Full List of Food Recalls in October as Warnings Issued Nationwide

According to News Week, In October, more than 20 food products were recalled due to various safety concerns, as reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recalls were prompted by issues such as undeclared allergens and potential contamination with harmful bacteria. Most notices were posted on the USDA and FDA websites, warning consumers to avoid the affected products.

A significant number of recalls involved concerns regarding Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause severe infections. These recalls were linked to a massive alert regarding nearly 12 million pounds of “ready-to-eat meat and poultry products” from the manufacturer BrucePac.

Other Contamination Concerns

Beyond Listeria, additional recalls were initiated due to contamination with other dangerous bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, as well as mold contamination and the potential presence of foreign objects.

List of Recalled Products

Here are the notable recalls that occurred in October:

• BrucePac Ready-to-Eat Items: Sold nationwide and labeled with numbers 51205 or P-51205 near a USDA inspection mark, these products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
• Jack and the Green Sprouts: Five-ounce packages of Alfalfa and Alfalfa Onion sprouts with lot numbers 300 or 246 and UPC numbers 763247198915 or 763247195945. These were sold in grocery stores and co-ops in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa and may also be contaminated with Listeria.
• Happy Moose Juices: Happy Moose Tropical Roots Juice (lot number H240903-E, UPC 860012096503) and Strawberry Fields Juice (lot number H240903-H, UPC 866175000388) may have been contaminated with Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli due to a food processing safety issue.
• Enoki Mushrooms: Distributed from California to New York, these mushrooms sold in 5.3-ounce packages (lot number 4877, UPC 860011505600) are also linked to Listeria contamination.
• Shirakiku Korean Seasoned Seaweed: This product, sold in 3.52-ounce packages with the UPC number 074410516031, may contain undeclared sesame, a known allergen.
• Trail Bologna Meat Processing Kits: Sold in 17.88-ounce pouches with UPC 797442404137 and lot number B241851006, these kits may contain undeclared soy and wheat.
• Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon: Sold at Costco locations in the southeast, this product may be contaminated with Listeria and carries the lot number 8512801270.
• Glaser Farm Salsa: A recall was issued for salsa products due to possible glass fragments. The affected 8-ounce packages of “All Raw Vegan Certified Organic Salsa” have UPC 832910001514, lot code 0110092451, and a best-by date of October 24, 2024.
• Frozen Waffles: Numerous brands, including Albertson’s, Aldi, and Walmart, recalled frozen waffles due to potential Listeria contamination.
• Sprouts Farmers Market Chicken Street Taco Kits: These kits, bearing UPC 205916813991 and best-by dates from “9/2/2024” to “11/7/2024,” were recalled over Listeria concerns.
• Fresh Express Chicken Caesar Salad Bowls: Recalled due to chicken supplied by BrucePac, these products, with UPC 071279565620, were sold in California, Louisiana, Texas, and Washington.
• Dakota Tom’s Sandwiches: The Pepperjack Cheeseburger, Bacon Cheeseburger, and “The Gambler” sandwiches, sold in various states, were recalled due to BrucePac-supplied meat.
• Reser’s Fine Foods Meal Kits: Various meal kits containing BrucePac meat were recalled across multiple states, including chicken street tacos and chicken burrito bowls.
• Church Brothers Green Onions: Sold under various brand names, these onions were recalled due to Salmonella concerns.
• Los Andes Foods Cachapa de Maiz: Sweet corn pancakes were recalled due to possible undeclared wheat.
• Hammond’s Candies Dark Chocolate Mini Waffle Cones: These confections were recalled due to undeclared milk.
• Lunds & Byerlys L&B Lone Star Dip: Recalled for potential mold contamination, with a best-by date of “10/15/24” and “10/17/24.”
• Grand Central Bakery Frozen Pie Products: These items were recalled due to undeclared eggs.
• Hannaford Seafood Salad: Sold at stores in several northeastern states, these 12-ounce packages were recalled for undeclared soy.
• Atwater’s Spider Web Tarts: Sold at farmer’s markets, these tarts were recalled for undeclared almond flour.
• Pork Dynasty Inc. Fried Pork Skin Products: Recalled for uncleared soy, these products were distributed in Texas and Oklahoma.
• Frozen A Tu Gusto Paladar Croquettes: Sold in Texas and Florida, these croquettes were recalled due to undeclared wheat, sesame, and soy.

Health Risks from Undeclared Allergens and Contaminated Foods

Undeclared ingredients can lead to anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal condition for those with related allergies. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include throat swelling, difficulty breathing, and a sudden drop in blood pressure, among others. Approximately 6% of U.S. adults and 8% of children are affected by food allergies, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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Foodborne illnesses such as listeriosis can have severe implications. Listeriosis is linked to around 260 deaths annually, with most infections limited to the digestive system. Symptoms can include diarrhea and vomiting. However, invasive listeriosis can develop within two weeks, causing severe symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and confusion.

E. coli infections typically present within three to four days, with symptoms including dehydration and bloody diarrhea. While most recover within a week, some strains can lead to severe complications, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Salmonella is the leading cause of food poisoning in the U.S., with symptoms appearing within six hours to six days of consumption. In severe cases, it can affect the joints and nervous system, particularly in children and the elderly.

Conclusion

Food recalls serve as critical safety measures to protect public health. Consumers are urged to stay informed about recalls and to take precautions to avoid consuming potentially dangerous products. If you have purchased any of the recalled items, it is best to dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.