Major Walmart Food Recalls You Need to Know About: Millions Impacted and What You Should Do

Food recalls happen more often than we think. In 2024 alone, over 296 food and drink items were recalled due to contamination worries. Around 1,400 people reportedly fell ill from these incidents, mainly caused by bacteria like listeria, salmonella, or E. coli. With Walmart housing more than 4,500 stores across the U.S., the retail giant faces constant challenges in maintaining food safety.

No food safety system is perfect, which means that occasional recalls are inevitable. Let’s dive into some notable food recalls associated with Walmart over the years.

Oyster Crackers (2025)
In 2025, a recall was issued for certain brands of oyster crackers sold in Walmart due to potential contamination with foreign materials. Shearer’s Foods, the Ohio-based manufacturer, expanded the recall after stainless steel wire was found. Over 15,800 cases were pulled from shelves.

Canned Tuna (2025)
In an unusual turn, canned tuna faced a recall because of faulty easy-open tabs rather than issues with the tuna itself. This defect raised concerns about contamination risks. Tri-Union Seafoods took swift action, recalling products sold under multiple brand labels. Fortunately, there were no reported illnesses linked to the affected tuna.

Chicken Broth (2025)
Chicken broth, particularly Great Value brand, was recalled due to packaging flaws that could lead to spoilage. More than 2,000 cartons across various states were affected when TreeHouse Foods identified an internal error during production.

Broccoli Florets (2024-2025)
Broccoli florets sold at Walmart faced a recall due to potential listeria contamination. This recall, initiated at the end of 2024, affected specific batches sold in 20 states. The seriousness of the potential infection led the FDA to classify this as a Class I recall.

Ready-to-Eat Meat and Poultry (2024)
In a significant move, Walmart recalled 10 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat after inspections revealed listeria in the BrucePac manufacturing facility. This broad recall included multiple products sold under Walmart’s private label.

Raw Ground Beef (2024)
In 2024, over 16,000 pounds of raw ground beef were recalled because of potential E. coli contamination. Cargill Meat Solutions was responsible for the products, all of which were marked with a USDA inspection seal.

Infant Formula (2019)
In a serious case, Perrigo recalled nearly 24,000 containers of its Parent’s Choice Infant Formula due to concerns about metal foreign matter. While no injuries were reported, the situation prompted a widespread recall for consumer safety.

Onions (2021)
A salmonella outbreak linked to onions caused significant concern. The contaminated onions were sold under various brand names and accounted for hundreds of illnesses across several states. The impact of the recall demonstrated how critical food safety regulations are in preventing widespread health issues.

Expert Insight
Recent statistics from the FDA indicate a troubling rise in food recalls, with nearly 500 incidents reported in 2023. Expert Dr. Laura McGinnis, a food safety specialist, emphasizes that “recognizing and acting on contamination risks is vital for protecting public health.”

Consumers can remain informed about potential recalls by visiting the FDA’s official website and signing up for notifications. Staying aware helps ensure safety during grocery shopping.

Food recalls at retailers like Walmart remind us of the importance of vigilance in food safety. While some incidents lead to serious health risks, others may be more benign, emphasizing the need for consumers to be proactive and informed.

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