Recent recalls at Walmart involve undeclared allergens, packaging defects, and safety hazards, posing risks to consumers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), food allergies affect around 15 million Americans and contribute to approximately 30,000 emergency department visits and 150–200 deaths annually. Additionally, improper packaging can lead to spoilage, creating health concerns.
What to Know
Several product recalls have been issued or updated in the past month, affecting various Walmart shelves nationwide:
- Gerber Soothe ‘N’ Chew Teething Sticks (January 31, 2025): Gerber Products Company initiated a recall and discontinuation of all batches due to a potential choking hazard for infants. The product was available in all Walmart stores.
- Pearl Milling Company Original Pancake & Waffle Mix (January 15, 2025): Quaker Oats Company recalled a limited number of 2-pound boxes due to the presence of undeclared milk. This affected Walmart locations in multiple states, including Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, and Texas.
- Great Value Chicken Broth (January 14, 2025): TreeHouse Foods issued a recall of 48-ounce cartons due to packaging failures that could cause spoilage. The recall impacted Walmart stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas.
- Chicken Empanadas (January 9, 2025): The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert due to a mislabeling issue. Some products labeled as Chicken Curry Empanadas contained Apple Cinnamon Empanadas, which have undeclared milk. These were sold nationwide at select Walmart stores.
- Marketside Broccoli Florets (January 27, 2025): Braga Fresh voluntarily recalled a single production lot after Texas Health and Human Services detected Listeria monocytogenes during routine testing. The FDA classified this as a Class I risk, meaning it could lead to serious illness or death. Affected Walmart locations spanned across multiple states, including Alaska, Arizona, California, Michigan, and Washington.
What People Are Saying
Walmart released an official statement regarding its recall policies:
“Walmart and Sam’s Club are committed to the health and safety of our customers and members. We swiftly block recalled products from being sold and remove them from our stores and clubs.”
What Happens Next
Regulatory agencies such as the FDA and FSIS frequently update recall notices on their websites. Customers are advised to check these resources for the latest safety information. If you have purchased any of the recalled products, return them to Walmart for a full refund.
FAQ: Walmart Product Recalls
Q: How do I know if I purchased a recalled item at Walmart?
A: Check the FDA and FSIS recall websites or visit Walmart’s recall page. You can also compare product lot numbers with those listed in the recall notices.
Q: What should I do if I have a recalled product?
A: Stop using the item immediately. Return it to Walmart for a refund or dispose of it safely, following recall instructions.
Q: Are recalls common for Walmart products?
A: Yes. Due to Walmart’s large inventory, recalls happen regularly. They typically involve safety concerns such as contamination, packaging issues, or mislabeling.
Q: Can I get sick from consuming a recalled food product?
A: It depends on the recall reason. If a product is recalled for contamination (such as Listeria or Salmonella), it can pose serious health risks. If it’s due to undeclared allergens, it could be life-threatening for those with food allergies.
Q: Where can I report a product concern?
A: You can report food safety concerns to the FDA at www.fda.gov or contact Walmart’s customer service.
Interesting Fact:
According to the FDA, undeclared allergens are the leading cause of food recalls in the U.S. This highlights the importance of clear labeling and consumer awareness in preventing severe allergic reactions.
For more information on recalls, visit www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls.