Updates from June 24, 2024, on FDA-issued food recalls highlight potential issues such as Listeria contamination, mold growth, and undeclared allergens.
On June 24, 2024, Totally Cool, Inc issued a recall for multiple brands of their ice cream products, in collaboration with the FDA, due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This announcement relates to the Food & Beverages category, specifically Ice Cream/Frozen Dairy, concerning concerns about foodborne illness.
Image credits: FDA
Multiple ice-cream products were distributed nationwide through retail locations and direct delivery channels. Consumers can identify the recalled products by checking the date and plant information on the packaging. Example photographs of the impacted products are available below.
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause severe infections, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of Listeria infection in healthy individuals may include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Pregnant women infected with Listeria can experience miscarriages or stillbirths.
As of now, no illnesses related to this recall have been reported. Totally Cool, Inc has halted production and distribution of the affected items following FDA sampling that detected Listeria. The company is investigating and implementing preventive measures. It's important to note that no other products from Totally Cool, Inc are affected by this recall.
On June 24, 2024, Wildly Beloved Foods announced, in coordination with the FDA, that their products "Dried Orzo" and "Dried Campanelle" under the brand Wildly Beloved Food, are being recalled due to potential contamination with mold. These products fall under the category of Food & Beverages, specifically related to concerns about foodborne illness.
Image credits: FDA
A recall of approximately 30 packages each of Orzo (vegan) Dried and Campanelle (vegan) Dried, both 10 oz, due to potential contamination from mold growth.
The recalled Orzo (vegan) Dried, 10 oz, was distributed through several outlets including Payless Foods, The Star Store, and various farmers markets in Washington State. The product is packaged in a clear compostable bag marked with lot WBF-SEMPLV-CL-050724-A and an expiration date of May 7, 2025.
Similarly, the recalled Campanelle (vegan) Dried, 10 oz, was distributed through selected farmers markets and the Wildly Beloved Foods Marketplace in Washington. It is packaged in a clear compostable bag marked with lot WBF-SEMPLV-CL-051724-A and an expiration date of May 17, 2025.
To date, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this issue. The recall was initiated because the products were found to be under-dried, leading to the discovery of mold in three packages within the retail marketplace.
On June 24, 2024, DSD Merchandisers, LLC disclosed that their product "Deluxe Roasted & Salted Mixed Nuts," sold under the brand DSD Merchandisers, Inc, contains undeclared peanuts, posing a risk to those allergic to peanuts.
Image credits: FDA
People with an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts face a potential risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products. The company initiated a voluntary recall of UPC 6-51433-99651-6 Deluxe Roasted & Salted Mixed Nuts with a Sell-by date of 10/09/24.
The affected product was sold to "Farm Fresh to You", which is distributed through E-commerce to "Farm Fresh to You" subscribers in CA and NV, and "Full Circle" subscribers in WA, OR, ID, and AK via mail. The product is packaged in 5 oz clear plastic tubs with the product label at the top. It contains a mix of various tree nuts including Cashews, Almonds, Hazelnuts, Pecan Halves, Macadamia, and undeclared peanuts. The label identifies the product as "Deluxe Roasted and Salted Mixed Nuts" with a Sell By date of 10-09-2024.
These recent FDA food recalls affecting ice cream, orzo, and mixed nuts due to potential Listeria contamination, mold growth, and undeclared allergens have been addressed by respective companies. As of now, no illnesses have been reported, but consumers who have purchased these products should check FDA notices, return items for a refund, or contact the manufacturer. Stay informed and proactive about food safety.