Several grocery products have been pulled from shelves this week due to safety concerns. These recalls could affect what’s in your kitchen, from bottled water to sandwiches and ice cream.
Here’s what you need to know to keep your household safe.
Berkeley Springs Water Recall
Reason for recall: Presence of coliform bacteria
Berkeley Springs Water, based in West Virginia, has issued a recall for more than 150,000 bottles of their Purified and Distilled water. The problem? Coliform bacteria have been detected. While coliforms aren’t necessarily harmful, they indicate that other dangerous bacteria, like E. coli, might also be present.
If you live in Maryland, Virginia, or West Virginia, check your bottles for these codes:
- 090326
- 090426
- 090526
- 090626
Drinking this water could pose health risks, so be cautious and discard any affected bottles.
Bowl & Basket Onion Soup & Dip Mix
Reason for recall: Undeclared egg allergen
If you’re planning to use onion soup mix for a recipe, steer clear of ShopRite’s Bowl & Basket brand. This famous soup mix has been recalled due to undeclared egg, which could be life-threatening for those with egg allergies.
Affected products include the 2 oz. Cartons with these details:
- Best By Dates: SEP 27 25 E07 and OCT 11 25 E09
- UPC Number: 41190-08394
Although no illnesses have been reported, the company issued the recall after a customer complaint. Egg allergies can cause severe reactions, so double-check your pantry before using this product.
Wegmans Asian Sesame Salad with Chicken
Reason for recall: Potential egg allergen
Wegmans shoppers, take note! Large Asian Sesame Salad with Chicken has been recalled due to potential mislabeling. The issue involves the peanut dressing, which may contain eggs, an undeclared allergen.
The affected salads were packaged between November 5 and 8 and had sell-by dates of November 7–10. Although the sell-by dates have passed, Wegmans offers refunds for anyone who purchased the product. Avoid consuming this mislabeled salad if you or a loved one has an egg allergy.
Babcock Dairy Ice Cream
Reason for recall: Mislabeling and undeclared allergens
Babcock Dairy, part of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is recalling two types of ice cream:
- Orange Custard Chocolate Chip
- Chocolate Peanut Butter
The problem? Containers labeled as Chocolate Peanut Butter may contain Orange Custard Chocolate Chip, which includes allergens like eggs and yellow #5. This mislabeling could lead to allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
The affected half-pints were produced on September 17, 2024, but the mistake was caught when a customer flagged it on November 4. Babcock Dairy has taken steps to improve its labeling process, but if you have these ice creams, return them to the store for a full refund.
CIBUS Fresh Autumn Turkey Sandwiches
Reason for recall: Listeria contamination in cheese
The most severe recall this week involves CIBUS Fresh Autumn Turkey Sandwiches. The sandwiches contain Glenview Farms Spreadable Brie, linked to Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacteria that can cause severe illness.
These sandwiches were sold in:
- Kentucky
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Missouri
- Ohio
- Tennessee
Listeria is particularly dangerous for young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, nausea, and abdominal pain, and in severe cases, it can lead to miscarriages or stillbirths.
CIBUS Fresh has stopped using the affected cheese and advises consumers to return the sandwiches for a full refund.
What to Do If You Have Recalled Products
- Check your pantry and fridge. Compare product codes, dates, and UPC numbers against the information provided.
- Don’t consume the product. Even if the food or drink seems fine, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
- Contact the store. Many retailers offer refunds for recalled items, so take advantage of this policy.
- Stay informed. Sign up for FDA alerts to stay up-to-date on recalls.
Conclusion
Staying informed about grocery recalls is essential for keeping your family safe. This week’s recalls highlight the importance of checking labels, codes, and ingredients before consuming a product.
Taking a few extra precautions can prevent potential health risks, Whether bottled water, soup mix, or ice cream. Stay vigilant, and when in doubt, contact the store or manufacturer for more information.
FAQs
What should I do if I’ve consumed a recalled product?
If you feel fine, monitor your health for symptoms like nausea, fever, or stomach pain. If symptoms appear, seek medical advice immediately.
How do I know if my product is part of a recall?
Check the product code, UPC number, and expiration date against the recall details. This information is usually printed on the packaging.
Are stores required to refund recalled products?
Yes, most stores offer refunds for recalled items. You can bring the product back to the store or contact customer service for assistance.
Can I still use a recalled product if it looks OK?
No, you should not use recalled products, even if they appear safe. Contamination or mislabeling can pose serious risks.
How can I stay updated on food recalls?
Visit the FDA or USDA websites for the latest recall announcements. You can also follow news outlets or subscribe to recall alerts.
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