Listeria is a type of bacteria that can live inside mammals and act like a parasite. If food gets contaminated with listeria monocytogenes, it can cause listeriosis—a serious foodborne illness. If you’re a fan of baked goods, take note: about 2 million items have been recalled due to potential listeria contamination, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The recall was recently bumped up to a Class II, meaning the affected products could cause temporary or treatable health issues, though serious effects are unlikely. As per the FDA’s website, this is “a situation in which use of [or] exposure to […] a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”
FDA Warns Over 2 Million Baked Goods Recalled Due to Potential Listeria Contamination
The report, made public on February 5th, announces a recall involving various items produced by FGF Brands, a pastry supplier based in Indiana. This company provides baked goods to markets in both the United States and Canada. A number of the products in question are commonly available at the well-known coffee and donut franchise, Dunkin'.
The organization, FGF Brands, noted in a statement: "Food safety is our top priority." The company shared that the "voluntary recall was completed over a month ago ... and does not implicate anything that is currently, or was recently, on the market" and that "all donuts are completely safe to eat."
As for why these items were swiftly recalled, this is due to "potential for contamination with listeria monocytogenes," a listeria species. As reported by the CDC, listeria ranks as the third deadliest foodborne illness in the U.S., affecting about 1,600 people annually and resulting in around 260 deaths.
Typical symptoms resemble food poisoning, with vomiting, muscle pain, and fever. More serious cases may involve headaches, stiff necks, confusion, balance issues, and seizures, according to the FDA. Pregnant women, newborns, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk. Overall, it's important to keep in mind that the recall began on January 7th and was expanded on February 5th, nearly a month later, encompassing a variety of Dunkin' items.
