1. Mid America Pet Food Products
If you're someone who stocks up on food for your furry friends in bulk, this is an important one to look out for and dispose of immediately. As noted by Dr. Cameron Heinz, MD, from Mobility Nest, Mid America Pet Food has recently recalled many of their pet food products due to potential Salmonella contamination. Recalled products have a best by date of 10/31/2024; if any of these are in your home right now, it's in your best interest to toss them.
2. Gold Medal Brand Flour
Flour is a staple in many kitchens. We're going to guess that you have a supply in your pantry right now, especially if you bake frequently. Unfortunately, though, Dr. Heinz says that Gold Medal brand flour was linked to a Salmonella Infantis outbreak earlier this year—and if you missed the recall, you may still have potentially contaminated products in your home. These include two-, five-, and ten-pound bags of Bleached and Unbleached All Purpose Flour with "Better if Used By" dates of March 27, 2024 and March 28, 2024. Better safe than sorry!
3. Diet coke and other artificially sweetened products
Earlier this year, the artificially sweetener Aspartame—well-known for its role in Diet Coke—was declared a possible carcinogen by the World Health Organization. While this doesn't necessarily mean that sipping on a can of Diet Coke every now and then will inevitably lead to cancer, it is a good reminder that artificial sweeteners can take a serious toll on your health over time.
"Studies suggest that these sweeteners may affect gut microbiota and cause metabolic disorders," dietitian Krutika Nanavati warns. Overall, you're better off sticking to natural sweeteners.
4. Foods containing trans fats
Many pantry foods contain unhealthy trans fats that can pose a number of risks to your health. For this reason, nutritionist Catherine Gervacio recommends getting rid of these foods, which include certain crackers, cookies, and microwave popcorn.
"Trans fat is known to cause different health problems like insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease," she says. "The American Heart Association (AHA) advises minimizing the consumption of foods that contain trans fat and this is applicable still for 2024." Noted!
5. Sugary snacks
If you have a sweet tooth, you may frequently throw unhealthy sugary snacks like candies, chocolates, and pastries into your shopping cart. Unfortunately, although they're delicious, Gervacio reminds us that "These are high in added sugars which can contribute to weight gain and metabolic problems," among other health risks.
"The World Health Organization (WHO) established a new rule back in 2015 and recommended that both children and adults limit their sugar consumption to less than 10% of their total energy intake. Candies may contain as much as 18 grams of sugar per ounce," she says. Yikes! For this reason, you may want to consider turning over a new leaf and throwing any sugar-loaded products away.
6. High-sodium snacks
Like sugar, consuming too much sodium can lead to adverse effects on your health. Gervacio recommends cutting out high-sodium foods like chips, cold cuts, and other processed meats as we enter 2024.
"The American Heart Association (AHA) advises a daily sodium intake of no more than 2,300 mg, with most adults at an ideal goal of 1,500," she says. "Reducing consumption can significantly enhance blood pressure and heart health, given the prevalent excess sodium in the average American diet. On average, Americans consume more than 3,400 mg of sodium per day. That’s why this is still applicable for 2024." Cleaning sodium-loaded foods from your pantry is one good way to bring down your own daily intake.
Overall, cleaning out your pantry is a good step to take to get a handle on your health before the new year—and to keep you and your family safe amidst recalls.
READ MORE: The Scary Reason Pressure Cookers Are Being Pulled From Shelves