CT Firm Recalls Chocolate Bars for Undeclared Almonds Misidentified as Macadamia Nuts on Label

Willy Pete’s Chocolate Company LLC of Harwinton, CT is recalling their Almond Despair chocolate bar due to undeclared almonds in the label’s ingredient statement. The ingredient statement incorrectly identifies macadamia nuts as present in the product.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/recall-notice-willy-petes-chocolate-company-llc-harwinton-issues-recall-chocolate-bars-due-almonds
Recall Notice: Willy Pete’s Chocolate Company LLC of Harwinton Issues Recall of Chocolate Bars Due to Almonds Not Declared in Ingredient Statement
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 22, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  December 23, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential or Undeclared Allergen - Almond
Company Name:  Willy Pete’s Chocolate Company LLC
Brand Name:  Willy Pete’s Chocolates
Product Description:  Almond Despair chocolate bar

MD Firm Recalls Cookie Tins After Labeling Issue Results in Undeclared Allergens

Atwater’s of Baltimore, MD, is recalling 197 cookie tins because they contain cookies made with almond, pecan, and walnut allergens.  The recall was voluntarily initiated after it was discovered that the product containing almonds, pecans, and walnuts was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of the nut allergen. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's labeling process.

The product was distributed from 12/13/2025 through 12/22/2025 in Baltimore, Towson, and Catonsville, MD, and it reached consumers through retail stores and was gifted to three wholesalers


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/atwaters-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-tree-nut-allergen-cookie-tin-labels
Atwater’s Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Tree Nut Allergen on Cookie Tin Labels
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 22, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  December 23, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared tree nut allergens, almonds, pecans, and walnuts.
Company Name:  Atwater's
Brand Name:  Atwater's
Product Description:  Cookie tins

Illinois Firm Expands Recall of Confectionary Product for Undeclared Pecans Due to Mis-packaging

Silvestri Sweets Inc. of Geneva, IL is expanding its recall of  5-ounce bags of Choceur branded Holiday Barks because they may contain undeclared allergens.  The initial recall was posted in late November but was expanded to include additional lot numbers and “best by” dates not covered in the original recall.  This issue was the result of mis-packaging.  


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/silvestri-sweets-expands-voluntary-allergy-alert-undeclared-pecan-and-wheat-cookie-butter-holiday
Silvestri Sweets Expands Voluntary Allergy Alert on Undeclared Pecan and Wheat in Cookie Butter Holiday Bark and Pecan, Cranberry & Cinnamon Holiday Bark
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 22, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  December 23, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared pecans and wheat
Company Name:  Silvestri Sweet, Inc.
Brand Name:  Choceur
Product Description:  Holiday Bark

Michigan Firm Recalls Christmas Cookies without Allergen Labeling

Troemner Farm of Atlantic Mine, MI is recalling Troemner Family Farm branded 6 oz and 12 oz Pfeffernusse Cookies, because it may contain undeclared milk, wheat, and soy.  This missing labeling was revealed during routine inspections. Subsequent investigation indicates missing labels were a cause of human error.

Pfeffernusse cookies are traditional German Christmas cookies spiced with black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, and other flavors.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/troemner-roemner-farm-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-wheat-and-soy-pfeffernusse-cookies
Troemner Roemner Farm Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk, Wheat, and Soy in Pfeffernusse Cookies
Summary
Company Announcement Date: December 22, 2025

FDA Publish Date:December 22, 2025

Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared milk, wheat, and soy allergens

Company Name: Troemner Farm

Brand Name: Troemner Family Farm

Product Description:  Pfeffernusse Cookies

FDA Issues Warning Letter to Florida Farm Operation Related to Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Cucumbers

FDA issued a Warning Letter to Bedner Growers, a farm operation in Boynton Beach, FL after inspection in response to o the 2024 multi-state outbreak of human infections with Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup linked to the firm's cucumbers.

"On April 2, 2025, FDA collected Sample 1148702 consisting of (b)(4) environmental swabs from your cucumber packing line. FDA analyzed Sample 1148702 and determined that (b)(4) of the (b)(4) swabs, representing food contact surfaces, were positive for Salmonella. Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) analysis revealed that, as of May 7, 2025, (b)(4) isolates matched (b)(4) 2025 clinical isolates in the National Center for Biotechnology Information’s (NCBI) database that were uploaded April 25, 2025, or later. The same (b)(4) isolates from sample 1148702 were pathogens associated with illness in the 2025 multi-state outbreak investigation of human infections with Salmonella Montevideo described below."

"As part of FDA’s investigation, on May 15, 2025, FDA collected Sample 1298712, cucumbers determined to have been grown at your farm, from a distribution center in Pennsylvania. Salmonella was detected and WGS analysis determined that two isolates from this sample matched the Salmonella Montevideo outbreak strain. In addition, multiple other strains of Salmonella were detected which matched other isolates in the National Center for Biotechnology Information’s (NCBI) database, including isolates from the 2024 multistate outbreak of human infections with Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup, and an isolate from a 2024 cucumber sample collected by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, which was also determined to have been grown at your farm."

"On May 16, 2025, FDA received your written response, describing corrective actions taken by your farm since April 14, 2025. We note that your written response lacked supporting details, or evidence of implementation, except for a letter from the University of Florida, dated May 12, 2025, which describes the 3rd party sampling effort that occurred at your farm on April 16, 2025."

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/bedner-growers-inc-706726-11172025
WARNING LETTER

Bedner Growers, Inc.
MARCS-CMS 706726 — November 17, 2025

Canada - Pizza with Pepperoni and Bacon Recalled After Linked to E.coli O26 Outbreak

General Mills Canada is recalling Pillsbury brand Pizza Pops Pepperoni + Bacon products after being linked to an outbreak of E. coli O26.

Not too much more information than that.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency 
https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/certain-pillsbury-brand-pizza-pops-pepperoni-bacon-recalled-due-e-coli-o26
Food recall warning
Certain Pillsbury brand Pizza Pops Pepperoni + Bacon recalled due to E. coli O26

Canadian Establishment Recalls Quiche with Ham Product for No USDA Import Inspection

Maître Saladier Inc. in Quebec, Canada, is recalling approximately 6,000 pounds of Lorraine Quiche products containing pork [in the form of ham] that were not presented for import reinspection into the United States.  The problem was discovered during routine FSIS import surveillance activities. There have been no confirmed reports of illness due to consumption of these products. 


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/maitre-saladier-inc--recalls-lorraine-quiche-products-imported-without-benefit
Maître Saladier Inc. Recalls Lorraine Quiche Products Imported Without Benefit of Import Reinspection

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19, 2025 – Maître Saladier Inc. in Quebec, Canada, is recalling approximately 6,000 pounds of Lorraine Quiche products containing pork that were not presented for import reinspection into the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

Oregon Establishment Recalls Kielbasa Product After Complaint for Metal

Olympia Provisions, a Portland, Ore., establishment, is recalling approximately 1,930 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) holiday kielbasa sausages that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically metal.  The problem was discovered after the establishment notified FSIS that it received a consumer complaint regarding metal found in the product. There have been no confirmed reports of injury due to consumption of this product. Anyone concerned about an injury should contact a healthcare provider.

This item was shipped to retail locations in California, Oregon, and Washington, and was available nationwide through online direct-to-consumer sales.                      


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/olympia-provisions-recalls-ready-eat-holiday-kielbasa-sausage-products-due-possible
Olympia Provisions Recalls Ready-to-Eat Holiday Kielbasa Sausage Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19, 2025 – Olympia Provisions, a Portland, Ore., establishment, is recalling approximately 1,930 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) holiday kielbasa sausages that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically metal, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

Washington Firm Recalls Almondmilk Chocolate Due to Undeclared Hazelnut

Fran’s Chocolates, Ltd. of Seattle, WA is recalling 112 units of Fran’s Pure Bar Almondmilk Chocolate 46% Madagascar Plant-Based, net wt. 1.1oz, because it contains undeclared hazelnut.  The company had received a report of one adverse allergic event related to the consumption of Fran’s Pure Bar Almondmilk Chocolate 46% Madagascar Plant-Based. 

The Fran’s Pure Bar Almondmilk Chocolate 46% Madagascar Plant-Based product was sold in four Fran’s Chocolates stores in Seattle, WA, and it was also sold online.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/frans-chocolates-ltd-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-hazelnuts-frans-pure-bar-almondmilk-chocolate

Fran’s Chocolates, LTD. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Hazelnuts in Fran’s Pure Bar AlmondMilk Chocolate 46% Madagascar Plant-Based Product
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 20, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  December 20, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Contains undeclared hazelnut
Company Name:  Fran's
Brand Name:  Fran’s
Product Description:  Almondmilk Chocolate 46% Madagascar Plant-Based

MA Firm Recalls Yogurtish Type of Product Due to Undeclared Almond

PlantBased Innovations, of Leominster, MA, is recalling Higher Harvest by H-E-B Dairy-Free Coconut Yogurt, Strawberry flavor because the product may contain undeclared almond.  The recall was initiated after a customer complaint revealed that product containing almond was distributed in packaging that did not declare the presence of almond.

The recalled product was distributed to H-E-B and shipped on November 24, 2025, through H-E-B distribution centers and retail grocery stores in Texas.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/plantbased-innovations-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-almond-h-e-b-dairy-free-coconut-yogurt
PlantBased Innovations Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Almond in H-E-B Dairy-Free Coconut Yogurt, Strawberry Flavor
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 19, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  December 19, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  May contain undeclared almond
Company Name:  PlantBased Innovations
Brand Name:  Higher Harvest by H-E-B
Product Description:  Dairy-Free Coconut Yogurt, Strawberry flavor

Additional Recall Posted for Frozen Shrimp from Indonesia Due to Cesium-137

Direct Source Seafood LLC, Bellevue, WA, is recalling approximately 83,800 bags of frozen raw shrimp, imported from Indonesia, sold under the Market 32 and Waterfront Bistro brands because they may have been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby they may have become contaminated with cesium-137 (Cs-137).

This recall is linked to the ongoing shrimp recalls for product from Indonesia where cesium 137 was identified as potential contaminant.  While this recall comes months after the last recall related to this cesium issue, there was no reason stated.  In the notice, it states, "The FDA is actively investigating reports of Cs-137 contamination in shipping containers and frozen shrimp products manufactured in Indonesia by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (doing business as BMS Foods). As noted in the FDA statement issued on 10/7/25: “At this time, no product that has tested positive or alerted for Cesium-137 (Cs-137) has entered the U.S. marketplace.”"

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/direct-source-seafood-llc-recalling-frozen-raw-shrimp-because-product-may-have-become-contaminated
Direct Source Seafood LLC is Recalling Frozen Raw Shrimp Because Product May Have Become Contaminated with Cesium-137 (Cs-137)
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 19, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  December 19, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Shellfish
Reason for Announcement:  Product may have been prepared, packed, or held under conditions whereby they may have become exposed to very low levels of cesium-137 (Cs-137)
Company Name:  Direct Source Seafood LLC
Brand Name:  Market 32 and Waterfront Bistro
Product Description:  Frozen Raw Shrimp

Michigan Firm Recalls Cheddar Cheese Product After Finding Listeria in Product.

Boss Dairy Farms, Charlevoix, MI, is voluntarily recalling one retail lot of Charlevoix Cheese Company 8oz Mild Cheddar Cheese because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the company revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in an 8oz block of mild cheddar.

It is important to note that this cheeses is made from pasteurized milk so the contamination would be more likely to be from post-process contamination from an environmental source (rather than from the raw milk ingredient).

Another issue is that the company is only recalling one lot of cheese.  As we have seen in many cases, an environmental contamination issue will often impact multiple lots....unless there is good reason why only one lot was impacted.

Product was distributed in Michigan only through retail stores.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/boss-dairy-farms-voluntarily-recalls-retail-mild-cheddar-cheese-because-possible-health-risk
Boss Dairy Farms Voluntarily Recalls Retail Mild Cheddar Cheese Because Of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 17, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  December 18, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Cheese/Cheese Product
Reason for Announcement:  Potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
Company Name:  Boss Dairy Farms
Brand Name:  Charlevoix Cheese Company
Product Description:  Milk Cheddar Cheese

PA Firm Recalls Rice Bowl Product with Incorrect Bottom Label Missing Allergens

A.S.K. Foods, LLC of Palmyra, PA is recalling select 32 oz. containers of Publix Rice & Pigeon Peas because it contains undeclared soy.   The recalled Publix Rice & Pigeon Peas was packaged in a plastic tray where the top label indicates Publix Rice & Pigeon Peas, Net Wt. 32 OZ (2 LB) 907, the bottom label has CAVATAPPI PASTA as the first ingredient and has a code on the lid of “5387-4”, “5387-5” or “5387-6”.

In this case, the bottom label was incorrect.  The top label, Rice and Pigeon Peas is correct.  The bottom label was for a pasta product.  While unsure whether the pic of the bottom label provided by FDA is the full bottom label, I can see there it would be difficult for the line operator to easily see if it is correct.  Regardless, an Allergen Preventive Controls in the form of procedures for ensuring proper labels is needed.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/ask-foods-llc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-soy-publix-rice-pigeon-peas
A.S.K. Foods, LLC Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Soy in Publix Rice & Pigeon Peas
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 18, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  December 18, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Contains undeclared soy
Company Name:  A.S.K. Foods, LLC
Brand Name:  Publix
Product Description:  Publix Rice & Pigeon Peas

Another Widely Publicized Recall of Salad Dressing Misses Mark for Relevance to Consumers

Another recall news story that was published by all the news outlets, but no reporter looked into the facts.  Over the past 6 days or so (December 17, 2025 and after), news outlets have been reporting a giant recall of salad dressing from a California company due to foreign material in the form of plastic.   The news articles show pictures of retail store sized bottles and makes it seem as though this is the same item consumers buy.   Two problems - the recall was issued one month ago (11/6/25), and bigger yet, it was foodservice sized containers (gallon sized or bigger).  Therefore, this recall as published is not relevant for the consumer, especially at this time.

Costco did issue a recall related to this item, however it was for salad items made with that salad dressing on November 7, 2025.  (file:///C:/Users/mwb124/Downloads/PLEASEPOST11-7-25MemberLetter-CaesarDressingRecall-ServiceDeliItems.pdf)

We are seeing an increasing number of these poorly informed recall news stories.  Reporters are using the Enforcement Reports (this one is below) instead of the FDA recall notices that are publicly released and then they fail to read the information on the Enforcement Notice.  There is a reason why FDA does not issue a Public Recall Notice for this and reporters need to ask why

Why does this story get reported now?  It seems when FDA finally classifies the recall, it makes it seem recent.

Why is this not good?  We are bombarded with news stories on recalls.  People may become weary of all the recalls published and are likely not to take action.  Others may become hypervigilant, throwing away good food due to concern.  Overall, it makes it seem that our food is less safe than it really is.

CBS News
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/salad-dressing-recall-foreign-objects-fda-ventura-foods/

Salad dressings recalled in 27 U.S. states because they could contain "foreign objects"

By Megan Cerullo

December 17, 2025 / 6:11 PM EST / CBS News

Add CBS News on Google

Ventura Foods is recalling thousands of cases of salad dressings sold at retailers including Costco and Publix because the condiments could contain "foreign objects," according to an alert from the Food and Drug Administration.

CA Processor Recalls Tamales for inadequate Heat Processing Step

Primavera Nueva Inc.,  Sonoma, CA, is voluntarily recalling certain lots of its 4-count tamales because the products have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  The products were made with a frozen ingredient labeled “Not Ready to Eat. Must Be Thoroughly Cooked Before Eating.” During an FDA inspection on October 10, 2025, the agency determined that earlier production records did not consistently verify internal cooking temperatures needed to control potential biological hazards, including Listeria monocytogenes.  Primavera Nueva has fully corrected the issue—enhanced cooking-temperature monitoring and verification have been in place since October 11, 2025.

This product has heating instructions, but not validated cooking instructions, so the processor is responsible for ensuring the safety of the product to control biological hazards.  If an ingredient is used where there is the potential to have a biological hazard, then a process control in the form of cooking is needed.  From this notice, it appears that the processor did not have a sufficiently validated heating step in place.

Product was distributed by Primavera Nueva Inc. in California and Nevada to retail stores

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/primavera-nueva-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-select-4-count-tamales-because-possible-health-risk

Primavera Nueva Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Select 4-Count Tamales Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 17, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  December 17, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Foodborne Illness  
Reason for Announcement:  Potential presence of Listeria monocytogenes.
Company Name:  Primavera Nueva Inc.
Brand Name:  No Brand
Product Description:  Tamales

Retailer Recalls Mislabeled Coffee Cake Due to Undeclared Walnuts

The James Skinner LLC is conducting a voluntary recall of a single lot of Publix Maple Walnut Coffee Cake as the wrong ingredient label was applied to the packaging on certain units. Product was packaged in cases with Maple Walnut Coffee Cake labels but then inadvertently individually labeled as Publix Raspberry Coffee Cake.  This resulted in undeclared walnuts.

Observable through the clear lid, the product has visible walnuts on top of the cake and brown maple topping, whereas Raspberry Coffee Cake has no walnuts on top and red topping. The issue was discovered by a retail store employee who observed the visible walnuts on top of the product and noticed that the product had a Raspberry Coffee Cake label instead of a Maple Walnut Coffee Cake label.

Unfortunately, a quality check did not catch the issue when it was produced.  Clearly, an Allergen Preventive Control for ensuring the proper label is applied is needed in this baking operation, where one could guess that there are a number of different products labeled.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/james-skinner-llc-issues-voluntary-recall-publix-maple-walnut-coffee-cake-due-incorrect-labeling

The James Skinner LLC Issues Voluntary Recall of Publix Maple Walnut Coffee Cake Due to Incorrect Labeling
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 10, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  December 16, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Allergens
Reason for Announcement:  Label does not declare walnuts in the ingredient list.
Company Name:  The James Skinner LLC
Brand Name:  Publix
Product Description:  Publix Raspberry Coffee Cake

Frozen Dessert Products Recalled for Foreign Materials in the Cluster Component

Danone U.S. is voluntarily recalling its So Delicious Dairy Free® Salted Caramel Cluster Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert pints with multiple best-by expiration dates before 08 Aug 2027 at retail stores nationwide due to the potential presence of foreign materials, such as small stones and other hard objects, within the cashew inclusions.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/so-delicious-dairy-freer-salted-caramel-cluster-frozen-dessert-pints-voluntarily-recalled-danone-us
So Delicious Dairy Free® Salted Caramel Cluster Frozen Dessert Pints Voluntarily Recalled by Danone U.S. Due to Potential Presence of Foreign Material
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 15, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  December 15, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential presence of foreign materials such as stones and other hard objects.
Company Name:  Danone U.S.
Brand Name:  So Delicious
Product Description:  Non-dairy frozen dessert

Virginia Firm Recalls Cakes Where Undeclared Soy Is Used to Solve Sticking Issue

Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods, LLC, Richmond, VA announced today that it is recalling four of its Decorated Pound Cakes due to an undeclared soy allergen.  A cake releasing agent containing soy was used to prevent sticking for the cakes listed below only.

So this is probably a case where the anti-sticking / pan release agent contained soy lecithin.  The scenario probably goes like this....the facility has a sticking issue on one day of production, and someone sprays on the pan release agent to solve the issue unaware it just created a recallable situation with an undeclared allergen.

This is where employee training on allergens is so important. Also, restrictions on changing process without a thorough review.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/ukrops-homestyle-foods-announces-recall-due-undeclared-allergen
Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods Announces Recall Due to Undeclared Allergen
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 11, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  December 15, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Undeclared soy
Company Name:  Ukrop;s Homestyle Foods, LLC
Brand Name: Ukrop’s
Product Description:  Decorated pound cakes

FDA Issues Warning Letter to RTE Seafood Processor After Inspection and Poor Environmental Monitoring Results

FDA issued a Warning Letter to Harbor Marine Product Inc., Vernon, CA, a  processor of raw, ready-to-eat (RTE) fish.  FDA analysis found Listeria species (non-pathogenic strains) in the facility as well as identified many product handling issues that could lead to contamination of the RTE product.  

One takeaway from this is that Listeria is an food facility environmental hazard in sushi-grade RTE seafood.  This is one reason why the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that pregnant woman avoid all raw or undercooked fish.

FDA laboratory analysis found that (b)(4) of the (b)(4) environmental swabs were positive for non-pathogenic Listeria spp., including Listeria innocua, Listeria welshimeri, and Listeria grayi. Of the (b)(4) positive swabs, (b)(4)% ((b)(4) swabs) were collected from food contact surfaces in areas where raw, RTE salmon and tuna are processed. The positive food contact surfaces included:

• cutting board surface on fillet tables where raw, RTE salmon was touching;

• surfaces of tools, including pliers and knives, used to directly cut and manipulate raw, RTE salmon;

• table dividers, edges, and corners where raw, RTE tuna and salmon contacts;

• blade and handle of knife in ice bed used to cut raw, RTE tuna;

• water drain hole at the end of table where raw, RTE salmon is handled;

• cutting board surface of corner fillet table (where condensate was observed dripping from the air conditioning unit) where raw, RTE tuna and salmon contacts.

This demonstrates the facility's sanitation procedures have been inadequate to effectively control microbiological contamination in the facility. 

There were "numerous serious insanitary conditions and practices were observed in [the] facility during [the] FDA inspection."  Many of these issues would facilitate contamination of the RTE product with Listeria.

https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/harbor-marine-product-inc-710589-11282025
Harbor Marine Product Inc.
MARCS-CMS 710589 — November 28, 2025
Warning Letters

FDA Issues Warning Letters to Major Retailers for Failure to Remove Recalled Baby Formula

FDA issued Warning Letters to major retailers for failure to properly respond to the recall of ByHeart baby formula that was linked to botulism cases in infants.  Kroger, Walmart, Albertsons and Target were issued Warning Letter stating the the retailers did not properly conduct the needed corrective actions to remove product from the store shelves in a timely manner.  This is a reminder to entire industry for the need to properly respond to recall notices.

In a notice to the industry, FDA stated that inspectors "had checked retail stores across the U.S. over 4,000 times to ensure recalled product was not being made available to consumers. Through this effort, we found that recalled infant formula continued to be found on store shelves—for over three weeks in one case, in over 175 locations across 36 states."

Here are the highlights for the Warning Letter to Kroger.

• The Kroger Company (Kroger) was notified on November 8, 2025, of this voluntary recall. On November 11, 2025, ByHeart expanded the recall to all ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula, including all unexpired lots of formula cans and single-serve “anywhere pack” sticks. As a consignee of the recalled products, Kroger was notified in writing on November 11, 2025, that the scope of the voluntary recall had expanded to include all ByHeart infant formula products. Despite these recall notifications, subsequent visits by regulators confirmed that recalled ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula remained available for purchase on shelves at (b)(4) Kroger stores, including Kroger’s, King Sooper’s, and Smith’s, across 10 states well after the recall was initiated and subsequently expanded.
• However, based on FDA’s review of information from state and local partners, the Agency determined that recalled ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula remained on shelves at (b)(4) Kroger store locations across 10 states from November 12, 2025, to November 19, 2025. This represents a period of (b)(4) days after Kroger was first notified of the initial recall and (b)(4) days after Kroger was notified of the recall expansion
• On November 18, 2025, FDA held a call with you to discuss the ineffectiveness of the recall within your Walmart stores. During this discussion, FDA requested information regarding actions you were prepared to implement to ensure recalled product was no longer available for purchase at Walmart stores nationwide. Despite follow-up emails from the FDA on November 20, 21, and 24, 2025, and December 1, 3, and 8, 2025, you have not provided FDA with any information demonstrating that corrective actions to effectuate this recall have been implemented throughout your organization to prevent adulterated food from being received in interstate commerce and subsequently offered for sale.

Walmart, Albertsons and Target were issued similar letters with similar findings in failure to properly respond.

US Food and Drug Administration
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFDA/bulletins/4000713
FDA Takes Action to Improve Recall Effectiveness Following Infant Botulism Outbreak Investigation Linked to ByHeart Infant Formula
U.S. Food and Drug Administration sent this bulletin at 12/15/2025 04:14 PM EST

Another Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Eggs in California

The California Dept of Health reported that 63 people have become ill with Salmonella Enteritidis infection from eggs from Vega Farms, Inc. in Dixon, CA.

According to one report, "After identifying the supplier of the suspect eggs, CDPH and CDFA conducted an inspection at Vega Farms, Inc. and collected egg and environmental samples for testing. Multiple samples tested positive for Salmonella. Whole genome sequencing analysis revealed that the Salmonella in at least one sample matched the strain found in sick individuals. Vega Farms eggs were sold to restaurants, grocery stores, co-ops, and in farmers markets in Northern California."

While no one likes to say it, Salmonella control is more difficult for operations with open range chickens.  Advise should be for cooking those eggs thoroughly.


https://www.independent.com/2025/12/12/cdph-warns-consumers-not-to-eat-recalled-vega-farms-inc-in-shell-eggs/

CDPH Warns Consumers Not to Eat Recalled Vega Farms, Inc. In-shell Eggs

By California Department of Public Health

Fri Dec 12, 2025 | 12:13pm

Add independent.com on Google

Press releases are posted on Independent.com as a free community service.

FDA Provides Update on Infant Botulism Outbreak (12/10/25)

In the most recent update, CDC broadened the timeframe associated with the ByHeart product.  "CDC broadened the case definition to include any infant with botulism who was exposed to ByHeart formula at any time since the product’s release in March 2022. As of December 10, 2025, a total of 51 infants with suspected or confirmed infant botulism and confirmed exposure to ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula (various lots) have been reported from 19 states."

"Previously, case counts included illnesses from August 1, 2025, onward. With the expanded definition, CDC and state partners identified 10 additional prior cases that occurred from December 2023 through July 2025. At this time, no cases have been identified between March 2022 and December 2023. All 10 prior cases are confirmed infant botulism cases with documented exposure to ByHeart formula."

"FDA’s investigation is ongoing to determine the point of contamination."

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 51 (12 New)
Hospitalizations: 51 (12 New)
Deaths: 0
Last Illness Onset: December 1, 2025
States with Cases: AZ, CA, ID, IL, KY, MA, ME, MI, MN, NC, NJ, OH, OR, PA, RI, TX, VA, WA, WI
Product Distribution: Online and nationwide (including Guam and Puerto Rico), and internationally

The previous update was 12/3/25.

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.

Food Companies Push Back on Texas Law Requiring Warning Label for Certain Ingredients

Food companies are suing the State of Texas after the state's new law requiring warning labels for over 40 different ingredients.  "Section 9 of the law requires food manufacturers to include warning labels on products that include 44 listed ingredients, including artificial additives, dyes and chemicals, informing customers that governments in Australia, Canada, the European Union, or the United Kingdom have labeled the ingredients as “not recommended for human consumption.”"  Note, this is not based upon what the US has determined, but what other countries have determined.

From the Texas Rule

Sec. 431.0815.  FOOD CONTAINING ARTIFICIAL COLOR, ADDITIVES, OR CERTAIN BANNED CHEMICALS. (a) A food manufacturer shall ensure each food product the manufacturer offers for sale in this state includes a warning label disclosing the use of any of the following ingredients, if the United States Food and Drug Administration requires the ingredient to be named on a food label and the ingredient is used in a product intended for human consumption:

The warning label must:  (1)  include the following statement if the food contains an ingredient listed in Subsection (a), printed in a font size not smaller than the smallest font used to disclose other consumer information required by the United States Food and Drug Administration:

“WARNING: This product contains an ingredient that is not recommended for human consumption by the  appropriate authority in Australia, Canada, the European Union, or the United Kingdom.";

Many of these ingredients have been long used in the US and are in many of the foods we eat....well, foods I eat....you know, those highly processed foods like potato chips and snack cakes.

Here are some from the list which I knew to be readily used.

(Entire list - https://legiscan.com/TX/text/SB25/id/3247967  about half way down the webpage)

• Bleached flour is treated white flour treated creating a softer texture that absorbs more liquid, making it great for delicate cakes, cookies, and pie crusts
• BHA and BHT - synthetic antioxidants used as preservatives in foods (cereals, chips, meats, etc) to prevent fats and oils from going rancid
• Diacetyl occurs naturally and it gives butter its characteristic taste. Because of this, manufacturers of artificial butter flavoring, margarines or similar oil-based products typically add diacetyl to give that characteristic aroma/flavor.
• Potassium aluminum sulfate is a firming agent for pickles, leavening in baking, pH control
• Sodium aluminum sulfate is used in baking powder as a slow-acting leavening agent
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is an emulsifier/thickener in some dried eggs, marshmallows, and beverage bases
• Stearyl tartrate is an emulsifier and dough strengthener to improve dough texture
• Stearyl tartrate acts as a dough strengthener, emulsifier, and stabilizer in foods, improving consistency

To heck with the sugar in that pack of Ho-Hos, it is the dough conditioner you have to worry about.

Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/food-industry-groups-sue-texas-over-ingredient-warning-labels-2025-12-08/
Food industry groups sue Texas over ingredient warning labels
By Dietrich Knauth

December 8, 20251:54 PM ESTUpdated December 8, 2025

NY Distributor Recalls Bangladeshi Indian Snack Mix After State Lab Detects Undeclared Peanuts

South Asian Food Inc. of Maspeth, Queens, NY is recalling its 12.34oz (350gm) packages of Bengal King Jhal Chanachur food treats because they may contain undeclared peanuts.   The recall was initiated after routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory personnel revealed that the peanut-containing product was distributed in packages that did not reveal the presence of peanuts.

The recalled Bengal King Jhal Chanachur were distributed nationwide in retail stores and through mail orders. 

"Chanachur or Bombay mix is a Bangladeshi Indian snack mix (namkeen) which consists of a variable mixture of spicy dried ingredients, such as fried lentils, peanuts, chickpea flour ghatia (sev), corn, vegetable oil, chickpeas, flaked rice, fried onion and curry leaves. This is all flavored with salt and a blend of spices that may include coriander and mustard seed." (Ref)


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/south-asian-food-inc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-peanuts-bengal-king-jhal-chanachur
South Asian Food Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Peanuts in "Bengal King Jhal Chanachur "
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 12, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  December 12, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  May contain undeclared peanut allergen
Company Name:  South Asian Food Inc
Brand Name:  Bengal King
Product Description:  Jhal Chanachur food treats

Ohio Foodservice Establishment Recalls Mispackaged Sliders Undeclared Allergens Associated with Jalapeno Cheese

White Castle Frozen Food Division, Columbus, OH has initiated a recall of 1,021 cases of its retail frozen 4-count cartons of Original Sliders due to undeclared milk and soy. The carton may contain Jalapeño Cheese Sliders. Jalapeño Cheese Sliders contain milk and soy, allergens that are not on the Original Slider carton label.

During the packaging process, Jalapeño Cheese Sliders were put in the wrong package, and milk and soy are not listed as ingredients or allergens on the packaging. The issue was discovered when a customer notified White Castle that they suffered a non-life-threatening allergic reaction after consuming one of the Jalapeño Cheese Sliders that was incorrectly packaged in the 4-count Original Sliders carton. No other reports of injury or illness have been received to date.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/white-castle-frozen-food-division-recalls-frozen-4-count-cartons-original-sliders-due-undeclared
White Castle Frozen Food Division Recalls Frozen 4-Count Cartons of Original Sliders Due to Undeclared Milk and Soy
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 12, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  December 12, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  May contain undeclared milk and soy allergens
Company Name:  White Castle Food Products LLC
Brand Name:  White Castle
Product Description:  Original Sliders, frozen, 4 count carton

Illinois Firm Mislabels Tamale Products Resulting in Undeclared Allergens

La Guadalupana Foods LLC, a Chicago, Ill., establishment, is recalling approximately 2,669 pounds of frozen tamale products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergens.   The bean, cheese, and jalapeno tamales were mislabeled as mild pork tamales. The bean, cheese, and jalapeno tamale product contains cheese (milk), a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.  [Not to mention that they also contain jalapenos....a bit unexpected when one cracks open the mild variety.]

The problem was discovered when a restaurant notified the establishment that they had identified bean, cheese, and jalapeno tamales that had been mislabeled as pork tamales.  [He immediately identified them as Hot Tamales].


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/la-guadalupana-foods-llc-recalls-ready-eat-frozen-tamales-due-misbranding-and
La Guadalupana Foods LLC Recalls Ready-To-Eat Frozen Tamales Due to Misbranding and an Undeclared Allergen

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Dec. 14, 2025 – La Guadalupana Foods LLC, a Chicago, Ill., establishment, is recalling approximately 2,669 pounds of frozen tamale products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The bean, cheese, and jalapeno tamales were mislabeled as mild pork tamales. The product contains cheese (milk), a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

Georgia Establishment Recalls Fully Cooked Chicken Product After Mis-coding Issue Results in Undeclared Soy

Suzanna’s Kitchen, a Suwanee, Ga., establishment, is recalling approximately 62,550 pounds of fully cooked, bone-in breaded chicken products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen - the product contains soy, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.  The problem was discovered when the company notified FSIS that they had identified chicken product containing soy that had been mislabeled with a non-allergen containing product code


https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/suzannas-kitchen-recalls-fully-cooked-breaded-chicken-products-due-misbranding-and
Suzanna’s Kitchen Recalls Fully Cooked Breaded Chicken Products Due to Misbranding and an Undeclared Allergen

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Dec. 12, 2025 – Suzanna’s Kitchen, a Suwanee, Ga., establishment, is recalling approximately 62,550 pounds of fully cooked, bone-in breaded chicken products 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 soy, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

NJ Establishment Recalls Fresh Lamb Products Produced Without Federal Inspection

Ghanaianway Restaurant and Grocery LLC in Newark, N.J., is recalling approximately 5,970 pounds of fresh salted lamb products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection.  The products subject to recall do not bear a USDA mark of inspection nor do they declare a best by or production date. Some packages do not bear a label at all. The affected products have a 1-year shelf life and were shipped to restaurant and retail locations in Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.  The problem was discovered during routine FSIS retail surveillance activities. There have been no confirmed reports of illness due to consumption of these products.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/ghanaianway-restaurant-and-grocery-llc-recalls-fresh-salted-lamb-products-produced
Ghanaianway Restaurant and Grocery LLC Recalls Fresh Salted Lamb Products Produced Without Benefit of Inspection

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, Dec. 9, 2025 – Ghanaianway Restaurant and Grocery LLC in Newark, N.J., is recalling approximately 5,970 pounds of fresh salted lamb products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

Minnesota Firm Uses Incorrect Label on Cookies Resulting in Undeclared Allergen Issue

Lunds & Byerlys, Edina, MN, is voluntarily recalling its L&B Monster Cookies as the wrong ingredient label was applied to the packaging. Packages may contain undeclared peanuts, egg, and soy.

These cookies would have been available for purchase from November 15, 2025, through December 9, 2025, at all Lunds & Byerlys stores throughout the Twin Cities and St. Cloud.  They were evidently labeled as a Tex-Mex Turkey wrap..well at least the back label?  "This is the UPC for our Tex-Mex Turkey Wrap and was inadvertently applied to Monster Cookies sold from November 15, 2025 – December 9, 2025"


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/lunds-byerlys-voluntary-recalls-lb-monster-cookies-due-incorrect-labeling
Lunds & Byerlys Voluntary Recalls L&B Monster Cookies Due to Incorrect Labeling
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 09, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  December 10, 2025
Product Type:   Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  May contain undeclared peanut, egg, and soy allergens
Company Name:  Lunds & Byerlys
Brand Name:  Lunds & Byerlys
Product Description:  Monster cookies

Cracked Corn Livestock Feed Recalled in Texas After State Lab Finds Elevated Aflatoxin Level in Sample

Cargill Animal Nutrition & Health, Minneapolis, MN, is conducting a voluntary recall of a single lot of Nutrena® Country Feeds® Cracked Corn for livestock because it may contain aflatoxin levels that exceed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) action level for immature animals, wildlife, equines, small ruminants, and dairy animals.  The recall was as a result of sampling conducted by the Office of the Texas State Chemist which revealed that a sample of the product contained aflatoxins at 35 ppb. Cargill’s retained product sample of the same lot contained less than 1 ppb aflatoxins. Distribution of the impacted product has ceased as FDA and Cargill continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.

The recalled product was manufactured and distributed in Texas through retail stores.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/cargill-conducts-voluntary-recall-single-lot-nutrenar-country-feedsr-cracked-corn-livestock-due
Cargill Conducts Voluntary Recall of a Single Lot of Nutrena® Country Feeds® Cracked Corn for Livestock Due to Elevated Levels of Aflatoxin
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 09, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  December 10, 2025
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary  Animal Feed
Reason for Announcement:  Product may contain aflatoxin levels that exceed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) action level for immature animals, wildlife, equines, small ruminants, and dairy animals.
Company Name:  Cargill Animal Nutrition & Health
Brand Name:  Nutrena® Country Feeds®
Product Description:  Nutrena® Country Feeds® Cracked Corn for livestock, 50 lb. bag

NC Firm Recalls Soup Product After Labeling Mix-up Results in Undeclared Milk Issue

Bakkavor USA of Charlotte, North Carolina, is initiating a recall of 16-ounce Meal Simple brand Red Lentil Dal Soup, BEST BY 1/11/2026 as it contains undeclared milk.   The recall was initiated after a consumer notified the firm that the product in the container labeled as Meal Simple Red Lentil Dal Soup was a poultry and rice soup. After an internal investigation it was discovered that Meal Simple Turkey & Wild Rice Soup contains milk as an ingredient. The Meal Simple Red Lentil Dal Soup does not include milk as an ingredient, nor does it declare milk on the label. The root cause investigation is ongoing.

This is where an Allergen Preventive Control for labeling are so important.   With this, checks would be used to ensure that the formulation of the product batched for filling matches the labels on the containers.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/bakkavor-usa-issues-allergy-alert-16-ounce-meal-simple-red-lentil-dal-soup-due-undeclared-milk
BAKKAVOR USA Issues Allergy Alert for 16-Ounce Meal Simple Red Lentil Dal Soup Due to Undeclared Milk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 09, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  December 10, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  May contain undeclared milk allergens
Company Name:  Bakkavor USA
Brand Name:  Meal Simple
Product Description:  Red Lentil Dal Soup

NY Distributor Recalls Cinnamon Powder After State Testing Finds Lead Contamination

TBC Distribution Corporate of Brooklyn, NY is recalling Lucky Foods brand Cinnamon Powder 40g, best before date 15.09.2027 because it has the potential to be contaminated with elevated levels of lead. The recall was the result of an analysis conducted by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSAGM) that revealed the product contained elevated levels of lead. The company has ceased working with the supplier of the product. 

Lucky Foods brand Cinnamon Powder was distributed to retailers such as, grocery stores, convenience stores, super markets, deli’s, bakeries, and restaurants located in California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas between 04/11/2025 and 09/01/2025.

The distributor of this product must have a FSVP in place for this item, and being that it is cinnamon, the FSVP plan must address lead as a potential hazard, and with all likelihood, it would be a significant hazard requiring a preventive control.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/tbc-distribution-corporate-recalls-lucky-foods-brand-cinnamon-powder-because-possible-health-risk
TBC Distribution Corporate Recalls Lucky Foods Brand Cinnamon Powder Because of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 09, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  December 09, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Potential to be contaminated with elevated levels of lead
Company Name:  TBC Distribution Corporate
Brand Name:  Lucky Foods

Ohio Firm Recalls Soup for Not Properly Stating It Contains Milk

Lil’ Turtles is recalling all lots of its Grandma Belle’s Tomato Basil Soup for misbranding due to the milk allergen not being declared on the label.  The issue was discovered during a routine inspection conducted by the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

In the picture of the label, the ingredient statement includes 'Butter', but does not explicitly say Milk.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/lil-turtles-issues-voluntary-recall-due-undeclared-milk-allergen
Lil’ Turtles Issues a Voluntary Recall Due to Undeclared Milk Allergen
Summary
Company Announcement Date:December 05, 2025FDA Publish Date:December 09, 2025Product Type:Food & BeveragesReason for Announcement:
Potential or Undeclared Allergen – Undeclared MilkCompany Name:Lil’ TurtlesBrand Name:
Grandma Belle’sProduct Description:
Tomato Basil Soup

California Company Recalls Branded Nut Product After Pistachio Supplier Finds Salmonella

Mellace Family Brands California, Inc. of Warren, OH has issued a recall for Wegmans Deluxe Mixed Nuts Unsalted 34 oz Tubs and Wegmans Deluxe Mixed Nuts Unsalted 11.5 oz bags because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.   The issue was discovered after routine testing by the supplier for pistachios after the supplier found one lot of raw pistachios to be positive for Salmonella. A recall was initiated after determining these pistachios had been further used in the production of the Deluxe Mixed Nuts products.

The affected products were sold at Wegmans stores in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. between November 3 and December 1, 2025.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/mellace-family-brands-california-inc-recalls-wegmans-deluxe-mixed-nuts-unsalted-34-oz-and-115-oz
Mellace Family Brands California, Inc. Recalls Wegmans Deluxe Mixed Nuts Unsalted, 34 oz and 11.5 oz Packages Because Of Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 05, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  December 05, 2025
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Product may be contaminated with Salmonella
Company Name:  Mellace Family Brands California, Inc.
Brand Name:  Wegmans
Product Description:  Deluxe Mixed Nuts Unsalted (34 oz tubs and 11.5 oz bags)

Things Not to Eat - Raw Frogs

Here is one to put on the list of Things Not to Eat: raw frogs.

A 32 year old woman suffered a rare parasitic infection of the lungs after eating a raw frog.  The larvae, or spargana, of Spirometra mansoni, a type of tapeworm.

The larvae, or spargana, of S. mansoni cause a parasitic infection called sparganosis. "After S. mansoni larvae are swallowed, they migrate into various body tissues and organs. In the woman's case, they accumulated in her lungs — a very rare destination for the parasite."

https://www.livescience.com/health/viruses-infections-disease/diagnostic-dilemma-a-woman-got-a-rare-parasitic-lung-infection-after-eating-raw-frogs
Diagnostic dilemma: A woman got a rare parasitic lung infection after eating raw frogs
By Mindy Weisberger published December 3, 2025
In an unusual case, a woman developed a parasitic infection in her lungs, when more typically, the parasite stays just under the skin.

Wisconsin Firm Recalled Frozen Dog Food for Foreign Material (Plastic)

Fromm Family Foods, Mequon, WI, has issued a recall of 300 cases of Bonnihill Farms BeefiBowls Beef Recipe gently cooked frozen dog food due to potential foreign plastic contamination.  The recall was initiated after receiving complaints of plastic contamination. The company indicated that they had identified the error, and in addition to their existing safety process, they have put corrective actions in place to prevent this from happening again.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/fromm-family-foods-voluntarily-recalls-bonnihill-beefibowls-food-dogs-due-potential-foreign-material
Fromm Family Foods Voluntarily Recalls Bonnihill BeefiBowls Food for Dogs Due to Potential Foreign Material Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  December 03, 2025
FDA Publish Date:  December 03, 2025
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary  Food & Beverages  Animal Feed
Reason for Announcement:  Potential foreign plastic contamination
Company Name:  Fromm Family Foods
Brand Name:  Bonnihill Farms
Product Description:  BeefiBowls Beef Recipe gently cooked frozen dog food, 16 oz. chubs

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

Plastered over the news over the past few days is a recall of shredded cheese due to metal contamination.   However, the recall occurred two months ago according to the FDA Enforcement Notice.  On top of that, the recall was not publicly issued by FDA as a Recall Notice because, in most likelihood, the item did not get distributed to the consumer level or it was not viewed as a significant enough of an issue.   However, looking at the reported news articles, 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 news article was written now, two months after the action was taken, is that FDA took a long time to classify and publish this information on the FDA Enforcement webpage. 

Another issue is that one reporter’s news story leads to the cascade effect with other news outlets just reissuing the same news story.

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 if those leftovers cannot be used within a few days.


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 to ban products with THC, and with this set 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