Food recalls are a serious matter, often impacting consumer safety on a massive scale. In 2024, several high-profile food recalls highlighted the importance of vigilance when it comes to what we consume. From bacterial contamination to mislabeled allergens, these are the eight worst food recalls of the year.
1. Quaker Oats Contamination
In late 2023, Quaker Oats initiated a recall of over 60 granola products, encompassing Chewy Bars and Granola Cereals, due to potential Salmonella contamination discovered during routine quality control checks. The recall was expanded in January 2024, with the company advising consumers to discard or return affected products. They emphasized the potential health risks associated with consumption, including fever, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. This incident prompted a closer examination of the company’s history of contamination issues, leading to corrective measures and the closure of the implicated manufacturing facility.
2. Frozen Pizza with Undeclared Allergens
802 VT Frozen, a food producer, mislabeled more than 8,200 lbs of frozen meat pizzas. The pizzas were distributed to 7 states including Vermont and New York. Upon a routine inspection, the products were found to have contained soy. While no incidents have been reported in connection with the recall, the mistake posed serious risks to consumers with soy allergies.
3. Bagged Salad and Listeria Concerns
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Several recalls were issued for salad and bagged vegetables in July and October. Weirs Farm Inc. recalled its bagged salads and bagged veggies due to the presence of listeria in early July. Later in October, Fresh Express recalled Chicken Caesar Salad Bowls due to Listeria monocytogenes concerns originating from the third-party processing plant where the chicken in the bowls is made. The affected items were sold in four states, including California and Texas.
4. Contaminated Baby Formula
In 2024, multiple baby formula recalls raised concerns among parents. Both Similac and Enfamil were flagged for Cronobacter sakazakii contamination risks. The bacteria is known to cause severe infections in infants. The recalls affected specific batches, including powdered formula varieties. Parents were urged to check labels, return affected items, and stay informed about future recalls to protect their children’s health. These incidents underscored the critical need for rigorous safety standards in the baby formula industry. The incident reignited discussions on stringent quality control in baby food production.
5. Ground Beef and E. Coli Outbreak
Wolverine Packing Co. issued a recall in July 2024. The recall was issued for more than 167,000 lbs of Ground beef the company sold nationwide that had possible E. Coli contamination. The contamination was identified after consumers became ill. The beef started an E. coli outbreak that affected 15 consumers in Minnesota.
6. Boars Head Recall
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In 2024, Boar’s Head Provisions Co. initiated a recall of over 7 million pounds of deli meats due to potential Listeria contamination. The recall encompassed various products, including liverwurst, ham, roasted bacon, bologna, and salami. This action was prompted by a listeriosis outbreak that led to 60 hospitalizations and at least nine deaths across 18 states. Investigations traced the contamination back to unsanitary conditions at the company’s Jarratt, Virginia plant, where inspectors discovered blood on floors, mold on equipment, and insect infestations.
7. Cucumber Recall
A Salmonella outbreak impacted 23 states in late 2024, sickening 100 people and hospitalizing 25. The outbreak was linked to contaminated cucumbers distributed by SunFed Produce and other importers between October 12 and November 26. The cucumbers were sold in 26 states through major retailers, including Walmart, Wegmans, and Albertsons. Investigations revealed that unsanitary conditions at a Mexican processing facility were responsible for the contamination, with lapses in sanitation occurring during harvesting and packaging. This incident emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining strict food safety protocols and the need for consumers to remain informed about product recalls to prevent health risks.
8. Popular Snack Bars and Metal Fragments
In November, MadeGood issued a recall on its granola products. The products were found to be contaminated with metal fragments from a metal brush bristle. 7 reports were made in connection to finding bristles in the product, though there are no reports of injury related to the contaminated products. The recall highlights manufacturing flaws and the importance of quality assurance.
These recalls underscore the importance of staying informed about potential risks in our food supply. Regularly checking recall announcements and being cautious with your purchases can protect your family’s health. Always keep receipts and follow recall instructions if you’ve purchased any of the affected items.
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