Every Major Food Recall in the Past Year

As the saying goes, nothing is certain in life but death and taxes, but we’d add another reality to that list: recalls, recalls, recalls. Government agencies are constantly blasting notices of potentially contaminated food, from meat to produce to packaged products. Cheapism has been keeping tabs on some of the most notable recalls and warnings over the past year, including a recent alert from Nestlé about Toll House cookie dough. To stay on top of food recalls, check FoodSafety.gov for up-to-date information.

Related: Frozen Foods You Should Never Put in Your Cart

Risk: Plastic contamination
Nestlé has issued a voluntary recall of its refrigerated, ready-to-bake Toll House Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough With Fudge Filling due to the “potential presence of white plastic pieces," according to an announcement posted by the Food and Drug Administration. The potentially tainted products were manufactured between June and September 2022 and were sold in the continental United States as well as Puerto Rico. The company said no other types of cookie dough were affected by this recall. It advises consumers to not to bake or eat the cookies and reach out to the retailer where the dough was purchased for a replacement or refund.

Related: Sam's Club vs. Costco: Who Has the Best Bakery?

Risk: Listeria
A variety of ready-to-eat, packaged vegetable products, including salsas and diced vegetables, were recalled from Kroger stores after a product sample tested positive for listeria. The potentially contaminated products were sold primarily from the produce and deli sections at Kroger stores in Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina. A complete risk of the recalled products can be found here.

Related: 21 Cooking Hazards That Could Have Disastrous Results

Risk: Metal contamination
Market Pantry White Fudge Animal Cookies were recalled after wire was found in some of the cookies, which were sold nationwide exclusively at Target stores. The recalled product was sold in a 44-ounce plastic container shaped like a bear with the lot number Y052722 and a best-by date of Feb. 21, 2023. The UPC code is 085239817698. Consumers should return the product to Target for a full refund.

For more need-to-know grocery news, please sign up for our free newsletters.

Risk: Contamination
Kraft Heinz voluntarily recalled 5,760 cases of Capri Sun pouches because diluted cleaning solution accidentally got into the product at one factory. The company was alerted to the problem by consumers complaining about the taste, and determined the cleaning solution was used on processing equipment. Anyone with Capri Sun Wild Cherry Flavored Juice Drink Blend pouches with a best-by date of June 23, 2023, and carton UPC 087684001004 should not consume the product and instead return it to the store where it was purchased. For questions and reimbursement, call Kraft Heinz at 800-280-8252.

Related: Food Expiration Dates and Food Freshness Labels Explained

Risk: Metal contamination
Home Run Inn Frozen Foods recalled more than 13,000 pounds of frozen pizza in August after consumers reported finding metal in their pizzas. One product, 33.5-ounce boxes of Home Run Inn Chicago's Premium Pizzeria Deluxe Sausage Classic Pizza, was affected. The boxes have a best-by date of Dec. 3, 2022, and an establishment number of "EST. 18498-A" inside the U.S. Department of Agriculture inspection mark. Consumers who purchased the pizza shouldn't eat it and should either throw it away or return it to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions can contact Home Run Inn Frozen Foods at 630-783-9696, ext. 2151.

Risk: Potential microbial contamination, including Cronobacter sakazakii
A huge amount of nutritional and coffee drinks made by Lyons Magnus under various brand names were recalled due to potential contamination issues. The products didn’t meet commercial sterility specifications and potentially contained Cronobacter sakazakii, which causes fever, vomiting, and urinary tract infections. In total, 53 products sold at Costco, Sam's Club, and grocery stores were recalled, including Glucerna, Oatly, Aloha, and Premier Protein, among others. For a complete list of recalled beverages, and their lot codes and UPCs, see the FDA recall announcement. Consumers can also contact the Lyons Recall Support Center at 800-627-0557.

Risk: Possible plastic contamination
Trader Joe's announced in July that it was recalling its Soft-Baked Snickerdoodles, as the cookies may have contained hard plastic pieces. There were no reported injuries, but the company asked customers to stop eating the product immediately and return it to Trader Joe's for a full refund.

Risk: Listeria
Eat Just Inc. recalled Just Egg Chopped Spring Greens products in July due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recalled lots tested negative before leaving the Alameda, California, manufacturing facility, but it was discovered the products shared ingredients with recalled lots that tested positive. The products were distributed to retailers in Arizona, California, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Texas.

Risk: Lead
Natierra voluntarily recalled its Organic Freeze-Dried Blueberry pouches because they may have contained too much lead. The products were sold in retail stores and online, though specific stores were not named. There were two lots of products affected, both with 1.2 ounces of fruit from a packing facility in Lithuania:

• Lot 2021363-1 with best-by date of December 2024 and UPC 812907011160
  
• Lot 2022026-1 with best-by date of January 2025 and UPC 812907011160
  

The FDA advised consumers not to eat the product and to dispose of it. Refunds were available at the point of purchase or by emailing salesadmin@BrandStormInc.com if purchased on Natierra's website. Customers with questions can call the company at 310-559-0259 or send a direct message on Natierra's website.

Risk: Listeria
Big Olaf Creamery, an ice cream brand based in Sarasota, Florida, was linked to 22 cases of listeria and one death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that anyone who had products from the brand throw them out immediately and clean anything in their home that might have touched the products, such as utensils or counters. Although the cases were reported in 10 different states, nearly all the patients, including the person who died, lived in or had visited Florida in the preceding month.

Risk: May contain wheat and eggs
Taylor Farms, which makes the Trader Joe's product, pulled the salads from just one day of production — those with a best-if-used-by date of June 2, 2022, as they may have contained wheat and eggs, allergens not listed on the label. People who bought the product and are allergic to wheat or eggs were urged not to eat the salad.

Risk: Salmonella
Not long after rival brand Skippy issued a recall because of contamination from metal fragments, peanut-butter icon Jif also yanked products from shelves. Parent company J.M. Smucker said dozens of Jif products shipped to major retailers nationwide (including Costco) suffered from potential salmonella contamination. Deskins Candies, a candy maker in Bluefield, West Virginia, recalled its treats made with Jif, urging consumers not to eat products sold in 16-ounce containers in three states. See whether you have another affected product by checking this list.

Risk: Hepatitis A
If you bought FreshKampo or HEB organic strawberries between March 5 and April 25 and froze some for later, the FDA said to throw them out. Officials said the berries were the likely cause of a Hepatitis A outbreak that sickened at least 17 people, with 12 requiring hospitalization. The berries were sold nationwide at major retailers including Aldi, HEB, Kroger, Safeway, Trader Joe's, and Walmart.

Risk: Foreign material contamination
Use caution before you indulge that candy craving, especially if you're a fan of gummy candy. After receiving customer complaints, Mars Wrigley recalled several notable varieties of gummies because the packages potentially contained thin metal strands. The recall applied to packages of Skittles Gummies, Starburst Gummies, and Life Savers Gummies with UPC codes on this list.

Risk: E. coli
Over 120,000 pounds of ground beef were recalled after E. coli was detected during routine testing. No illnesses linked to the beef from Lakeside Refrigerated Services were confirmed. The raw ground beef products were sold under Thomas Farms, Nature's Reserve, Marketside Butcher, and Tajima brands at stores nationwide, including Walmart and Winn-Dixie. The recalled products were produced between Feb. 1 and April 8, and have "EST. 46841" inside the USDA mark of inspection on the packaging. The complete list of recalled ground beef can be found on the USDA's website, along with images of the products' labels. Customers can contact Lakeside at 800-493-9042 or customercare@lakesiderefrigerated.com.

Risk: Foreign material contamination
Over 9,000 cases of Skippy peanut butter were voluntarily recalled in late March because bits of stainless steel from a piece of manufacturing equipment may have been mixed in by accident. The affected products:

• 40-ounce Skippy Reduced Fat Creamy Peanut Butter Spread with best-by dates of May 4 or 5, 2023
• 16.3-ounce Skippy Reduced Fat Chunky Peanut Butter Spread with best-by dates of May 6 or 7, 2023
• 14-ounce Skippy Creamy Peanut Butter Blended With Plant Protein with a best-by date of May 10, 2023

If you have any of these products, you can return them to the store where you bought them for an exchange. Customers can also call Skippy at 866-475-4779 or visit www.peanutbutter.com/recall.

Risk: Foreign material contamination
Two brands of pancake and waffle mix produced by Continental Mills were recalled for a disconcerting reason: Fragments from a cable in the processing machinery was found in a product sample. Two-pound packages of Great Value Buttermilk Pancake & Waffle Mix, sold at Walmart, and Kroger Buttermilk Pancake & Waffle Mix were affected. The Great Value mix has UPC 078742370828, lot code KX2063, and a best-by date of Sept. 1, 2023. The Kroger mix has UPC 01111088219, a lot code of KX2063 or KX2064, and a best-by date of Sept. 1 or 2, 2023. Although no contaminated products or injuries were reported, the FDA advised consumers to throw away the products and call 800-578-7832 for a refund.

Risk: Salmonella and Cronobacter sakazakii
Abbott, the maker of popular brands of infant formula, expanded its powder-formula recall to include Similac PM 60/40. Previously affected formulas were Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare. There were complaints of salmonella and Cronobacter sakazakii infections in four infants, and two died. Cronobacter sakazakii can cause fever, poor feeding, excessive crying or low energy in babies. The exact products under the original recall had a multidigit code on the bottom of the container starting with 22 through 37, contained K8, SH, or Z2, and expired April 1, 2022, or after. The affected Similac PM 60/40 was from lot No. 27032K80 (cans) or 27032K800 (cases). Customers can find out if their formula was affected by going to Similac's website and typing in the code on the bottom of the package, or calling 800-986-8540.

Risk: E. coli
Oregon-based Interstate Meat recalled more than 28,000 pounds of ground beef due to potential E. coli contamination at the beginning of 2022. The raw ground beef products were produced Dec. 20, 2021, and sold under several different labels at Kroger, Walmart, WinCo Foods, and Albertsons stores. The recall notice confirms the products were shipped to Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Affected products display establishment number “EST. 965” inside the USDA inspection mark.

Risk: Listeria
In December 2021, Dole announced two recalls of potentially contaminated bagged salad products distributed across the nation to major retailers including Walmart, Kroger, and Aldi. The products were sold under brand names including Dole, Kroger, Marketside, Simply Nature, and many more. The CDC said it had linked two deaths and 17 illnesses in 13 states to the salads.

Risk: Listeria
Fresh Express recalled dozens of its bagged salad products in December 2021 after the Michigan Department of Agriculture received a positive test for listeria from one of the brand's salad mixes. The products included everything from coleslaw mix to avocado ranch salad kits under the brand names Fresh Express, Bowl & Basket, Giant Eagle, Little Salad Bar, Marketside, O Organics, and Signature Farms, among others. They were distributed in 19 states and were marked with product codes Z324 to Z350 under the use-by date. The CDC was investigating 10 illnesses and one death linked to the products.

Risk: Listeria
Michigan-based Alexander & Hornung recalled more than 2.3 million pounds of pork products in December 2021 because of possible Listeria contamination. Originally, over 230,000 pounds were included in the recall, but the USDA expanded it tenfold. The fully cooked items were sold at retailers nationwide and include hams, ham steaks, and pepperoni sold under several brand names including Wellshire, Butcher Boy, Garrett Valley Farms, Food Club, Niman Ranch, Open Nature, Big Y, and Five Star, according to the USDA.

Risk: Metal and glass contamination
Kraft Heinz recalled two of its most popular powdered drink mixes, including some sold at Costco. Kool-Aid Tropical Punch and Country Time Lemonade powders potentially contained metal or glass fragments. The affected mixes were sold in 19-ounce and 82-ounce containers and on-the-go-sticks with best-by dates between June 13, 2023, and Oct. 3, 2023. According to a notice posted on Costco's website, the affected products sold in its stores had best-by dates of Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, 2023. Customers can call 855-713-9237 to determine if their product is part of the recall.

Risk: Bone fragment contamination
Innovative Solutions announced Nov. 10 that it was recalling nearly 98,000 pounds of raw ground chicken patty products that may have been contaminated with pieces of bone. At issue were packages of Trader Joe's Chile Lime Chicken Burgers, as well as Spinach Feta Chicken Sliders that were sold at other stores. The products, which were shipped nationwide, were produced from mid-August through the end of September 2021 and were marked with “EST. P-8276,” printed near the USDA mark of inspection.

Risk: Metal contamination
Talk about a sweet treat potentially turning sour. Flowers Foods recalled certain batches of Tastykake cupcakes over fears that they may have been contaminated by fragments of metal mesh wire. The affected cupcakes, with best-by dates ranging from Dec. 14 to Dec. 21, 2021, were distributed in seven states and the District of Columbia, at stores including Walmart and Target.

Risk: Botulism
Aldi is a great place to save on organics, but if you're a fan of its Simply Nature Organic Poppy Seed Dressing, take heed: Drew's Organics, which manufactures the dressing, recalled several bottles over the potential for microbial growth, including the risk of a toxin that causes botulism, which can be fatal. The dressing was distributed to Aldi in 30 states between Aug. 20 and Sept. 10, 2021, and has a best-by date of Feb. 15, 2023.

Risk: Salmonella
Fratelli Beretta, which makes Italian-style meats carried at Costco, recalled 862,000 pounds of uncured antipasto products including prosciutto, soppressata, salami, and coppa because of possible salmonella contamination linked to as many as 36 illnesses. The meats were sold in vacuum-sealed trays at Costco from February through August 2021.

Risk: Aflatoxin
Humans aren’t the only ones at risk when foods are recalled. Midwestern Pet Foods recalled several kinds of dog and cat food at the end of 2020, and the FDA warned that those products could have been linked to the deaths of 130 dogs, plus more than 200 illnesses. Aflatoxin, which is produced by mold, could have been the culprit in at least some of the cases. The recall included NunnBetter, ProPac, Splash, Sportstrail, and Sportmix brands.

Risk: Salmonella
Frozen shrimp from Avanti Frozen Foods was recalled in August 2021 and was distributed nationwide from November 2020 to May 2021. The large number of affected brands included Whole Foods 365, Nature's Promise, Meijer, and Food Lion. The recall also affected tempura rolls sold at Target. At least nine illnesses were reported.

Risk: Salmonella
Indiana-based Serenade Foods announced in August 2021 that it was recalling about 60,000 pounds of frozen, raw, breaded, and stuffed chicken products that may have been linked to a salmonella outbreak that sickened nearly 30 people. The poultry items — chicken cordon bleu and chicken with broccoli and cheese — were sold under the Dutch Farms Chicken, Milford Valley Chicken, and Kirkwood brands (the latter is sold exclusively at Aldi).

Risk: Salmonella
McCormick pulled three of the company's spices in mid-2021 for potential salmonella contamination: McCormick Perfect Pinch Italian Seasoning, McCormick Culinary Italian Seasoning, and Frank's RedHot Buffalo Ranch Seasoning. The affected products were shipped to 32 states, Bermuda, and Canada between June 20 and July 21. While no one has reported getting sick, McCormick urged customers to toss out the spices (no need to return them to the store) and contact McCormick Consumer Affairs at 800-635-2867.

Risk: Listeria
Give & Go Prepared Foods Corp. announced in July 2021 that it was recalling muffins sold at retailers including Costco, Walmart, and 7-Eleven. The list of affected products included muffins sold under the brands 7-Eleven Selects, The Worthy Crumb, Great Value, and Marketside.

Risk: Listeria
Major poultry processor Tyson Foods announced a recall of some 8.5 million pounds of frozen cooked chicken items in July 2021. The products, including several varieties of boneless breasts and strips, were marketed under the Tyson brand and several private labels and sold nationwide at grocery and fast-food chains including Publix, Walmart, and Wegmans, as well as Casey's General Stores and Little Caesars. A complete list of recalled products can be found on the U.S. Department of Agriculture website.

Risk: Salmonella
Check your pantry: The Spice Hunter recalled several of its products in October 2020 because of salmonella concerns. Nearly 30 kinds of spices are at risk, including parsley, cinnamon, garlic, pepper, and paprika. They were distributed in more than 30 states and have best-by dates as far out as September 2022.