The FDA and USDA have been cracking down on food production companies more than in years past. Stricter guidelines have led to an increase in the amount of food recalls and alerts, so while the increasing number of food recall announcements may seem daunting, it may be attributed to higher quality guidelines and not added carelessness by manufacturing companies.
At the end of 2014, the USDA and FDA began warning citizens with peanut allergies to avoid products that contain cumin powder or ground cumin. Multiple shipments of these products are said to contain peanut protein without warning to consumers. Ground cumin and cumin powder is often found in finished food products such as chilies, meat, soups, poultry, and more. Recalled products also include seasoning mixes, cooking “kits”, and more. Even small amounts of cumin can cause an allergic reaction to those with peanut allergies. The investigation and attempts to remove products from the market that contain the undeclared peanuts is ongoing, so agencies are advising those with peanut allergies to avoid all food items that contain ground cumin, even if they are not listed on the recall list. More information about this allergy alert can be found at www.foodsafety.gov.
Earlier this month, another worrisome recall was announced, this time affecting about 1,920 pounds of baby food. Beech-Nut Nutrition brand baby food “Stage 2 Beech-Nut CLASSICS sweet potato & chicken” in 4 ounce glass jars produced on December 12, 2014 are included in the recall after a small piece of glass was found by a consumer in one of the containers. The company received one report of oral injury as a result of the recalled products. Unfortunately, Beech-Nut spokespersons claim that many of the affected jars of baby food are still in warehouses or on store shelves. The establishment number of these products is “P-68A” and product numbers range from 12395750815 to 12395750821. Baby food recalls are rare because of the intense scrutiny placed on them, but if you have purchased one of the recalled jars of baby food, it can be returned or exchanged from the original purchase location.
Finally, the Vitamin Shoppe, Inc. announced a voluntary recall of products containing acacia rigidula earlier in April. There is concern that these products may contain BMPEA, which is a synthetic substance that shouldn’t be used in supplements to one’s diet. While this is a preventative recall, it is one that may affect consumers nonetheless.
Food recalls are announced in an effort to keep consumers safe. Because these recalled items are consumed, they can have a significant impact on a person’s well-being. We urge readers to stay current with the most recent product and food recalls.
Categories: Product Recall, Recalls
