Costco and Publix recently pulled thousands of sauces and salad dressings from their shelves after a warning from the FDA about possible contamination. Ventura Foods found black plastic in granulated onion in certain batches, prompting a recall of around 4,000 products.
These affected items made their way to 42 states, including Florida, Georgia, and Illinois. Some prepackaged meals sold at deli counters might also be impacted.
Why This Matters
Finding foreign objects in food is alarming. It not only ruins meals but can also pose health risks. While the FDA labeled this as a Class II recall—meaning serious health effects are unlikely—such incidents aren’t rare. In fact, food recalls due to contamination are common. Just recently, an American company recalled over 120,000 pounds of barbecue pulled pork.
The use of plastic in food packaging raises concerns beyond recalls. A study revealed that many food-contact chemicals linked to packaging are showing up in human samples. Some of these chemicals are known carcinogens, and many have been dubbed “forever chemicals” because they persist in the environment and accumulate in our bodies.
What to Do
If you’ve bought any of the affected products, you can return them for a refund. Notable items from this recall include Publix Deli Carolina-Style Mustard BBQ Sauce and Costco Food Court Caesar Dressing.
Taking action to reduce plastic use can help minimize health risks. Options include switching from plastic containers to glass or silicone ones, especially when heating food. This simple change can limit exposure to harmful chemicals.
A growing trend among consumers is to pay closer attention to what’s in their food. More people are shopping for brands that prioritize safe, sustainable packaging. According to a recent survey from Nielsen, 66% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products.
Staying informed and making mindful choices at the grocery store can have a positive impact on your health and the environment.
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Food and Drug Administration, salad dressings, toxic chemicals, Costco, contamination, food-service, Publix, plastic material, food, Ventura Foods
