March 2025: Food and Beverage Recalls
Every day, it seems like there’s another food recall in the news. You might find yourself asking, “What’s going on?” You’re not alone in feeling this way.
A recent report from Traceone shows that food recalls have risen by 15% from 2020 to 2024. This increase could be linked to better technology that detects harmful pathogens and ongoing challenges like staffing shortages in food manufacturing. As Dr. Barbara Kowalcyk, a food safety expert at Pennsylvania State University, points out, “While it’s concerning, it’s also a good sign that we’re identifying risks that may have gone unnoticed in the past.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) oversee numerous regulations to keep our food supply safe. When a product fails to meet these standards, manufacturers usually issue a recall. The FDA and USDA notify the public, guiding consumers to check their pantries for potentially unsafe items.
Food recalls arise for various reasons, such as contamination by harmful bacteria, undeclared allergens, or foreign objects. In March 2025 alone, the FDA issued warnings for popular snacks like Tostitos chips and ready-to-eat meals from Lean Cuisine and Stouffer’s. These alerts can be daunting, with public trust in government food safety at a 25-year low. Gallup data reveals that only 57% of Americans trust the safety of their food supply, down from previous years.
Here’s a closer look at some recent recalls to stay informed about what could be in your fridge:
1. Dense Brioche Pullman Loaves
– Brand: Ben E. Keith, Rodeo Goat, Casa Linda
– Reason: Potential undeclared milk, soy, and yellow FD&C #5
– Recall date: March 28, 2025
2. Chicken Salad Sandwich
– Brand: CFS Cromer Food Services, Inc.
– Reason: Undeclared milk
– Recall date: March 27, 2025
3. Tostitos Cantina Chips
– Brand: Tostitos
– Reason: Undeclared milk
– Recall date: March 27, 2025
4. New York-Style Cheesecake
– Brand: Target
– Reason: Potential undeclared allergen (pecans)
– Recall date: March 20, 2025
5. Frozen Meals
– Brand: Stouffer’s and Lean Cuisine
– Reason: Possible contamination with wood
– Recall date: March 18, 2025
6. Alehouse Clam Chowder
– Brand: Seabear
– Reason: Risk of Clostridium botulinum contamination
– Recall date: March 15, 2025
Checking the FDA’s active recalls page is important for updates. Only specific batches are usually affected, so always look for detailed information based on the product’s universal code.
Staying updated on food safety has never been more critical, as the industry continues to face challenges. As the USDA reports, the advancements in recall technology are essential for consumer safety. With awareness and vigilance, you can navigate the ever-evolving landscape of food safety.
For further details on recent recalls, you can visit the FDA’s official site here.