Recent Recall News on Shredded Cheese - Lack of Investigation by Reporters Creates Confusion

Plastered today over the news is a recall of shredded cheese due to metal.   However, the recall occurred two months ago according to the Enforcement Notice.  On top of that, the recall was not publicly issued because, in most likelihood, the item did not get distributed or it was not viewed as a significant enough of an issue.   

However, looking at the news, you would think that this is a major issue happening right now.  It is highly unlikely that any of this product is available at store level.  (If it is, then FDA should have issued a public notice back in October.)

The problem is that reporters are going into the FDA Enforcement reports and writing up a news story without doing any investigation.   Certainly the reason the report is written now, two months after the action was taken is that FDA took a long time to classify and publish this information. 

Another issue is that one report leads to the cascade effect with other news outlets just reissuing the same report.

In the end, reporting like this creates confusion for the consumer.

USA TODAY
Shredded cheeses sold at Walmart, Target recalled. See affected items.
Mary Walrath-Holdridge
Dec. 3, 2025Updated Dec. 4, 2025, 9:40 a.m. ET
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2025/12/03/shredded-cheese-recall-walmart-target-aldi/87584984007/

FDA Issues Warning About Imported Cookware With Risk of Leaching Lead During Use

The FDA issued a warning on the use of certain imported cookware that may leach significant levels of lead (Pb) into food. "Some types of imported cookware products made from aluminum, brass, and aluminum alloys known as Hindalium/Hindolium or Indalium/Indolium have been tested by FDA and state partners, and have demonstrated the potential to leach lead under conditions designed to mimic their use in contact with food."


https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-issues-warning-about-imported-cookware-may-leach-lead-august-2025
FDA Issues Warning About Imported Cookware That May Leach Lead: August 2025
Retailers should not sell and consumers should not use certain cookware because of their potential to leach lead into food when cooking.

What’s New
December 3, 2025
Two additional cookware products that may leach lead into food when used for cooking or food storage have been added to the table below.

The complete list of products can be found in the table below. Other cookware products may also be affected. FDA will continue to update this table with additional products as new information becomes available.

FDA Provides Update on Infant Botulism Outbreak (12/3/25)

FDA provided an update on the multistate outbreak of infant botulism. 

• "Epidemiologic and laboratory data show that ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula might be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, which is causing infant illness in multiple regions of the country".  
• "As of December 3, 2025, a total of 39 infants with suspected or confirmed infant botulism and confirmed exposure to ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula (various lots) have been reported from 18 states. "
• "Illnesses started on dates ranging from August 9 to November 19, 2025. All 39 infants were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported to date."
• "FDA continues to receive reports that recalled formula is still being found on store shelves at Walmart, Target, Kroger, Acme, and Shaw’s, despite the ongoing recall of all ByHeart infant formula products. FDA continues to work with state partners and retailers to ensure an effective recall and immediate removal of these products from store shelves across the country"
• Sampling - 6 samples of product have been found to be positive for Clostridium botulinum Type A.

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 39 (2 New)
Hospitalizations: 39 (2 New)
Deaths: 0
Last Illness Onset: November 19, 2025
States with Cases: AZ, CA, ID, IL, KY, MA, ME, MI, MN, NC, NJ, OR, PA, RI, TX, VA, WA, WI
Product Distribution: Online and nationwide (including Guam and Puerto Rico), and internationally


https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-infant-botulism-infant-formula-november-2025
Outbreak Investigation of Infant Botulism: Infant Formula (November 2025)
Do not use recalled ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula. FDA’s investigation is ongoing.

Product:
All ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula products have been recalled. This includes all lots of formula cans and single-serve “anywhere pack” sticks.

ByHeart infant formula products makes up approximately 1% of all infant formula sold in the United States and this outbreak does not create shortage concerns of infant formula for parents and caregivers.

Company Issues Recall for Cracker Product that It Had Recalled in July

Mondelēz Global LLC announced today a voluntary recall of 70 cases of RITZ Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches and sold in the following U.S. states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Alabama.  The affected cartons include individually wrapped packs that may be incorrectly labeled as Cheese variety even though the product may be a Peanut Butter variety.

This recall is limited to 1 SKU and 2 Code Dates previously recalled in July. This action is not an expansion of that prior recall and is being conducted out of an abundance of caution.  The recall was initiated after Mondelēz Global LLC discovered that 70 cases were inadvertently shipped to a limited number of retailers in eight states. Corrective actions are being taken.

In summary, this was a small amount of product, 70 cases, that was part of the July recall.  So did this product, that should have been quarantined, accidently get shipped?

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/mondelez-global-llc-conducts-limited-voluntary-recall-1-sku-ritz-peanut-butter-cracker-sandwiches
Mondelēz Global LLC Conducts Limited Voluntary Recall of 1 SKU of RITZ Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Alabama
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  November 28, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  December 02, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential or Undeclared Allergen – Undeclared Peanut
Company Name:  Mondelez Global LLC
Brand Name:  Ritz
Product Description:  Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches

Consumers Are Creatively Utilizing Food Waste to Reduce Food Costs

An interesting article in the Wall Street Journal on how people are maximizing the utilization of leftovers and food scraps.

One example was the bone bag -  a bag for collecting "vegetable scraps and leftover meat bones in plastic bags and freezing to then utilize the contents by cooking in an Instant Pot with water and apple-cider vinegar and then adding rice and quinoa for a soup base.
Or leftover pizza , chopping it up, crisping and then mixing into scrambled eggs.

A quoted survey looked at "consumers’ leftover habits for 15 years, said 49% of respondents in October reported eating more leftovers than six months ago, a record since the survey began."

This is worth applauding as there is a push to reduce food waste.  But for consumers, this is more for reducing their food bill.

From a safety perspective, freezing leftovers prior to spoilage is key.


Wall Street Journal
https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/americans-are-testing-the-limits-of-leftovers-06dd49ff
Thrifty Americans Are Testing the Limits of Leftovers
Rising food prices prompt kitchen alchemy: ‘fridge foraging’ and collecting bones. ‘I never really dreaded the end of the week until I started eating leftovers.’
By Jesse Newman and Dean Seal
Nov. 28, 2025 5:30 am ET

Enforcement Delayed on Sampling and Testing of Salmonella in Raw Breaded Stuffed Chicken Products

USDA is delaying verification sampling and testing associated with the 2024 rule for the control of Salmonella in raw, breaded and stuffed chicken products.  From an article in Food Safety Magazine, "FSIS is again delaying verification activities without setting a new implementation date. According to the agency, this delay is due to limitations in available test methods, including concerns about accuracy and unacceptably high false positives, and FSIS will continue to evaluate the validity of available testing methods."


Food Safety Magazine
https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10909-usda-indefinitely-delays-enforcement-of-salmonella-as-adulterant-in-raw-breaded-stuffed-chicken
USDA Indefinitely Delays Enforcement of Salmonella as Adulterant in Raw Breaded, Stuffed Chicken
By Bailee Henderson

Illinois Firm Recalls Confectionary Product for Undeclared Pecans Due to Mis-packaging

Silvestri Sweets Inc. of Geneva, IL is voluntarily recalling its 5-ounce bags of Choceur branded Holiday Barks because they may contain undeclared pecans.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the Pecan, Cranberry & Cinnamon Holiday Bark had been packaged in Cookie Butter Holiday Bark packages resulting in undeclared pecan, and that the Cookie Butter Holiday Bark has been packaged in Pecan, Cranberry & Cinnamon Holiday Bark packages resulting in undeclared wheat. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem may have been caused by a temporary breakdown in the company’s production and packaging process.

The recalled items were distributed nationwide through Aldi grocery stores.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/silvestri-sweets-issues-voluntary-allergy-alert-undeclared-pecan-and-wheat-cookie-butter-holiday
Silvestri Sweets Issues Voluntary Allergy Alert on Undeclared Pecan and Wheat in Cookie Butter Holiday Bark and Pecan, Cranberry & Cinnamon Holiday Bark
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  November 26, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  November 26, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared pecans and wheat
Company Name:  Silvestri Sweet, Inc.
Brand Name:  Choceur
Product Description:  Bark candy with nuts and fruit

Oregon Firm Recalls BBQ Sauce Due to Undeclared (Fish) Anchovy

Anthony's BBQ Sauce of Brookings, Oregon is recalling Anthony's Barbecue & Dip-It Sauce 15oz. glass bottles because it may contain undeclared Anchovy (fish).  The recall was initiated after it was discovered during the inspection that the product containing Anchovy (fish) was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of Anchovy.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/anthonys-bbq-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-fish-anchovy-anthonys-barbecue-dip-it-sauce
Anthony’s BBQ Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared (Fish) Anchovy in Anthony’s Barbecue & Dip-It Sauce
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  November 22, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  November 26, 2025
Reason for Announcement:  May contain undeclared Anchovy (fish).
Company Name:  Anthony’s BBQ Sauce
Brand Name:  Anthony’s
Product Description:  Barbecue Sauce

FDA and CDC Issue Update on Infant Botulism Cases Linked to Infant Formula (11/26/25)

FDA and CDC released an update on the ongoing botulism outbreak in infants.  "As of November 26, 2025, a total of 37 infants with suspected or confirmed infant botulism and confirmed exposure to ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula (various lots) have been reported from 17 states.  All 37 infants were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported to date. For 35 infants with age and sex information available, they range in age from 16 to 264 days and 15 (43%) are female."

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 37 (6 New)
Hospitalizations: 37 (6 New)
Deaths: 0
Last Illness Onset: November 19, 2025
States with Cases: AZ, CA, ID, IL, KY, MA, ME, MI, MN, NC, NJ, OR, PA, RI, TX, WA, WI
Product Distribution: Online and nationwide (including Guam and Puerto Rico), and internationally

"FDA’s investigation, including onsite inspections, is ongoing to determine the point of contamination. FDA is releasing the FDA Establishment Inspection Reports (EIRs) and FDA Form 483s, Inspectional Observations from completed inspections previously conducted between 2022 and March 2025 at ByHeart facilities. ByHeart, Inc. is the parent company of three Blendhouse manufacturing facilities in Allerton, Iowa; Portland, Oregon; and Reading, Pennsylvania."

1. Blendhouse Allerton: the facility was last inspected in February 2025 and classified Voluntary Action Indicated (VAI), which cited GMP deficiencies - https://www.fda.gov/media/189825/download
2. Blendhouse Portland: the facility was last inspected in March 2025 and classified No Action Indicated (NAI) - https://www.fda.gov/media/189824/download
3. Blendhouse Reading: the facility was last inspected in January 2024 and classified Official Action Indicated (OAI). This facility has not been in operation since September 2023. - https://www.fda.gov/media/189831/download

In Food Safety Magazine (Nov 25, 2025) points out an important items - that the California Department of Health has noticed a broader spike of infant botulism cases.

"A spike in infant botulism cases was first noticed by CDPH’s Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program (IBTPP), which operates the only global source of infant botulism treatment worldwide. According to CDPH, this spike has grown from the originally reported 84 cases to now include 107 cases of infant botulism, occurring between August 1, 2025 and November 19, 2025. Not all infants treated for infant botulism during this spike have confirmed exposure to ByHeart infant formula.  Typically, less than 200 cases of infant botulism are reported in the U.S. each year."

It also stated that some of the cases that have been linked to the suspect product came earlier, between November 2024 and June, 2025).  Linking all of these cases may be difficult.  "It will be more difficult to definitively link cases that happened before August 1 to the current outbreak, due to the amount of time that has passed and it being unlikely that parents would have recorded product lot numbers or kept empty cans of formula."

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-infant-botulism-infant-formula-november-2025
Outbreak Investigation of Infant Botulism: Infant Formula (November 2025)
Do not use recalled ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula. FDA’s Investigation is ongoing.
Product:
All ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula products have been recalled. This includes all unexpired lots of formula cans and single-serve “anywhere pack” sticks.

Milk Recalled from Iowa Processing Facility for Potential to Contain Cleaning Agents

Prairie Farms is announcing a recall of select Prairie Farms Gallon Fat Free Milk produced at its Dubuque, Iowa facility and distributed to Woodman’s stores in Illinois and Wisconsin. Some of the product may contain food-grade cleaning agents, which may cause illness if consumed. Only a specific segment of the DEC08 production run was impacted. The affected product was processed between 17:51 and 21:23, representing a portion of that day’s production.

"On November 24, Prairie Farms was made aware of a potential quality issue. An investigation was immediately initiated, and based on that investigation, affected product was removed from stores and a recall was initiated. Approximately 320 gallons were sold before the issue was discovered."

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/prairie-farms-announces-recall-prairie-farms-gallon-fat-free-milk
Prairie Farms Announces Recall of Prairie Farms Gallon Fat Free Milk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  November 25, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  November 26, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages 
Reason for Announcement:  May contain food-grade cleaning agents
Company Name:  Prairie Farms
Brand Name:  Prairie Farms
Product Description:  Fat Free Milk

Romano Cheese Recalled After Supplier Identifies Listeria Concern

The Ambriola Company is recalling select cheese products after routine testing confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. Ambriola has suspended production and distribution of affected products as the Company conducts a thorough review of all sanitation and food safety procedures

An earlier recall from Supreme Service Solutions for Boar's Head branded cheese from this supplier had already been posted.

Wegmans Food Markets is recalling this product, Locatelli Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese with Wegmans’ scale labels due to the potential presence of Listeria monocytogenes. This product was sold at Wegmans stores in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

between November 14 and November 24, 2025.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/ambriola-company-issues-recall-cheese-products-because-listeria-health-risk
The Ambriola Company Issues Recall of Cheese Products Because of Listeria Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: November 25, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  November 26, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  The Ambriola Company
Brand Name:  Ambriola, Locatelli, Member’s Mark, Pinna, and Boar’s Head
Product Description:  Cheese
Company Announcement

CDC MMWR Report - 2024 E. coli STEC Outbreak Linked to Walnuts

In CDC's MMWR, an article discussing the 2024 E. coli STEC outbreak linked to walnuts where 13 cases were reported.  It is interesting in that this is the first reported case of walnuts being the source of an E. coli STEC outbreak.   

"All walnuts eaten by patients were specified during an interview or documented in purchase records at food co-ops or natural food stores as being “organic.” Ten patients purchased walnuts from bulk or self-service bins. Leftover walnuts from four patient homes (two each in California and Washington) were tested; one sample was positive for the gene encoding Shiga toxin by real-time polymerase chain reaction testing."

"On April 27, 2024, the walnut processor recalled the two lots of walnut halves and pieces identified by the traceback investigation. On April 30, CDC and FDA advised the public to avoid consuming the recalled walnuts and provided a complete list of store names and locations that had received affected walnuts. The investigation was closed on June 25, 2024, when no additional illnesses meeting the case definition had been identified for several weeks, the environmental assessment had concluded, and the investigation team was confident that the contaminated walnuts were no longer available for purchase after the recall. Rapid detection, investigation, and product recall likely prevented additional illnesses from a product with a long shelf life. This outbreak demonstrates that walnuts can be contaminated with STEC and cause illness although the route of STEC contamination was not identified in this investigation. Producers of tree nuts should take steps to minimize the risk for bacterial contamination from the environment via multiple potential sources (e.g., water, soil, adjacent land use, and production environment) throughout growing, ground harvesting, hulling, shelling, and packing (4,5)"

However, the report does not provide much information on how the walnuts may have become contaminated.   Walnut processing is an interesting, highly mechanized process, so I guess you can see how contamination may have been carried through the process in a broken shell?  To what degree does the product being organic factor into this...not sure if sanitizers used in wash water of the nuts are any less effective?

As stated in the report, companies should consider E. coli STEC as a contaminant along with pathogens like Salmonella.

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7438a2.htm?s_cid=OS_mm7438a2_w
Notes from the Field: Outbreak of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Infections Linked to Organic Walnuts — Washington and California, 2024
Weekly / November 27, 2025 / 74(38);597–598
Angelica L. Barrall, PhD1,2; Laurie Stewart, MS3; Jeffrey Higa, MPH4; Erin Jenkins, MPH5; Brooke Whitney, PhD5; Brandon Adcock4; Anna Pickett3; Bethan Swift, DPhil1,6; Peiman Aminabadi, DVM7; Kenneth Zamora4; Susan Shelton3; Karen P. Neil, MD2; Laura Gieraltowski, PhD2 (View author affiliations)

NJ Firm Recalls Uneviscerated Fish Due to C. botulinum Risk

Mamtakim Inc, located of Elizabeth, NJ 07201, is recalling Item # LL0320 DRIED WHOLE SMELTS SALTED (KORUSHKA), 5.29 oz (150 g) / 20 – 1 box, because this product consists of dried, un eviscerated fish longer than 5 inches, which is a risk for Clostridium botulinum growth and toxin formation.  The recall was initiated after an FDA inspection and analysis determined that the fish had not been properly eviscerated, which can allow Clostridium botulinum to grow.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/mamtakim-inc-recalls-dried-whole-smelts-salted-korushka-because-possible-health-risk
MAMTAKIM Inc Recalls Dried Whole Smelts Salted (KORUSHKA) Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  November 25, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  November 25, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum.
Company Name:  Mamtakim, Inc.
Brand Name:  Belevini
Product Description:  Dried Whole Salted Smelt, Mullet, Goby

Deli Products Recalled After Cheese Supplier Recalls Cheese for Listeria

Supreme Service Solutions LLC. (dba Supreme Deli) is assisting in a recall for items purchased from Boar’s Head Brand’s supplier of pecorino romano cheese. Ambriola Company, has issued a recall for select SKUs of pecorino romano cheese products, including two products they produce under the Boar’s Head Brand label, due to the potential presence of Listeria monocytogenes.  The potential contamination was discovered by Ambriola Company who initiated their recall after the US Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) notified them that the Pecorino Romano Cheese described above were associated with reported Ambriola Company has issued a Class I recall for the items due to potential adulteration with Listeria.

Ambriola Company has issued a Class I recall for the items (see table above) due to potential adulteration with Listeria monocytogenes.  In addition, and in an abundance of caution, Boar’s Head has made the decision to withdraw all products Ambriola Company produces for Boar’s Head. This includes the following additional products NOT affected by the recall:

Unfortunate that after Boar's Head Listeria outbreak earlier this year, that the company's brand name is  now involved in a recall because of their cheese supplier.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/supreme-deli-llc-voluntarily-recalls-boars-head-pecorino-romano-cheese-because-possible-health-risk
Supreme Deli LLC Voluntarily Recalls Boar’s Head Pecorino Romano Cheese Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  November 24, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  November 24, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Due to the potential presence of Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Supreme Service Solutions, LLC.
Brand Name:  Boar’s Head
Product Description:  Chicken Caesar Salad and Wrap

FDA and CDC Provide Update on Infant Botulism Cases Linked to Infant Formula (Nov 20, 2025)

FDA and CDC provided an update (Nov 20, 2025) on the investigation into infant botulism cases liked to infant formula.   As of November 20, 2025, there had been 31 reported cases with no reported deaths.

One issue of concern as stated in the FDA update was that product was still available for sale by some retailers.  Another concern was that some product was being sold online and shipped overseas where these people may not have been made aware.

The organism was found in the infant formula although its source had not yet been identified.  "As part of the investigation, ByHeart tested unopened infant formula products retained at its facility. According to ByHeart, third party laboratory analysis of some of these samples identified Clostridium botulinum, which produces the toxin that is making infants sick in this outbreak. ByHeart states that it will continue to investigate these findings and perform ongoing testing to identify the source of contamination."

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 31 (8 New)
Hospitalizations: 31 (8 New)
Deaths: 0
Last Illness Onset: November 13, 2025
States with Cases: AZ, CA, ID, IL, KY, ME, MI, MN, NC, NJ, OR, PA, RI, TX, WA
Product Distribution: Online and nationwide (including Guam and Puerto Rico)

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-infant-botulism-infant-formula-november-2025
Outbreak Investigation of Infant Botulism: Infant Formula (November 2025)
Do not use recalled ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula. FDA’s Investigation is ongoing.

Product:
All ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula products have been recalled. This includes all unexpired lots of formula cans and single-serve “anywhere pack” sticks.
ByHeart infant formula products makes up approximately 1% of all infant formula sold in the United States and this outbreak does not create shortage concerns of infant formula for parents and caregivers.

FDA and CDC Investigation into August Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Eggs Is Over

The FDA and CDC investigated illnesses in a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis infections linked to large, brown, cage-free "sunshine/omega-3 golden” yolk eggs sourced from Country Eggs, LLC, of Lucerne Valley, CA.   The first notice was issued in August of 2025 and it is now reported that the outbreak is over and the investigation has been completed.  There were 105 reported cases from 14 states.  WGS analysis of environmental samples from the site matched the outbreak strains. 

"FDA initiated an inspection at Country Eggs, LLC, that included environmental sample collection. Of the samples collected, three of the environmental samples tested positive for Salmonella that matched the strain causing illnesses in this outbreak by whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis."

"Based on epidemiological information collected by CDC, a total of 105 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported from 14 states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from January 7, 2025, to August 14, 2025. 38 of 42 ill persons with information available reported exposure to eggs or an egg-containing dish before becoming ill. There have been 19 hospitalizations, and no deaths have been reported."

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 105
Hospitalizations: 19
Deaths: 0
Last Illness Onset: August 14, 2025
States with Cases: AZ, CA, FL, GA, HI, IA, MN, NC, NE, NM, NV, NY, PA, WA
Product Distribution: CA, NV
*Distribution has been confirmed for states listed, but product could have been distributed further, reaching additional states

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-eggs-august-2025
Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Eggs (August 2025)
Outbreak is over. FDA’s outbreak investigation is complete.

Product:
On August 27, 2025, Country Eggs, LLC recalled large, brown, cage-free "sunshine/omega-3 golden” yolk eggs under the brand names Nagatoshi Produce, Misuho, Nijiya Markets, and Country Eggs.

This outbreak appears to be over. Product causing illness is no longer on the market.

NY Firm Recalls Dessert Buns For Improperly Designed Label Missing Milk Allergen

Prime Food Processing LLC of Brooklyn, NY is voluntarily recalling 2,243 cases of two dessert bun varieties because the packaging does not declare milk in the “Contains” allergen statement as required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The milk in these products is derived from unsalted butter listed in the ingredient statement.  The issue was identified during an internal product review. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that packaging did not declare milk in the allergen statement. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company’s label review process.

The recalled products were distributed to Asian grocery stores between April 2, 2025 and November 14, 2025 in the following states:  AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, KS, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/prime-food-processing-llc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-lava-bun-w-salted-egg-yolk-and-lava
PRIME FOOD PROCESSING LLC ISSUES ALLERGY ALERT ON UNDECLARED (MILK) IN LAVA BUN W/ SALTED EGG YOLK AND LAVA BUN WITH GREEN TEA FLAVOR
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  November 20, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  November 20, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Allergens
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared milk allergen
Company Name:  Prime Food Processing LLC
Brand Name:  Prime Food
Product Description:  Lava Buns

NY Distributor Recalls Cooking Pot After FDA Determines It Contains Leachable Lead

Shata Traders Inc of Brooklyn, NY is recalling Chef Brand Milk Pan 24 cm, because it has the potential to be contaminated with significant levels of lead (Pb) which may leach into food. FDA collected the product samples from a retail store, and the product analysis found the products contain leachable lead that is harmful for human consumption.

The Chef Brand Milk Pan 24 cm product was distributed in NY, NJ, CT, MD, VA and MA areas.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/shata-traders-inc-recalls-chef-brand-milk-pan-24cm-because-possible-health-risk

SHATA TRADERS INC RECALLS CHEF BRAND MILK PAN 24cm BECAUSE OF POSSIBLE HEALTH RISK
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  November 19, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  November 19, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Product has the potential to be contaminated with significant levels of lead (Pb) which may leach into food
Company Name:  SHATA TRADERS INC
Brand Name:  Majestic Chef Pan
Product Description:  Milk Pan 24cm

Imported Strawberry Jam Recalled for Containing an Unapproved Color

Mangalm LLC of Newark, California, United States of America is recalling all /Tops Mixed Fruit Jam and Tops Strawberry Jam Products, because it contains carmoisine, (also know as FDA Red #10 and Azorubine.  It is designated E-122 in the EU) which is an unapproved color additive in the US.    The issue was discovered during an FDA inspection.  This product was imported from India, where the color is approved for use.

In an FDA background document:

Azorubine (carmoisine): This color was listed in 1939 as Ext. D&C Red No. 10 for

use in externally applied drugs and cosmetics and provisionally listed for these uses

in 1960, but was delisted in 1963 because no party was interested in supporting the

studies needed to establish safety. This color additive has never been approved by

FDA for use in food.

The color is approved for use in the EU, but must have a warning on the label indicating that  E122 could potentially increase symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/mangalm-llc-recalls-tops-mixed-fruit-jam-and-tops-strawberry-jam-product-because-possible-health
Mangalm LLC Recalls Tops Mixed Fruit Jam and Tops Strawberry Jam Product Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  November 07, 2025
FDA Publish Date:   November 18, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared Carmoisine
Company Name:  MANGALM LLC
Brand Name:  Tops
Product Description:  Mixed Fruit Jam and Strawberry Jam

Ohio Firm Recalls Mis-Formulated Ice Cream Bars with Allergen Concern

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Columbus, Ohio, is voluntarily recalling one batch of Passion Fruit Dreamsicle Ice Cream Bars because they may contain undeclared wheat and soy.  The recall was initiated after a crunch topping from a separate product was inadvertently introduced to this particular batch of Passion Fruit Dreamsicle Ice Cream Bars during manufacturing. The crunch topping contains wheat and soy, which is not declared on the packaging.

This is a case of mis-formulation with a post-process addition of the crunch topping containing the allergens. (The added allergens are bad enough, but nobody wants a crunch topping on their smooth-tasting passion fruit dreamsicle.  Just wrong.)

This product was distributed in grocery stores nationwide.  No illnesses or injuries have been reported to date.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/jenis-splendid-ice-cream-voluntarily-recalls-passion-fruit-dreamsicle-ice-cream-bars-due-undeclared
“Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream Voluntarily Recalls Passion Fruit Dreamsicle Ice Cream Bars Due to Undeclared Wheat and Soy.”
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  November 17, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  November 18, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared allergen - soy, wheat.
Company Name:  Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream
Brand Name:  Jeni’s
Product Description:  Passion Fruit Dreamsicle Ice Cream Bars

Congress Restricts Use of THC in Food

Over the past few years, we have seen a number of food products containing THC, especially beverages and gummies.  These products came about from a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill that "that allowed hemp-derived products containing tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC to be sold."

Congress decided to close this loophole and enacts stricter rules for hemp specifically a much lower limit for THC, the chemical that gives marijuana its psychological effects.  The bill will ban any products with more than 0.4 milligrams of THC.

USA TODAY
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/11/15/hemp-loophole-familiar-products-could-be-banned/87249690007/
New law puts familiar drinks, creams and gummies in legal limbo
The provision closes a loophole that allowed hemp-derived products containing THC to be sold. Even products not marketed for their THC content may face legal problems.
Phaedra Trethan and Jeanine Santucci
November 15

The legislation to reopen the government also included strict new rules for hemp products that critics say threaten to outlaw mainstream drinks, creams, gummies, oils and vapes.

Oregon Creamery Recalls Cheese After FDA Testing Finds Listeria in Environment

Face Rock Creamery LLC of Bandon, OR is voluntarily recalling 16/6oz. units of Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar with a use-by date of 11/04/26 because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  This recall is the result of an FDA environmental sample that identified the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the processing area where this cheese was packaged. Finished product has not been tested positive for any contaminants.

The product was sold exclusively at Face Rock Flagship store in Bandon, Oregon.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/face-rock-creamery-llc-recalls-6oz-vampire-slayer-garlic-cheddar-because-possible-health-risk
Face Rock Creamery LLC Recalls 6oz. Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  November 14, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  November 15, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes
Company Name:  Face Rock Creamery LLC
Brand Name:  Face Rock Creamery
Product Description:  Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar cheese

A Case of Toxic Squash Syndrome From Excessive Consumption of Gourd Juice

A Canadian woman became extremely ill suffering from toxic squash syndrome, or bitter bottle gourd poisoning" after consuming homemade juice from the calabash or bottle gourd.

After daily consumption of the juice, she was experiencing sudden weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and lower abdominal pain.  Medical tests "revealed that the woman's heart rate and breathing rate were high, and her blood pressure was initially high and then fell concerningly low. Her extremities were also unusually cool to the touch, indicating she had poor circulation. Meanwhile, one of the chambers of her heart was pumping very forcefully, and an echocardiogram suggested she was having other heart issues."  Internal investigation found her "stomach lining was inflamed and bleeding as a result of tissue damage, which was likely caused by poor oxygen delivery to the tissue."

The issue was the level of cucurbitacins.  An AI entry provides that these are "bitter-tasting chemical compounds found in plants of the Cucurbitaceae family (like cucumbers, melons, and squash), which protect wild plants from predators. While they can be toxic in high concentrations, especially in wild or improperly cultivated varieties, domesticated plants are bred to have low levels. Research indicates that cucurbitacins have potential medicinal uses, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties, but further research is needed to evaluate safety and efficacy. "

Why would she consume this?  Evidently, cucurbitacins have potential health benefits including ani-cancer, anti-inflammatory, liver health, hair growth, and anti-diabetic.  But this is 'potential' in that they are not fully understood, especially regarding dosage.  And controlled dosage can be difficult to manage when someone is just pureeing these at home in their food processor and consuming every day.  A good message to remember here is, "to live by the gourd, is to die by the gourd".


Live Science
https://www.livescience.com/health/food-diet/diagnostic-dilemma-a-womans-homemade-juice-led-to-life-threatening-toxic-squash-syndrome
Diagnostic dilemma: A woman's homemade juice led to life-threatening 'toxic squash syndrome'

Features

By Nicoletta Lanese published November 12, 2025

FDA Warning Letter to RTE Facility Highlights Inadequate Environmental Control That Resulted in Listeria Outbreak

The Warning Letter discussed here is a good example of not properly identifying and implementing a Sanitation Preventive Control in a RTE facility.  This facility had an ongoing Listeria contamination issue that had was not rooted out and eliminated.

FDA issued a Warning Letter to Fresh & Ready Foods LLC, San Fernando, CA, a division of Compass Foods, a manufacturer of ready-to-eat (RTE) sandwiches, salads, wraps, snack items, and entrees. The inspection was initiated as part of a multistate foodborne outbreak investigation of Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) in which ten (10) people from two (2) states (California and Nevada) have been infected with the outbreak strain of L. monocytogenes.  

FDA environmental testing revealed that the clinical isolates match two (2) environmental swabs taken from production area during the FDA inspection of the facility (March 31 to April 15, 2025).

Did not consider environmental pathogens as a significant hazard warranting a preventive control, because of using prerequisite programs (SSOPs)  - "While the facility’s written hazard analysis considered biological pathogens such as L. monocytogenes at the RTE product preparation, assembly, and (b)(4) steps, they determined this hazard was not reasonably likely to occur and did not require a preventive control due to your Sanitation Standard Operational Procedures (SSOPs) and Good Manufacturing Procedures (GMPs). However, your RTE products are exposed to the environment prior to packaging and do not receive a lethal treatment or otherwise include a control measure (such as a formulation lethal to the pathogen) that would significantly minimize the pathogen."

Their approach was shown to be inadequate "as evidenced by the following analytical results, the SSOPs and GMPs are not adequate to ensure that [the] facility is maintained in a sanitary condition to significantly minimize or prevent the hazard of environmental pathogens such as L. monocytogenes

The positive findings included the food-contact surfaces of a:

- Conveyor belt and roller where in-process RTE sandwiches were placed.

- Slicer 3-gauge plate/knife cover which is used to slice component ingredients for RTE sandwich and wrap products.

Interesting was that this was not the first time L. monocytogenes was found in the facility by FDA. "In 2017, FDA detected L. monocytogenes in (b)(4) environmental swabs, which included a swab collected from a direct food-contact surface taken from a mixing bowl.  The company indicated they would implement corrective actions at that time.  However, the "reoccurring presence of L. monocytogenes in [the] facility is significant in that it demonstrates [the] sanitation efforts have been inadequate to effectively control or prevent L. monocytogenes in your facility so as to prevent contamination of food."

The company indicated they took corrective action after the FDA inspection, however, they did not provided sufficient verification to FDA that the measures taken were adequate.  The report states that the company has "not provided any additional information regarding your investigation on identifying the sources of L. monocytogenes to show that you have located and eradicated the harborage site(s), your updated food safety plan, your revised sanitation preventive control program, details regarding your revised environmental monitoring program to identify the target test microorganism, and the analytical methods you will be using. You also did not provide any of your associated cleaning and sanitation records to reflect your corrective actions, and you did not provide any training records that demonstrate your employees have been trained in proper sanitation."

Other issues

• Metal control - did not appropriately evaluate physical hazards such as metal, to determine whether it is a hazard requiring a preventive control in your RTE products.id not have adequate controls in place, as evidenced by missing metal lacing segments observed on Lines (b)(4) conveyor belts on March 31, 2025. Further, product manufactured on Line (b)(4) did not pass through a metal detector. Missing metal lacing segments is a repeat observation from our previous inspection of your facility.
• Supply chain program for RTE Ingredients - 'did not appropriately evaluate the hazard of biological pathogens associated with the ingredients as a known or reasonably foreseeable hazard requiring a preventive control, although there is a vendor approval program for ingredients. The facility produces ready-to-eat products containing ingredients with reasonably foreseeable biological hazards (specifically, chilled RTE produce) that do not undergo a validated (b)(4) step or other adequate lethality treatment within your facility to eliminate these identified hazards. Therefore, for those ingredients, one is required to establish and implement a supply chain program'

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/compass-group-usa-709592-09052025
WARNING LETTER
Compass Group USA
MARCS-CMS 709592 — September 05, 2025

First Reported Case of a Fatality Due to "Meat Allergy" Associated with Tick Bite

UVA Medical researchers are reporting the first death associated with someone have the 'meat allergy' acquired from getting bit by a Lone Star tick.

"A healthy 47-year-old man from New Jersey died abruptly four hours after consuming beef. The cause of his death had been a mystery until UVA Health’s Thomas Platts-Mills, MD, PhD, investigated. A world-renowned allergist, Platts-Mills discovered the allergy and remains the foremost expert on it."

"The allergy is caused by the bite of the Lone Star tick. Bites can sensitize people to alpha-gal, a sugar found in mammalian meat. People who become sensitized to the sugar can have allergic symptoms such as rash, nausea and vomiting after eating beef, pork or lamb. Researchers have feared that deadly anaphylaxis was possible in severe cases but had not confirmed a fatality from the allergy until now."

I thought this was very interesting.

"When asked about his history of tick bites, the man’s wife said he had none this past year but had 12 or 13 chigger bites around his ankles this summer. Platts-Mills realized that many “chigger bites” in the Eastern United States are actually bites from Lone Star tick larvae."

Eureka Alert
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1105793
1st death linked to ‘meat allergy’ spread by ticks
Peer-Reviewed Publication
University of Virginia Health System

University of Virginia School of Medicine researchers have identified the first death caused by what is commonly called the “meat allergy” being spread by ticks.

Australia - Improper Design of Labels on Bottles of Plant Milk Led to Botulism Case

In Australia, a food company was fined when product was labeled with a improperly designed label that led to a case of botulism.  Bottles of almond and oat milk had labels that read '“once opened, keep refrigerated and consume within 5 days” and should have stated, "Keep Refrigerated".  A customer bought the plant-based milk and then stored it on the shelf in kitchen rather than the refrigerator, and after a person drank the improperly stored milk-type product, they became ill with botulism poisoning.  That person spent 147 days in the ICU as their bodies overcame the effects of the neurotoxin. 

“The incorrect content of the label was originally prepared for use on another, shelf-stable Ultra High Temperature (UHT) product offering, and was then inadvertently copied across to the new product packaging,” Judge Payne said.

The fine was $200,000..which seems pretty light for a botulism case by US standards.

This is a good reminder how important label design and approval is for the safety of the product.  Allergens are often the issue with label design, but in this case, safe handling instructions.

https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/health-problems/honest-oversight-almond-milk-label-error-lands-man-in-icu-for-147-days/news-story/e5316c0db9882d26f1b0a94932bc6adb
‘Honest oversight’: Almond milk label error lands man in ICU for 147 days
A man's 188-day hospital nightmare has led to heavy penalties for a milk company whose labelling error caused one of Australia's rarest poisoning cases.
Sarah Keoghan
November 6, 2025 - 2:16PM

Recall Notice of Prosecco Bottles Due to Potential for Exploding

On November 6, 2025, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall of  Kirkland Signature Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG due to exploding.   However the recall for the same product, including the same lot code dates, was posted in September. (https://pennstatefoodsafety.blogspot.com/2025/09/costco-issues-recall-for-prosecco-due.html).

So probably just a delay for the USCPSC getting this posted.

United States Consumer Product Safety Commission

https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/F-F-Fine-Wines-Recalls-Kirkland-Signature-Valdobbiadene-Prosecco-DOCG-Bottles-sold-by-Costco-Due-to-Laceration-Hazard

F&F Fine Wines Recalls Kirkland Signature Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG Bottles sold by Costco Due to Laceration Hazard
Name of Product: Kirkland Signature Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG bottles

FDA and CDC Investigate Infant Botulism Outbreak - Company Recalls Baby Formula (FDA Update 11/11/2025)

The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program (IBTPP), and state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of 15 infant botulism illnesses from 12 states (as of the 11/11/25 update).

A few important points to make

• Infant botulism occurs when infants, having yet to establish a stable colonization of their intestinal tract, consume food containing Clostridium botulinum spores.  These spores grow in anaerobic conditions in the intestines, and without a significant competing formula, multiply.  As they grow, they produce botulinum toxin which is absorbed into the bloodstream of the infant.  This toxin is a neurotoxin, which impacts neurotransmission to the autonomic nervous system.
• Infant formula, historically, has not been a known source for infant botulism.  However,  spores can be found in pasteurized milk as well as dried dairy products; this occurring generally through poor sanitary practices.  
• FDA stated that there are 84 cases reported since August 2025.  Only 15 of those cases have reported using this specific formula.  FDA states "According to information shared by IBTPP, since August 1, 2025 through November 10, 2025, 84 infants nationwide have received treatment for infant botulism. Notably, more than 40% (15) infants who had powdered infant formula exposure consumed ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula.  This information shows that ByHeart brand formula is disproportionately represented among sick infants in this outbreak, especially given that ByHeart represents an estimated 1% of all infant formula sales in the United States. Investigations remain ongoing but have not identified any other infant formula brands or shared exposures that pose a risk to infants."
• "As part of this investigation, officials in several states have collected leftover infant formula for testing. On November 8, 2025, preliminary laboratory results reported by the California Department of Public Health suggest the presence of the bacteria that produce botulinum toxin in a can of ByHeart infant formula (lot 206VABP/251131P2) that was fed to an infant with infant botulism"
• The company initially only recalled two lots of formula.  However, at FDA's request, the company expanded this recall to include all product.

Case Counts

Total Illnesses: 15
Hospitalizations: 15
Deaths: 0
Last Illness Onset: November 10, 2025
States with Cases: AZ, CA, IL, KY, MN, NC, NJ, OR, PA, RI, TX, WA
Product Distribution: Online and nationwide

Symptoms

• Most infants with infant botulism will initially develop constipation, poor feeding, loss of head control, and difficulty swallowing.
• If untreated, infants with infant botulism experience a progressive, flaccid paralysis that can lead to breathing difficulties and require weeks of hospitalization.
• Treatment with BabyBIG® is recommended for all suspected cases of infant botulism.

Recall - ByHeart, Inc. initially recalled two lots of ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant formula (Lot: 206VABP/251261P2 and Lot: 206VABP/251131P2) that were reported to have been consumed by the infants.  FDA requested and the company agreed to recall all product sold nationwide.

From FDA According to information shared by IBTPP, since August 1, 2025 through November 10, 2025, 84 infants nationwide have received treatment for infant botulism. Notably, more than 40% (15) infants who had powdered infant formula exposure consumed ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula.  This information shows that ByHeart brand formula is disproportionately represented among sick infants in this outbreak, especially given that ByHeart represents an estimated 1% of all infant formula sales in the United States. Investigations remain ongoing but have not identified any other infant formula brands or shared exposures that pose a risk to infants.

NY Firm Recalls Uneviscerated Fish Due to Botulism Concern

African Food on Wheels Inc. of Bronx, NY is recalling 28 boxes of Product, because it is a dried, un-eviscerated (internal organs not removed) fish greater than 5 inches and length and has the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum.  The recall was initiated after FDA inspection and analysis revealed the product was not properly eviscerated.

Oven Dried Fish (SCOMBEROMORUS CAVALLA) was distributed to walk-in customers of African Food on Wheels Inc. located at 1376 Randall Avenue, Bronx, NY 10474 only


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/african-food-wheels-inc-recalls-oven-dried-fish-scomberomorus-cavalla-because-possible-health-risk
African Food on Wheels Inc. Recalls Oven Dried Fish (Scomberomorus Cavalla) Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  November 05, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  November 06, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum
Company Name:  African Food on Wheels Inc.
Brand Name:  African Food on Wheels Inc.
Product Description:  Oven Dried Fish (Scomberomorus cavalla)

Ohio Firm Recalls English Muffins Due to Undeclared Milk

Blue Oven Bakery, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio,  is issuing a voluntary recall on their english muffin for misbranding due to the milk allergen not being declared on the label.  These products have been produced since 04/24/25 with the last production date of 10/24/2025, so the label has been incorrect for 6 months.

There have been no reported illnesses.  Products were distributed in local markets.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/blue-oven-bakery-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-due-undeclared-milk-allergens-their-english-muffin
Blue Oven Bakery, Inc. Issues a Voluntary Recall Due to Undeclared Milk Allergens in Their English Muffin
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 31, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  November 06, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared milk
Company Name:  Blue Oven Bakery, Inc.
Brand Name:  Blue Oven Bakery, Inc.
Product Description:  English muffin

SC Establishment Recalls Chicken and Beef Croquette Due to Undeclared Sesame

Brazilian Taste, a Lexington, S.C. establishment, is recalling approximately 4,120 pounds of chicken and beef croquettes due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen.  The problem was discovered when the Food and Drug Administration notified FSIS that bread crumb ingredients shared between FDA-regulated and FSIS-regulated products produced at the facility contained sesame that may not have been declared on the labels of the FSIS-regulated products.

These items were shipped to retail locations in Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas, as well as nationwide through online sales.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/brazilian-taste-recalls-frozen-chicken-and-beef-croquette-products-due-misbranding
Brazilian Taste Recalls Frozen Chicken and Beef Croquette Products Due to Misbranding and an Undeclared Allergen

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Nov. 4, 2025 – Brazilian Taste, a Lexington, S.C. establishment, is recalling approximately 4,120 pounds of chicken and beef croquettes due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains sesame, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

Ice Cream Bars Recalled After Packaging Error Results in Undeclared Wheat

Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream, Inc. is voluntarily recalling a limited number of its Häagen-Dazs Chocolate Dark Chocolate Mini Bars that may contain undeclared wheat.  The company is recalling this product because it may contain products that contain wheat in packaging that does not reveal the presence of wheat on the label. Although the company's investigation is ongoing, they believe products containing wheat were repacked into the incorrect packaging at the beginning of a production run.

The affected product was shipped to two retail customers, Kroger and Giant Eagle, in the following states:

Kroger: (AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NM, OH, OR, SC, TN, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY)

Giant Eagle: (IN, MD, OH, PA, WV)

No illnesses or injuries have been reported to date.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/dreyers-grand-ice-cream-inc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-wheat-haagen-dazs-chocolate-dark
Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Wheat in Haagen-Dazs Chocolate Dark Chocolate Mini Bars in 6 Count Pack
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  November 03, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  November 04, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  May contain undeclared wheat
Company Name:  Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream, Inc.
Brand Name:  Haagen-Dazs
Product Description:  Ice Cream Bars

CT Firm Recalls Tomato Sauces Processed Without Compliance to Federal Canning Regulations

First and Last Bakery, LLC of Hartford, CT, is recalling the Tomato-based sauces because they did not process the product under federal guidelines for canning foods.  The potential risk is growth and toxin formation by Clostridium botulinum, the causative agent of  botulism.

"The products were manufactured without an approved scheduled process or otherwise evaluated to determine if the process is adequate. Failure to appropriately process acidified or low-acid canned foods can result in Clostridium botulinum toxin formation."

The products were distributed in Connecticut and Massachusetts through Big Y and Stop & Shop retail stores, starting on September 22, 2025, and continuing through 09/22/2025.  They were also sold online.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/first-and-last-bakery-llc-recalls-first-and-last-brand-tomato-sauce-products-because-possible-health
First and Last Bakery, LLC Recalls First and Last Brand Tomato Sauce Products Because Of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 31, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  November 03, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential for Clostridium botulinum hazard as the product is manufactured without an approved schedule
Company Name:  First and Last Bakery LLC
Brand Name:  First & Last
Product Description: Marinara Sauce, Puttanesca Sauce, and Meat Flavored Pasta Sauce

Texas Distributor Recalls Peach Salsa Linked to Peaches Recalled Due to Listeria

Supreme LLC., Farmer's Branch, TX,  (dba Supreme Produce) is recalling peach salsa after the recall initiated by its supplier, Moonlight Companies, which had recalled white and yellow flesh peaches on October 29th due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

This is one confusing recall notice.  It seems to discuss whole peaches, but identifies the peach salsa as the specific product being recalled.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/supreme-produce-llc-voluntarily-recalls-moonlight-peaches-because-possible-health-risk
Supreme Produce LLC Voluntarily Recalls Moonlight Peaches Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: October 30, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  November 03, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
Company Name:  Supreme Produce
Brand Name:  Supreme Produce
Product Description:  Peach Salsa

Idaho Firm Recalls Kratom Product After State Lab Finds Salmonella

Vanguard Enterprises, LLC. DBA Bedrock MFG of Boise, Idaho is recalling Monarch Premium Kratom brand Bali Gold, Red Bali, Green Maeng Da, and White Elephant powder because product has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  This recall is the result of a retail sample collected and analyzed by the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (FDACS) which revealed that the finished product contained Salmonella

The affected Monarch Premium Kratom brand Bali Gold, Red Bali, Green Maeng Da, and White Elephant powder were distributed nationwide in retail stores and through mail orders via the company website https://bedrockbotanicals.com between April 2023 to September 2023.

From the DEA https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Kratom-2020_0.pdf

What is Kratom - Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. Consumption of its leaves produces both stimulant effects (in low doses) and sedative effects (in high doses), and can lead to psychotic symptoms, and psychological and physiological dependence. Kratom leaves  contain two major psychoactive ingredients (mitragynine and  7-hydroxymytragynine). These leaves are crushed and then smoked, brewed with tea, or placed into gel capsules. Kratom has a long history of use in Southeast Asia

Mostly abused by oral ingestion in the form of a tablet, capsule, or extract. Kratom leaves may also be dried or powdered and ingested as a tea, or the kratom leaf may be chewed.

Kratom is not controlled under the Controlled Substances Act; however, there may be some state regulations or prohibitions against the possession and use of kratom. The FDA has not approved kratom 

for any medical use. In addition, DEA has listed kratom as a Drug and Chemical of Concern.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/vanguard-enterprises-llc-dba-bedrock-mfg-recalls-monarch-premium-kratom-powder-because-possible
Vanguard Enterprises, LLC. dba Bedrock MFG Recalls Monarch Premium Kratom Powder Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 30, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  October 31, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential to be contaminated with Salmonella
Company Name:  Vanguard Enterprises, LLC. DBA Bedrock MFG
Brand Name:  Monarch Premium
Product Description:  Bali Gold, Red Bali, Green Maeng Da, and White Elephant Kratom powder

CA Fruit Packer is Recalling Fresh Peaches After Listeria Found in Packing Facility

Moonlight Companies, Reedley, CA  is voluntarily recalling California-grown conventional yellow and white peaches because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  This recall is being conducted because Listeria monocytogenes was identified in the packing facility environment.

The recalled peaches were sold at retail stores nationwide between September 16, 2025 and October 29, 2025. 

This is a very big production window of time leading one to believe it was the time interval of sampling in the facility.  This is where a well thought out sampling strategy is so important. 

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/moonlight-companies-voluntarily-recalls-california-grown-conventional-yellow-and-white-peaches
Moonlight Companies Voluntarily Recalls California-Grown Conventional Yellow and White Peaches Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 29, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  October 30, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
Company Name:  Moonlight Companies
Brand Name:  Moonlight/Kroger
Product Description:  Yellow and white peaches

FDA and CDC Provide Update (Oct 30 2025) on Listeria Outbreak Linked to Pre-cooked Pasta

FDA issued an update on the Listeria outbreak linked to pre-cooked pasta produced by Nate's Fine Foods of Roseville, CA and which was used as an ingredient by a number of other companies in making RTE dishes.  As of 10/30/25, there have been 27 reported cases with 25 hospitalizations and 6 deaths.
From the CDC report of 10/30/25, the age range of those infected is from 4 to 92 years, with a median age of 74.  From the CDC, "Of 26 people with information available, 25 have been hospitalized and 6 deaths have been reported. One death from each of the following states: Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, Oregon, Texas, and Utah. One pregnancy-associated illness resulted in a fetal loss."

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 27
Hospitalizations: 25
Deaths: 6
Last Illness Onset: October 16, 2025
States with Cases: CA, FL, HI, IL, IN, LA, MI, MN, MO, NC, NV, OH, OR, SC, TX, UT, VA, WA
Product Distribution: Nationwide

The outbreak was first reported in June with the last report coming in September, 2025 with 7 new cases and 2 additional deaths.  

An investigative report has not been issued yet, but we did overview where some of controls were needed.

FDA
https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-listeria-monocytogenes-prepared-pasta-meals-june-2025
Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes: Prepared Pasta Meals (June 2025)
Do not eat or serve certain pasta salads or meals containing pre-cooked pasta. FDA’s investigation is ongoing.
Current Update
October 30, 2025

FDA Issues Warning Letters for Improper Implementation of FSVP

FDA issued Warning Letters to two importers for failure to properly implement FSVP.  The Turkana Foods case below is a great example of failure to complete corrective action once a foodborne illness outbreak occurs from a given supplier.

V & L Produce, Inc. ,Vernon, CA did not develop an FSVP for any of the foods imported, including each of the following foods:

• Jalapeno Pepper, imported from (b)(4), located in (b)(4)
• Green Onions, imported from (b)(4), located in (b)(4)
• Husk Tomatoes (Tomatillos), imported from (b)(4), located in (b)(4)

The imported fresh produce that may be considered “covered produce” as defined in 21 CFR 112.3. If after review of the fresh produce that is imported, one determines that they importer covered produce, one must have an FSVP that demonstrates that the supplier is producing the food in compliance with processes and procedures that provide at least the same level of public health protection as those required under section 419 of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 350h) (regarding standards for produce safety) and the implementing regulations in the Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption (21 CFR part 112).

Turkana Food Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, was not in compliance with the requirements of 21 CFR part 1, subpart L for the following imported foods: Tahini, Halva with Vanilla, Halva with Cocoa and Halva with Pistachio from (b)(4), Tahini from (b)(4), and Crushed Hot Red Pepper Spice
Corrective Actions in Response to a Salmonella Outbreak -  The firm failed to properly respond to product that was involved in a salmonella outbreak.  

• The firm recalled Tahini manufactured by (b)(4) in (b)(4) that was found to contain Salmonella in February 2025, but  did not provide any documentation to show that it took corrective actions as a result of the Salmonella finding. Under 21 CFR 1.508(a), the appropriate corrective actions will depend on the circumstances but could include discontinuing use of the foreign supplier until the cause or causes of noncompliance, adulteration, or misbranding have been adequately addressed.
• Did not provide any documentation of your investigation to determine if the FSVP is adequate after Tahini manufactured by (b)(4) in (b)(4) was recalled in February 2025.
• After Tahini from (b)(4) was recalled in February 2025, the company continued to import product including Halva with Pistachio, Halva with Vanilla, and Halva with Cocoa which all contain Tahini on April 8, 2025, from the same foreign supplier. 
• There were additional elements of corrective action that were also not taken.

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/v-l-produce-inc-717804-10092025
V & L Produce, Inc.
MARCS-CMS 717804 — October 09, 2025

NY Firm Recalls Dried Uneviscerated Fish

New Hoque & Sons Inc. of Maspeth, NY, is recalling its packages of “Dry Ghoinnya Fish” because the product was found to be uneviscerated.  The recall was initiated after routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory staff revealed the product was not properly eviscerated prior to processing.  The sale of uneviscerated fish is prohibited under New York State Agriculture and Markets regulations because Clostridium botulinum spores are more likely to be concentrated in the viscera than any other portion of the fish. Uneviscerated fish have been linked to outbreaks of botulism poisoning.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/new-hoque-sons-inc-issues-alert-uneviscerated-dry-ghoinnya-fish
New Hoque & Sons Inc Issues Alert on Uneviscerated “Dry Ghoinnya Fish”
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 29, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  October 29, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Product was found to be uneviscerated. Uneviscerated fish have been linked to outbreaks of botulism poisoning.
Company Name:  New Hoque & Sons Inc.
Brand Name:  Hoque
Product Description:  Dry Ghoinnya Fish

Company Announcement

New Hoque & Sons Inc. of Maspeth, NY, is recalling its packages of “Dry Ghoinnya Fish” because the product was found to be uneviscerated.

The recalled “Dry Ghoinnya Fish” were distributed nationwide in retail stores. The product comes in a 10-12 pound, clear plastic package marked with an expiration date of 5/19/25 stamped on the bottom. The product UPC code is 908172635412.

The recall was initiated after routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory staff revealed the product was not properly eviscerated prior to processing.

The sale of uneviscerated fish is prohibited under New York State Agriculture and Markets regulations because Clostridium botulinum spores are more likely to be concentrated in the viscera than any other portion of the fish. Uneviscerated fish have been linked to outbreaks of botulism poisoning. Symptoms of botulism include dizziness, blurred or double vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension, and constipation may also be common symptoms. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

Consumers who have purchased the “Dry Ghoinnya Fish” are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (718) 391-0992.

Massachusetts Firm Misses Allergen on Print-on-Demand Label

Hampton Farms, Springfield, Mass.,  is recalling Mixed Nuts Roasted Unsalted 8 oz. lot 23025  and Mixed Nuts Roasted and Salted 8oz. lot 23825 due to an undeclared hazelnut allergen.  On September 15, 2025, the firm discovered through routine paperwork review that the label failed to include the allergen (hazelnuts) in the allergen warning statement.

Here is another case related to print-on-demand labels where there is an allergen mistake.  The information input on these labels needs a sufficient amount of review / verification instead of relying on one person.

The products were distributed between September 2, 2025 and September 9, 2025 of this year. These products were packaged in clear plastic tubs and sold in Stop&Shop stores in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/hampton-farms-recalls-mixed-nuts-roasted-unsalted-8-oz-and-mixed-nuts-roasted-and-salted-8-oz
Hampton Farms Recalls Mixed Nuts Roasted Unsalted 8 oz and Mixed Nuts Roasted and Salted 8 oz Packages Due to Undeclared Hazelnuts
Summary
Company Announcement Date:   September 26, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  October 28, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared hazelnut allergen
Company Name:  Hampton Farms
Brand Name:  Hampton Farms
Product Description:  Mixed Nuts

TX Firm Recalls Taco Kits After Supplier Mislabels Cocoa Packets As Seasoning Packet

Teasdale Foods, Inc., Carrollton, TX, is recalling certain Taco Dinner Kits, because they may contain undeclared milk.  The recall was initiated after the company received consumer complaints the Taco Dinner Kits contained cocoa mix packets containing milk instead of taco seasoning packets and were distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of milk. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by mislabeling of the taco seasoning packets by the third party that provides the seasoning.

In this case, the supplier of the taco seasoning packets mislabeled cocoa packets as taco seasoning.  Here is a great example of the need to ensure suppliers have tight allergen control programs in place.  Clearly this supplier is handling a wide variety of foods containing different allergens.

Product was distributed to Giant, Martin’s, and Aldi retail stores located in Alabama, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin and West Virginia.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/teasdale-latin-foods-issues-allergy-alert-potential-undeclared-milk-certain-taco-dinner-kits
Teasdale Latin Foods Issues Allergy Alert on Potential Undeclared Milk in Certain Taco Dinner Kits
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 25, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  October 28, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  May contain undeclared milk.
Company Name:  Teasdale Foods, Inc.
Brand Name:  Martin’s and Giant/Casa Mamita
Product Description:  Taco Dinner Kits

CA Distributor Recalls Parsley After Sample Tests Positive for Salmonella

Pacific International Marketing (“Pacific”), a Salinas, California distributor, is recalling 474 cases of bulk Italian Parsley because it may be contaminated with Salmonella.  The company was recently notified that a sample taken on October 6 tested positive. This product should no longer be available directly to the consumer, only if the product is frozen.

The Italian Parsley was shipped to wholesalers in AZ, CA, FL, MN, MI, GA, OH and NV between September 22 and September 25, 2025. 


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/pacific-international-marketing-recalls-fresh-italian-parsley-because-possible-health-risk
Pacific International Marketing Recalls Fresh Italian Parsley Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 28, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  October 28, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Foodborne Illness – Salmonella contamination
Company Name:  Pacific International Marketing
Brand Name:  Pacific
Product Description:  Italian Parsley

WA State Company Recalls Cinnamon Powder After FDA Finds Lead Contamination

Homeneeds Inc. of Bellevue, WA is recalling 140/100gram packets of Devi brand Cinnamon Powder (Dalchini Powder), batch #2502315, because it has the potential to be contaminated with lead.  The recall was initiated after the FDA collected product samples and detected elevated levels of lead. The firm’s investigation into the problem is ongoing.

The affected Devi brand Cinnamon Powder (Dalchini Powder) packages were distributed by Homeneeds Inc. of Bellevue, WA and was sold at Apna Bazar in WA from 05/15/2025 to 10/21/2025


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/homeneeds-inc-recalls-devi-brand-ground-cinnamon-dalchini-powder-because-possible-health-risk
Homeneeds Inc. Recalls Devi Brand Ground Cinnamon (Dalchini Powder) Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 27, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  October 28, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential Metal Contaminant - Lead
Company Name:  Homeneeds Inc.
Brand Name:  DEVI
Product Description:  Ground Cinnamon

MN Establishment Recalls Pulled Pork Product After Plastic from Ingredient Bottles Found in Product

E.A. Sween Company, an Eden Prairie, Minn. establishment, is recalling approximately 127,887 pounds of a pulled pork sandwich product that may be contaminated with pieces of plastic.  The problem was discovered after the establishment received multiple complaints from consumers finding pieces of plastic in the barbecue pulled pork sandwich product. E.A. Sween Company determined that the plastic originated from the gallon plastic barbecue bottles used in production.

This recall demonstrates the need to control ingredient containers during production.  It is easy for people to get careless when pouring liquid into the process in that they do not control have full containment of items including the caps.


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/e-a--sween-company-recalls-pulled-pork-sandwich-products-due-possible-foreign-matter
E.A. Sween Company Recalls Pulled Pork Sandwich Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2025 – E.A. Sween Company, an Eden Prairie, Minn. establishment, is recalling approximately 127,887 pounds of a pulled pork sandwich product that may be contaminated with pieces of plastic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

Source of Cesium-137 in Shipments of Indonesian Frozen Shrimp Determined

An article in Food Safety News state the the source of the Cesium-137 that was detected in a shipment of frozen shrimp that led to tightened controls for Indonesian products over the past few months.  According to this article, the "contamination was allegedly caused by steel manufacturer Peter Metal Technology, which uses imported scrap metal as its primary raw material. It is likely that the cesium was incorporated into the firm’s waste stream and then processed, releasing Cs-137 particles into the air, which may have spread to nearby shrimp packaging facility PT Bahari Makmur Sejati (doing business as BMS Foods), located approximately two kilometers away."

"The American Nuclear Society explained that the Cs-137 contamination likely began as cesium chloride, which, once smelted, would rise above its boiling point and enter the atmosphere in gaseous form, exposing BMS Foods' facility to the radioactive isotope."

"Additionally, the Indonesian government discovered 14 containers of scraps from the Philippines, which are contaminated by Cs-137, in Tanjung Priok Port, North Jakarta. This finding suggests that the radioactive contamination may also originate to containers used in export, as well as from the Cikande environment."

This explanation does not apply to the shipment of cloves that were also found to have Cesium-137 contamination.

Food Safety Magazine
https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10757-indonesian-officials-find-cause-of-cs-137-contamination-behind-radioactive-shrimp
Indonesian Officials Find Cause of Cs-137 Contamination Behind Radioactive Shrimp

October 6, 2025

Since August, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has alerted the public to detections of radioactive isotope Cesium-137 (Cs-137) in shipments of shrimp sold at Walmart and other major retailers, and clove spices that did not enter commerce, imported from Indonesia. These detections led FDA to exercise for the first time a Congressional authorized power to require import certification for those commodities from certain regions of the country.

Raw Milk Cheese from Washington State Recalled After Linked to Three Cases of E. coli (STEC) Infection

A Washington cheese maker is recalling various cheese products made from raw and unpasteurized milk and aged at least 60 days, after the product was linked to illness from Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), specifically Escherichia coli O103.

Twin Sisters Creamery of Ferndale, Washington is voluntarily recalling Whatcom Blue, Farmhouse, Peppercorn and Mustard Seed cheese products, which were made from raw and unpasteurized milk and aged at least 60 days, because it may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and Escherichia coli O103

There have been three reports of STEC infections caused by E. coli O103 in OR and WA to date. The case in Oregon consumed the Twin Sisters Creamery Farmhouse cheese prior to becoming ill.  The recall was initiated after Twin Sisters Creamery was notified that the Farmhouse cheese sample analyzed by a third-party lab confirmed presence of E. coli O103 and E. Coli STEC was detected in Whatcom Blue samples analyzed by WSDA and FDA.

Peterson Company of Auburn, WA is voluntarily recalling Twin Sisters Creamery brand item# 28855 Whatcom Blue and item# 29608 Farmhouse Cheese products which were made by Twin Sisters.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/twin-sisters-creamery-recalls-whatcom-blue-farmhouse-peppercorn-and-mustard-seed-cheese-products

Twin Sisters Creamery Recalls Whatcom Blue, Farmhouse, Peppercorn, and Mustard Seed Cheese Products Because of Possible Health Risk

Summary

Company Announcement Date:  October 25, 2025

FDA Publish Date:  October 27, 2025

Product Type:  Food & Beverages

Reason for Announcement:  Potential Foodborne Illness - Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and Escherichia coli O103

Company Name:  Twin Sisters Creamery, Inc.

Brand Name:  Twin Sisters Creamery

Product Description: Whatcom Blue, Farmhouse, Peppercorn and Mustard Seed cheese products

Michigan Firm Recalls Chocolate Bars for Undeclared Nuts Due to Processing Error

Zingerman’s Candy Manufactory of Ann Arbor, Michigan is recalling Zingerman’s Peanut Butter Crush Full Size Bars with Lot#174250 because it may contain undeclared cashew and Zingerman’s Ca$hew Cow Full Size Bars with Lot#174250 because it may contain undeclared peanut.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that Peanut Butter Crush Bars containing cashews were distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of cashews. It was also discovered that Cashew Cow Bars may have been distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of peanuts. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the production and packaging processes.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/zingermans-candy-manufactory-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-peanut-cashew-candy-bars
Zingerman’s Candy Manufactory Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Peanut & Cashew in Candy Bars
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 24, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  October 27, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential or Undeclared Allergen – Undeclared Cashew and Peanut
Company Name:  Zingerman’s Candy Manufactory
Brand Name:  Zingerman’s Candy
Product Description:  Peanut Butter Crush and Ca$hew Cow candy bars

MN Establishment Recalls Frozen RTE Chicken Breast After Complaints for Metal Originating with Conveyor Belts

Hormel Foods Corporation, an Austin, Minn. establishment, is recalling approximately 4,874,815 pounds of foodservice ready-to-eat frozen chicken products that may be contaminated with pieces of metal,  The problem was discovered after the establishment received multiple complaints from foodservice customers finding metal in their frozen chicken breast and chicken thigh products. Hormel Foods determined that the metal originated from the conveyor belt used in production.

The affected chicken breast and thigh products were distributed to HRI Commercial Food Service locations nationwide on various dates from February 10, 2025, through September 19, 2025.  There have been no confirmed reports of injury due to consumption of this product. 


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/hormel-foods-corporation-recalls-ready-eat-frozen-chicken-products-due-possible
Hormel Foods Corporation Recalls Ready-To-Eat Frozen Chicken Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, October 25, 2025 – Hormel Foods Corporation, an Austin, Minn. establishment, is recalling approximately 4,874,815 pounds of foodservice ready-to-eat frozen chicken products that may be contaminated with pieces of metal, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

SD Establishment Recalls Pork Jerky After Metal from Fraying Belt Found in Product

LSI, Inc., an Alpena, S.D. establishment, is recalling approximately 2,277,540 pounds of a ready-to-eat Korean barbecue pork jerky product that may be contaminated with pieces of metal.  The problem was discovered after the establishment received multiple complaints from consumers finding pieces of wiry metal in the pork jerky product. LSI, Inc. determined that the metal originated from the conveyor belt used in production. 

This item was shipped to Costco and Sam’s Club retail locations nationwide.  There have been no confirmed reports of injury due to consumption of this product. 

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/lsi-inc--recalls-bbq-pork-jerky-product-due-possible-foreign-matter-contamination
LSI, Inc. Recalls BBQ Pork Jerky Product Due To Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

LSI, Inc.

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, October 24, 2025 – LSI, Inc., an Alpena, S.D. establishment, is recalling approximately 2,277,540 pounds of a ready-to-eat Korean barbecue pork jerky product that may be contaminated with pieces of metal, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

Europe - Invesitigation into Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Tomatoes 2011 - 2024

An investigation report in Eurosurveillance details a Salmonella outbreak linked to cherry tomatoes occurring from 2011 to 2024 with 643 reported cases in 17 countries.   First notice that a common food, cherry tomatoes, was identified in 2023, but reported cases continued into 2024 with 132 occurring that year.   Eventually, tomatoes from Sicily were identified as the vehicle, but the exact source was not identified.

"Contamination of tomatoes can happen at various points from the farm-to-fork, such as farm, packinghouses, or fresh-cut processing facilities [26]. They can potentially become contaminated with faeces from wild animals [29] or migratory birds [30,31]. Since water used for irrigation does not need to be potable, this may be a further source of contamination. Additionally, during water restrictions, different types of water can be used. Surface waters, such as rivers, streams or lakes, are more susceptible to contamination than protected sources like wells. The sewage sludge isolates from Germany and Austria support the hypothesis that sewage water can carry harmful pathogens and could be transferred to crops when used for irrigation or applied as a fertiliser [21]."

Eurosurveillance Volume 30, Issue 41, 16/Oct/2025
https://www.eurosurveillance.org/content/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2025.30.41.2500224
Insights into recurring multi-country outbreaks of Salmonella Strathcona associated with tomatoes, Europe, 2011 to 2024

Introduction

In 2023, non-typhoidal salmonellosis was the second most frequently reported gastrointestinal infection among humans in the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA) countries after campylobacteriosis, accounting for 78,307 cases reported by 30 EU/EEA countries with an incidence of 18.15 cases per 100,000 population [1]. Notification of non-typhoidal salmonellosis is mandatory in 27 EU/EEA countries [1], while in three countries (Belgium, France and the Netherlands), it is voluntary [2]. Non-typhoidal salmonellosis is characterised by diarrhoea, abdominal pain and fever. In some cases, infections may become invasive causing bacteraemia and sepsis, requiring hospitalisation and antimicrobial treatment [3]. The most frequently notified Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica (S.) serovars in humans in the EU/EEA countries are Enteritidis and Typhimurium, including monophasic Typhimurium [2,4].

CA Establishment Recalls RTE Burrito Products After RTE Egg Ingredient Tests Positive for Listeria

M.C.I. Foods Inc., a Santa Fe Springs, Calif., establishment, is recalling approximately 91,585 pounds of specific lots of ready-to-eat (RTE) breakfast burrito and wrap products containing egg that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm).  The problem was discovered when the establishment notified FSIS of a positive Lm result in the scrambled egg component after the firm conducted routine sampling and testing of RTE ingredients from its external suppliers.

USDA does not require a Supply Chain Preventive Control as is required by FDA, however, the same types of controls need to be in place for suppliers of  RTE ingredients.  While testing was in place and did identify the contamination, which is good, however, the goal is prevention rather than reacting.  In this case, the product had been released and now has to be recalled.  In a preventive control's approach, the purchasing company would verify control through audits, prior testing communicated by a COA, or even an evaluation of that supplier's environmental monitoring program.

There have been no confirmed reports of illness due to consumption of these products.


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/m-c-i--foods-inc--recalls-ready-eat-breakfast-burrito-and-wrap-products-due-possible
M.C.I. Foods, Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Breakfast Burrito and Wrap Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

WASHINGTON, October 18, 2025 – M.C.I. Foods Inc., a Santa Fe Springs, Calif., establishment, is recalling approximately 91,585 pounds of specific lots of ready-to-eat (RTE) breakfast burrito and wrap products containing egg that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

CA Firm Recalls Cinnamon Powder After FDA Testing Detects Lead

Haitai, Inc of Cerritos, CA (Oct., 15, 2025) is recalling Haetae (HT) brand Cinnamon powder 8 oz because it has the potential to be contaminated with lead.  The recall was initiated after the FDA collected product samples and detected elevated levels of lead. The firm’s investigation indicates the problem might be caused by potentially adulterated raw material from the supplier or natural lead concentration in Cinnamon and its powder.

Product was distributed by Haitai, Inc. and sold at various supermarkets nationwide.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/haitai-inc-recalls-haetae-ht-brand-cinnamon-powder-8-oz-possible-risk
Haitai, Inc. Recalls Haetae (HT) Brand Cinnamon Powder 8 oz of Possible Risk
Summary
Company Announcement 

Date: October 17, 2025

FDA Publish Date: October 17, 2025

Product Type: Food & Beverages

Reason for Announcement:  Potential Metal Contaminant - Lead

Company Name: Haitai, Inc

Brand Name:  Haetae

Product Description:  Ground cinnamon
Company Announcement

NY Firm Recalls Pecan Product for Undeclared Cashews

Nat’s Nuts of Rochester, NY is recalling 600 bags of Cinnamon Whiskey Pecans, because they may contain undeclared cashews. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to cashews run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.  The recall was initiated after a retailer opened a package of the Cinnamon Whiskey Pecans for sampling and discovered cashews mixed in with the pecans. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's production and packaging processes.

So this appears to be an improper line cleanout, but could as well be an issue with in-process product or an even with addition where the wrong product was dumped.  Regardless, although both are nut products, they are different allergens and must be controlled as  such.

Product was distributed to 25 retail stores located in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Nevada, Florida, and Wisconsin.  Product was also sold online.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/nats-nuts-issues-allergy-alert-potential-undeclared-cashews-nats-nuts-brand-cinnamon-whiskey-pecans
Nat’s Nuts Issues Allergy Alert on Potential Undeclared Cashews in Nat’s Nuts Brand Cinnamon Whiskey Pecans
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  October 17, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  October 17, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared cashews
Company Name:  Nat’s Nuts
Brand Name:  Nat’s Nuts
Product Description:  Cinnamon Whiskey Pecans