Increasing Apathy

This past week, a number of outlets posted news stories stating that Giant Eagle was recalling frozen green peppers due to Listeria. The problem is, the recall occurred months ago.  These news geniuses posted it as it was current.   And then criticized the company for not having the recall on their website, and the FDA as well.

The first sighting was the lawyer-sponsored websites:

• https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2022/02/giant-eagle-recalls-frozen-bags-of-diced-green-peppers-after-testing-finds-listeria/
• https://foodpoisoningbulletin.com/2022/giant-eagle-diced-green-peppers-recalled-for-possible-listeria/

And other web-based news outlets such as MSN

• https://www.msn.com/en-us/foodanddrink/foodnews/urgent-frozen-food-recall-check-your-freezer-for-these-contaminated-veggies/ar-AAU5Ywe?ocid=uxbndlbing

All one would have to have done was to read the notice, or call the company.

Enforcement Report (fda.gov)

Event Details

Event ID:  89147

Voluntary / Mandated:  Voluntary: Firm initiated

Product Type:  Food

Initial Firm Notification of Consignee or Public:  

All products were distributed to only Giant Supermarket's in the following States: MD, PA, WV, OH and IN

Recalling Firm: 

Giant Eagle, Inc.

101 Kappa Dr

Pittsburgh, PA 15238-2809

United States

Recall Initiation Date:  11/29/2021

So now the store has to handle calls from confused consumers.  Over the long haul, people will play less attention if the information being provided is shoddy. 

The problem is that too many do not go back to the original source.  Because a lawyer-sponsored website posts something, that does not make it fact.  Rarely if ever, do they post their references.  In the end, reporters need to research this better before posting.