Nineteen Food Product Recalls Issued By The FDA In June

In June, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a total of nineteen recalls for various food products. These recalls were prompted by concerns ranging from undeclared allergens to potential bacterial contamination. The FDA defines a recall as "actions taken by a firm to remove a product from the market" when it is found to violate the administration's regulations. This significant number of recalls highlights the importance of food safety and the ongoing efforts to protect consumers.

Research from MasterControl, a life sciences software company, reveals that food recalls by the FDA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) have surged by 115% since 2018. This statistic is alarming, yet it does not necessarily mean that more severe Class 1 recalls—those that could lead to serious adverse health effects or even death—have also increased. Understanding the nature of these recalls is essential for consumers who want to stay informed about the safety of the products they consume.

This article will delve into the details of each recalled product, including the reasons for the recalls and the specific states affected. We will also explore the broader implications of these recalls for public health and safety standards. As we navigate through the list of recalled items, consumers are encouraged to check their pantries and refrigerators to ensure they are not in possession of any potentially hazardous products.

Below is a list of food products recalled in June, according to the date the FDA published the announcement.

Whole Cucumbers

A recall was published on June 1 for whole cucumbers produced by Fresh Start Produce Sales over potential salmonella contamination. The company, which is based in Delray, Florida, said that the cucumbers were distributed from May 17 to May 21 in 14 states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Ground Black Pepper

A June 3 recall was published for UBC Food Distributors' ground black pepper over risks that the spice could be contaminated with salmonella. The pepper was sold under the brand name Barak and distributed nationwide through retail stores.

Strawberry Rhubarb Tart

New Seasons Market, a retail chain in Portland, Oregon, issued a recall of its Strawberry Rhubarb Bakewell Tart after it was found to contain undeclared almonds, one of the nine major allergens that are required to be declared on a food item's containers per FDA guidelines. The tarts were sold in New Seasons Market stores in Oregon and Washington between March 22 and June 3, according to a release published by the FDA on June 4.

Baby Arugula

A June 8 recall was published for Green Life Farms' baby arugula products after it was found to potentially be contaminated with salmonella. The products were sold at select Publix locations starting on May 31 and have a sell-by date of June 15.

Classic Delight's Sandwiches

Classic Delight in St. Mary's, Ohio, issued a recall on June 11 for select types of its individually wrapped sandwiches, which were shipped to distributors in Arkansas, California, Maryland, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas. The company identified 25 types of sandwiches on the recall that may be contaminated with listeria. The FDA later updated the recall to a Class II risk.

Apricot Rolls

The FDA announced a recall on June 13 for 19 boxes of Aahu Barah's Apricot Rolls, which were found to have undeclared sulfites. The desserts were distributed through retail stores in New York, Texas, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Georgia.

Arepas

The company Villa Nueva, which is based in Lake Worth, Florida, issued a recall on June 13 for Arepas LA Mejor bags of Arepa de Choclo/Chocolo because the cake products were found to contain undeclared milk. The desserts were distributed through retail supermarkets in South Florida.

Tuscan Salad Bowls

A June 14 recall was declared for Heinen's Grocery Tuscan Salad Bowls after the items were found to have undeclared pecans. The salads were distributed in Ohio and Illinois through Heinen's retail locations.

Canned Coffee

The manufacturer Snapchill issued a recall on June 20 for all of its canned coffee products after it was found the items could contain the deadly botulinum toxin, which can cause a fatal form of food poisoning known as botulism. According to the FDA's release on the matter, the products were distributed nationwide through various coffee roasters and retail locations as well as directly by Snapchill online.

Orzo and Campanelle

A recall was issued on June 24 for two of Wildly Beloved Foods' pasta products after it was found the products could have a potential mold growth contamination. The recall included 30 packages of the company's orzo-dried product and 30 products of its campanella-dried product. Both items were distributed through a variety of retail locations located in Washington.

Mixed Nuts

A June 24 recall was also issued for DSD Merchandisers' Deluxe Roasted & Salted Mixed Nuts after the product was found to contain undeclared peanuts. The nut products were distributed online by the e-commerce site Farm Fresh to You, which has customers in California, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska.

Ice Cream

Thirteen ice cream brands manufactured by Totally Cool Inc. were recalled on June 25 after it was found that the items could be contaminated with listeria. The recalled products were distributed through storefronts nationwide.

Smoked Salmon

A smoked salmon product produced by Foppen Seafood in Harderwijk, Netherlands, was recalled on June 25 for a potential listeria contamination. The "Smoked Norwegian Salmon Slices" were sold in Kroger and Payless supermarkets in 15 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia.

Chocolate

A recall was announced on June 25 for Feve Artisan Chocolatier x Dandelion Chocolate Chocolate-Covered Cocoa Nibs after it was found to have contained undeclared hazelnuts. The candy was sold by Dandelion Chocolate at their retail stores in San Francisco, California, and Las Vegas, Nevada. Some items were also sold online through Dandelion's website.

ALDI Muffin Packs

A June 26 recall was issued for ALDI's Bakeshop Chocolate Chip Muffin after it was found that the product contained undeclared walnuts. The four-count packs of muffins were distributed in ALDI retail stores nationwide.

Spinach Mixes

The company Solata Foods issued a recall on June 27 for several bags of spinach and salad mixes that contained the company's "fresh spinach," which was found to be potentially contaminated with listeria. Over three dozen brands of salad mixes were included in the recall, which were distributed in local retail stores in New York.

Macadamia Nuts

A recall was issued on June 28 for Sunco and Frenchie LLC's Terrafina brand of "Macadamia in the Raw" after the nut product was found to be potentially contaminated with salmonella. The products were distributed in New York retail stores by the distributor Oak Foods LLC.

Micro-dosing Candies and Gummies

A recall was issued last month for several of Prophet Premium Blends's micro-dosing candy products after dozens of illnesses were reported in connection to consuming the items. The recall included the brand Diamond Shruumz's infused cones, chocolate bars, and gummies. As of June 28, at least 39 illnesses, including 23 hospitalizations, were reported in connection to the candies. Symptoms ranged from nervous system issues such as seizures and involuntary muscle contractions to cardiovascular issues, including abnormal heart rate.