Food Safety Alert: Full List of October Recalls Issued Nationwide

According to News Week, In October, more than 20 food products were recalled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to various safety concerns, including undeclared allergens and potential contamination with dangerous bacteria. The recalls have been documented on the USDA and FDA websites, advising consumers to refrain from consuming any affected items.

Key Contaminants: Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli

Several recalls were triggered by contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria known to cause severe infections, sometimes fatal. Many of these concerns originated from a significant recall involving nearly 12 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products from manufacturer BrucePac. Other recalls were prompted by risks associated with Salmonella, E. coli, mold, or the presence of foreign objects.

List of Recalled Products

Here are some of the notable food products recalled in October:

• BrucePac Ready-to-Eat Items: Sold nationwide, these products, marked with the numbers 51205 or P-51205 near a USDA inspection mark, may contain Listeria monocytogenes.
• Jack and the Green Sprouts Alfalfa Sprouts: Five-ounce packages with lot numbers 300 or 246 and UPC numbers 763247198915 or 763247195945 may be contaminated with Listeria and were sold in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa.
• Happy Moose Juices: Tropical Roots Juice (lot number H240903-E) and Strawberry Fields Juice (lot number H240903-H) may be contaminated with Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli due to processing safety issues.
• Enoki Mushrooms: Distributed from California to New York, these mushrooms sold in 5.3-ounce packages (lot number 4877) may contain Listeria.
• Shirakiku Korean Seasoned Seaweed: Sold in 3.52-ounce packages (UPC number 074410516031), this product may contain undeclared sesame, a major allergen.
• Trail Bologna Meat Processing Kits: These 17.88-ounce pouches may have undeclared soy and wheat, with UPC number 797442404137 and lot number B241851006.
• Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon: Sold at some Costco locations in twin packs, this product may be contaminated with Listeria (lot number 8512801270).
• Glaser Farm Foods Salsa: 202 packages of “All Raw Vegan Certified Organic Salsa” were recalled due to potential glass fragments (UPC number 832910 001514).
• Frozen Waffles: Various brands, including Albertson’s, Aldi, and Walmart, were recalled due to potential Listeria contamination.
• Sprouts Farmers Market Chicken Street Taco Kits: Concerned over Listeria contamination, these products have UPC number 205916813991 and best-by dates from 9/2/2024 to 11/7/2024.
• Fresh Express Chicken Caesar Salad Bowls: Containing chicken from BrucePac, these salads have UPC number 071279565620 and were sold in California, Louisiana, Texas, and Washington.
• Dakota Tom’s Sandwiches: Pepperjack Cheeseburger and Bacon Cheeseburger items, with best-by dates from 9/1/24 to 11/23/24, were recalled due to meat supplied by BrucePac.
• Church Brothers Green Onions: Recalled in the U.S. and Canada due to Salmonella contamination.
• Hammond’s Candies Dark Chocolate Filled Mini Waffle Cones: These 4-ounce bags were recalled for undeclared milk.
• Grand Central Bakery Frozen Pie Products: Sold in Portland and Seattle, these were recalled due to undeclared eggs.
• Hannaford Seafood Salad: The 12-ounce packages were recalled due to undeclared soy.

Health Risks of Undeclared Ingredients

Undeclared allergens can lead to severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include throat swelling, difficulty breathing, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness, alongside other allergic reactions like rashes and abdominal cramps.

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According to the CDC, approximately 6 percent of U.S. adults and 8 percent of children have food allergies. While severe reactions are rare, recalls due to undeclared allergens are common, alongside those for pathogen contamination.

The Dangers of Listeriosis and Other Infections

Listeriosis, caused by Listeria monocytogenes, can have severe consequences, resulting in about 260 fatalities among an estimated 1,600 annual cases, as reported by the CDC. While most infections are limited to the digestive system, symptoms can escalate to severe illness, including fever, muscle aches, and confusion.

E. coli infections usually manifest within three to four days and can lead to severe complications, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children and the elderly. Symptoms include dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

Salmonella is the most common cause of food poisoning in the U.S., leading to salmonellosis, which appears within six hours to six days after consumption. Symptoms often include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and fever, with severe cases posing a greater risk to at-risk groups.

Conclusion

Consumers are advised to check for these recalled products and not consume any affected items. Always consult the USDA and FDA websites for the latest information on food recalls and safety alerts.