Imagine finding out that one of your go-to meals, something you’ve served countless times without a second thought, was actually recalled for being unsafe. It’s a disturbing thought, especially since many food recalls fly under the radar, never making the evening news. From bits of metal in processed foods to contamination with harmful bacteria, these issues are more common than you’d expect.
Most people don’t check recall databases regularly, but a little awareness goes a long way. We’ve gathered 12 notable food recalls from the past year that you might have missed, quiet removals from store shelves that could have had serious health consequences. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Martinelli’s Apple Juice – Patulin Contamination
Martinelli’s recalled over 170,000 bottles of apple juice distributed across 28 states due to potential contamination with patulin, a toxin produced by mold that can cause nausea and cellular damage.
2. Cargill Pork Carnitas – Metal Fragments
Cargill Meat Solutions issued a public health alert for fully cooked pork carnitas sold at Aldi stores in 16 states, excluding Texas. The products may be contaminated with metal fragments due to damaged processing equipment.
3. Harvest NYC Enoki Mushrooms – Listeria Risk
Harvest NYC Inc. recalled enoki mushrooms distributed nationwide after samples tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause serious infections.
4. San Juan Salsa Co. Salsa – Wood Particles
Costco recalled a popular salsa from San Juan Salsa Co. due to potential contamination with small wood particles found in the cilantro used in the product.
5. Momo Tea Non-Dairy Creamer – Undeclared Milk
Momo Tea Inc. recalled its MO-CHA non-dairy coffee creamer because it contains undeclared milk, posing a risk to individuals with milk allergies.
6. Morrisons Cumberland Sausages – Plastic Contamination
Morrisons recalled its Best 6 Thick Cumberland Sausages (400g) with a use-by date of May 1, 2025, due to potential contamination with small pieces of blue plastic.
7. Perdue Chicken Nuggets – Metal Wire
Perdue recalled approximately 167,000 pounds of frozen chicken nuggets and tenders after consumers reported finding metal wire embedded in the products.
8. Tesco Mince Pies – Dried Glue
Tesco issued a recall for its six-pack of Tesco Finest 6 All Butter Pastry Mince Pies due to potential contamination with dried glue from the packaging.
9. Farmfoods Cocktail Sausages – Undeclared Milk
Farmfoods recalled its 700g cocktail sausage rolls with batch code L4295 due to the presence of undeclared milk, posing a risk to those with milk allergies.
10. Boar’s Head Deli Meats – Listeria Outbreak
Boar’s Head recalled 7 million pounds of deli meat produced at its Jarratt, VA facility following a listeriosis outbreak linked to unsanitary conditions, including mold and insect infestations.
11. McDonald’s Quarter Pounders – E. coli Contamination
An E. coli outbreak was linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders in 10 U.S. states, resulting in 49 cases, 10 hospitalizations, and one death.
12. Diamond Shruumz Mushroom Edibles – Toxic Ingredients
Diamond Shruumz recalled its mushroom edibles after they were linked to 145 cases of poisoning, including seizures and at least two deaths. The products contained undisclosed psychoactive substances.
Conclusion: Stay Vigilant
These recalls highlight the importance of staying informed about food safety. Regularly checking official sources like the FDA’s Recalls page and the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service can help you stay updated on the latest recalls. Always inspect products before consumption and heed recall notices to ensure the safety of you and your family.
Are You Lactose Intolerant? Here’s How to Tell (And What to Do About It)
If you’ve ever had a scoop of ice cream, a cheesy pizza, or a creamy latte, only to feel bloated, gassy, or just plain awful afterward, you might have wondered—am I lactose intolerant?
Lactose intolerance is one of those sneaky conditions that can show up suddenly or gradually over time, and it’s more common than you might think. Some people have had it their whole lives and just assumed digestive discomfort was “normal,” while others develop it later and are left wondering why dairy suddenly feels like an attack on their stomach.
READ: Are You Lactose Intolerant? Here’s How to Tell (And What to Do About It)r
