Latest news with #plasticcontamination
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Nationwide Sausage Recall Hits Highest Alert Level—Here's What to Know
The ready-to-eat chicken sausage was distributed to retail locations across the Points 24,173 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken sausage were recalled due to potential plastic contamination. On July 17, 2025, the USDA classified the recall as a Class I threat to consumers. There have been no confirmed reports of injuries associated with the consumption of these you recently bought sausages, check your refrigerator and freezer. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a recall for 24,173 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken sausage due to potential plastic contamination. The product impacted by the recall is the All Natural Al Fresco Sweet Apple Chicken Sausage, with lot number 179 and a use/freeze-by date of October 1, 2025. The sausage is from Kayem Foods Inc., based in Chelsea, Massachusetts. It was produced on June 28, 2025, and has the establishment number 'P-7839' on the packaging. The products were distributed nationwide to retail locations. The affected product details are as follows, according to FSIS: 11-oz. vacuum-packed packages containing four pieces of 'ALL NATURAL al fresco CHICKEN SAUSAGE SWEET APPLE with Vermont made syrup," with lot code '179' and the "USE/FRZ BY' date of "OCT 01 2025' printed on the back label. According to FSIS, the contamination was found after Kayem Foods Inc. reported receiving three consumer complaints about white plastic pieces in the sausage. There have been no confirmed reports of injuries from consuming these products, FSIS states. Anyone worried about injury should see a healthcare provider. On July 17, 2025, the USDA classified the recall as a Class I threat. Per the USDA, a Class I recall "involves a health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death." FSIS is concerned that some of these products might still be in people's refrigerators or freezers. They advise consumers who have purchased these products not to eat them and to throw them away or return them to the place of purchase. For questions or concerns about the recall, contact Joellen West, Customer Service Manager at Kayem Foods Inc., at 617-889-1600, extension 247. Read the original article on Martha Stewart Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Aldi issues urgent recall notice for chicken product over contamination concerns: 'Do not consume them'
A large food chain just issued a recall on a chicken product — not because of undercooking or spoilage, but because of plastic. BM Foods Ltd., the manufacturer of Aldi's Chicken Cooked Meat Trimmings, has pulled the product from shelves nationwide after discovering possible plastic contamination, according to GB News. The Food Standards Agency released a warning about the affected chicken, which comes in 400-gram packs with a use-by date of July 4 and batch code 50328453. Aldi urged shoppers not to eat the product and to return it for a full refund instead. "If you have bought any of the above products, do not consume them," the agency stated, per GB News. "The possible presence of pieces of plastic in the products … makes them unsafe to eat." The urgent recall stems from concerns that bits of plastic could pose a choking hazard, but that's not the only reason it's alarming. This isn't the first time plastic has slipped into our food — and it likely won't be the last. Accidental contamination during food production is more common than many people realize. Ingested plastic can damage the digestive system, especially for children and vulnerable individuals, and even small amounts can introduce toxic chemicals into the body. Even more concerning? Researchers are still uncovering the effects of long-term exposure to microplastics on human health. Early findings suggest they could build up in our organs, trigger inflammation, and disrupt hormone function — all while flying under the radar. Our current food system's overreliance on plastic in packaging, processing, and machinery raises the risks of accidents like this one. And while the human health risks are reason enough to sound the alarm, all that plastic also contributes to long-term environmental harm, from clogged landfills to polluted waterways. Recalls like Aldi's highlight just how urgently we need to change course. Researchers and consumers alike are pushing for better oversight and safer manufacturing to help keep plastic out of our food. Some companies are stepping up, finding cleaner ways to produce and package food without relying so much on plastic in the first place. Do you think Americans use too much plastic? Absolutely Only in some states We're getting better We're doing fine Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. In the meantime, shoppers can protect themselves by staying alert to recalls and reducing the amount of plastic in their food routines. Opting for whole, unpackaged foods and shopping with reusable containers can cut down your exposure to plastic and lower your household waste. If you're looking for everyday ways to reduce plastic use, check out this simple guide. Each small action and policy shift adds up. And the more we push for healthier, safer food systems, the better the future looks for everyone. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Supplier issues massive recall of frozen hash browns sold nationwide after dangerous contaminant found: 'Should be discarded or returned'
A recall of a popular frozen food product has shed light on the perils of plastic contamination. As Food Safety News detailed in early May, Lamb Weston Inc. recalled a whopping 34,801 cases of its frozen Lamb Weston Hashbrown Patties due to "the presence of foreign material, specifically plastic pieces ranging from 1 millimeter to 8 millimeters in size." The recall was initiated on April 19 and remains ongoing, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration told Food Safety News. The Class II recall indicates "a low risk" of serious health consequences, though temporary or reversible effects remain a possibility. The products included in the recall were distributed to Arizona and Hawai'i, as well as internationally to Japan, Kuwait, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates. "Consumers who have purchased the recalled Lamb Weston Hashbrown Patties are urged not to consume them," Food Safety News stated. "The products should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase." While no adverse reactions were reported at the time of the recall, this issue highlights the dangers of plastic pollution. As Food Safety News noted, "the presence of plastic pieces in food products poses risks such as choking, oral injury, or gastrointestinal damage if ingested." Unfortunately, this issue is becoming far too common. Even a major company like Kraft Heinz had to recall thousands of cases of its Singles American cheese due to a machine error that left plastic in the slices. The recall was triggered after customers had reported choking or gagging incidents, and Kraft advised returning affected products to the store for a full refund. These instances also raise concerns for microplastic consumption, as these tiny particles are already incredibly invasive, accumulating in the environment and even inside our bodies. Do you think we use too much plastic in America? Definitely Only some people Not really I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The health effects are still being determined, but microplastics have already been linked to cancer and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and ALS. Microplastics can be found everywhere, from the air we breathe to the food we eat, so ingesting food contaminated with plastic creates even more risks to our health. Any consumers experiencing adverse effects after consuming recalled products should seek medical attention immediately. These cases of plastic contamination underscore the importance of seeking sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging. It's necessary to reduce the reliance on single-use plastics in food products due to the hazards they can pose. Supporting initiatives such as the development of biodegradable solutions and reusable food wraps are among the small changes that can go a long way toward reducing microplastic pollution and protecting the planet. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Grocery stores issue urgent recall on popular lasagna dish after safety alert: 'Do not eat it'
A popular grocery item was pulled from store shelves earlier this year after posing a hidden danger to unsuspecting shoppers. Iceland, one of the United Kingdom's leading supermarket chains, issued an urgent "do not eat" recall on its Vegetable Lasagne due to the risk of plastic contamination. And it was not the only product raising red flags. Iceland Foods Ltd. recalled its Vegetable Lasagne, which may contain pieces of plastic, reported the Bournemouth Daily Echo in late March. The affected products had best-before dates of July 23, 2026, and July 30, 2026. "If you have bought the above product do not eat it," the Food Standards Agency warned, per the news outlet. "Instead, return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund." Another recall targeted a breakfast staple. Rude Health Foods Ltd. recalled its 400-gram boxes of Chocolate Crunch Granola with a best-before date of Oct. 24 after reports of insect contamination. Shoppers who purchased the product at Tesco, Ocado, Amazon, and other retailers were told to return it. While a stray bug or bit of plastic could be an isolated finding, it spotlights a much bigger issue — the growing risks posed by mass production and heavy reliance on plastics in our food systems. Plastic is increasingly used for packages in food manufacturing because it's cheap and easy to mold, but it's also prone to breaking and contaminating the very meals it's supposed to protect. The problem doesn't stop with visible chunks. Over time, microplastics — tiny particles less than 5 millimeters in size — can enter food and build up in the human body. Scientists have found them in our blood, lungs, reproductive systems, and brains. The long-term health effects of consuming microplastics are still being studied, but early findings suggest they may contribute to risks of inflammation, hormonal disruption, and chronic illness. Food recalls serve as a public safety net, but they're reactive, not preventative. Calls are growing for more proactive solutions: tougher oversight of manufacturing standards, safer alternatives to plastic in food production, and transparent labeling. Do you worry about how much food you throw away? Definitely Sometimes Not really Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. In the U.K., the Food Standards Agency enforces recalls and issues Food Alerts for Action when serious risks arise. Meanwhile, around the world, companies such as Aldi and McDonald's U.K. have already begun phasing out plastic in packaging and utensils. Consumers can also take small steps, including choosing brands that use glass, metal, or compostable packaging and supporting legislation that limits plastic use in food production. It's clear we need a shift. Our dinner should nourish us, not put our health at risk. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
