Food Safety News

JCB Flavors LLC of Watertown, WI, is voluntarily recalling select topical seasoning products because of the potential presence of Salmonella.

This recall is being initiated because the affected products were manufactured using a milk powder ingredient that is part of a recall issued by California Dairies Inc. 

At this time, no illnesses or injuries associated with these products have been reported. Additionally, third-party laboratory testing of finished products has not identified contamination. 

The impacted products are 1.6-ounce retail containers available through e-commerce platforms and retail stores nationwide.

The recalled product can be identified by the following label information:

UPC / GTIN

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

BRAND NAME

UNIT SIZE

LOT NUMBER

BEST BY

0-31851-01001-6

Popping Topping – Sour Cream & Onion

Wildlife Seasoning

1.6 oz

057596

5/18/2027

About Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile.

Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled product and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.

Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.

Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.

My Wife’s Slaw is voluntarily recalling its Original and Jalapeno Heat flavored coleslaw sold in 8-ounce and 16-ounce glass mason jars. The products included in this recall are adulterated because they were produced without the benefit of inspection and the safety parameters were not able to be verified.

Products were sold directly to consumers through online sales via mywifeslaw.web. 

All products that have been produced are being recalled. Products were available to be shipped nationwide. No reports of illnesses involving these products have been reported. However, individuals exhibiting signs or symptoms of foodborne illness should contact a physician immediately.

Product was manufactured and distributed between April 1, 2026 to April 28, 2026.

Consumers should not eat the recalled products and should dispose of them safely.

Stoltzfus Family Dairy of Vernon Center, NY, is recalling Sour Cream & Onion cheese curds because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

To date, Stoltzfus Family Dairy has not received any reports of illness or injury related to these products. This recall was initiated following a recall by California Dairies Inc. concerning potential Salmonella contamination in milk powder, which was used as an ingredient in the Sour Cream & Onion seasoning blend used to flavor the Stoltzfus Sour Cream & Onion cheese curds.

This product was only distributed within New York, to grocery stores, gas stations, and other Country stores.

Sour Cream and Onion Cheese Curds currently being recalled are:

Sour Cream and Onion Cheese Curds in 8oz bag

Best By: 03/25/2026

Sour Cream and Onion Cheese Curds in 8oz bag

Best By: 04/23/2026

Sour Cream and Onion Cheese Curds in 8oz bag

Best By: 04/29/2026

Sour Cream and Onion Cheese Curds in 8oz bag

Best By: 05/06/2026

About Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile.

Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.

Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.

Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.

Shining Sea Fish Co. of Detroit, MI, is recalling its catch weight packages of "Ma Cohen’s Kippered Herring" smoked fish because this product consists of, uneviscerated fish longer than five inches, which has the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium which causes botulism poisoning. 

Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled.

The recalled "Ma Cohens Kippered Herring" were distributed in retail grocery stores throughout MI, MN, and ND.

The product is packaged in a clear plastic package, and a foil label with the product name and information and LOT #’s on the back of the package. The expiration dates are printed on the back of the package or listed on store added stickers along with the catch weight.

Products subject to this recall are: LOT 25079 Expiration May 03 2026, LOT 25055 Expiration May 12 2026, LOT 25028 Expiration June 03 2026, and LOT 26344 Expiration July 22 2026

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing done by Minnesota Department of Agriculture found that the product had not been fully eviscerated.

This product has been permanently discontinued.

About botulism
While a variety of illnesses can result from eating under-processed food, one of the most dangerous is botulism poisoning. Untreated, botulism can paralyze the muscles needed for breathing, resulting in sudden death.

Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled product and developed signs of botulism poisoning should immediately seek medical attention. 

In foodborne botulism, symptoms generally begin 18 to 36 hours after eating contaminated food. However, symptoms can begin as soon as 6 hours after or up to 10 days later.

The symptoms of botulism may include some of all of the following: double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, a thick-feeling tongue, dry mouth, and muscle weakness. People with botulism poisoning may not show all of these symptoms at once.

If untreated, the disease may progress, and symptoms may worsen to cause paralysis of specific muscles, including those used in breathing and those in the arms, legs, and the body from the neck to the pelvis area.

Jonco Industries Inc. of Milwaukee, WI, is recalling certain consumer-sized White Cheddar Seasoning products because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

The recalled products were distributed in limited quantities through retail stores.

The affected products include White Cheddar Seasoning sold in the following consumer-facing formats:

• Williams Sonoma–branded Popcorn Sampler Gift Box, containing a White Cheddar Seasoning component. The affected lot codes are: 088594-2-1.
• Fireworks Popcorn Poppings & Toppings gift set containing a White Cheddar Seasoning component sold at West Allis Cheese and Sausage. The affected lot codes are: 088594-5-1.
• Fireworks White Cheddar Seasoning, 1.6 oz jars, sold at West Allis Cheese and Sausage. The affected lot codes are: 088594-7-1.

The lot codes are printed on the product packaging. Product labels have been provided to FDA for reference.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The recall was initiated after Jonco Industries was notified by its seasoning supplier, JCB Flavors, of a potential Salmonella concern associated with an upstream milk powder ingredient supplied by California Dairies Inc., which was used in the production of the affected products.

Jonco Industries immediately ceased distribution of the affected products, notified customers, and placed all remaining inventory on hold.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them.

About Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile.

Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.

Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.

Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.

CBSL Commissary LLC, operating as Winfield’s Chocolate Bar, is voluntarily recalling five dark chocolate products sold at its three Houston, TX, locations because the word “milk” was omitted from the ingredient label. 

Milk is a known major food allergen under the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA). People who have a milk allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The Winfield’s Chocolate Bar products were manufactured/distributed by CBSL Commissary LLC dba Winfield’s Chocolate Bar, 9127 Stella Link Rd, Houston, TX. The products have a 365-day shelf life.

The recalled products are:

Product Name

SKU

Size (in.)

Packaging

Dark Chocolate Cowboy

00810079834907

5½ x 1¾ x 8½ in.

Clear Cello Bag with Bow

Dark Chocolate Cat

00810079833030

5 x 3½ x 2 in.

Clear Cello Bag with Bow

Dark Chocolate Teddy Bear

00810079833405

5½ x 2½ x 2 in.

Clear Cello Bag with Bow

Dark Chocolate Champagne Bottle

00810079833733

11½ x 4¾ x 4¾ in.

Clear Cello Bag with Bow

Dark Chocolate Easter Bunny

00810079837892

4½ x 1¾ x 8½ in.

Clear Cello Bag with Bow

The recalled products were sold exclusively at the following Winfield’s Chocolate Bar locations in Houston, TX:

• CBRO Centre LLC dba Winfield’s Chocolate Bar — Houston, TX
• CBWA LLC dba Winfield’s Chocolate Bar — Houston, TX
• CBRV LLC dba Winfield’s Chocolate Bar — Houston, TX

The recall was initiated after the firm identified that “milk” was inadvertently omitted from the ingredient declaration on the product labels. All affected products have been removed from sale at all three locations and relabeled effective April 27, 2026. No product was distributed to external wholesalers, distributors, or retailers outside of the firm’s own locations.

No illnesses or allergic reactions have been reported to date in connection with these products.

Legacy Snack Solutions of Waukesha, WI, is voluntarily recalling certain batches of Giant Eagle Baked Pita Chips With Parmesan, Garlic & Herb because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. This action follows a California Diaries Inc. milk powder recall because of a concern of potential Salmonella contamination.

The recalled milk powder was supplied to a third-party manufacturer of a seasoning blend, and that blend may be present on the surface of the Giant Eagle Baked Pita Chips With Parmesan, Garlic & Herb.

Giant Eagle Baked Pita Chips With Parmesan, Garlic & Herb were distributed and sold exclusively at Giant Eagle and Market District locations across Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, West Virginia and Indiana. The product is packaged in a 7.33 ounce, black bag with the Giant Eagle logo at the top, and is located in the snack aisle.

The recalled product can be identified by the following label information:

Identifier Type

Identifier Number

Location on Package

UPC

0 3003496507 5

Back of the bag

Best if Used By Date

07/16/26

Back of the bag

No illnesses have been reported. Routine testing by the seasonings blend manufacturer prior to use in production of the Giant Eagle Baked Pita Chips With Parmesan, Garlic & Herb showed that the seasonings batches were negative for Salmonella. However, Consumers who have purchased Giant Eagle Baked Pita Chips With Parmesan, Garlic & Herb are urged not to consume it.

About Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile.

Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled product and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.

Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.

Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.

The Brownie Baker Inc. is voluntarily recalling Nouria Banana Nut Muffins that we incorrectly labeled as blueberry muffins, which do not declare the presence of tree nuts (walnuts).

People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to tree nuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product.

The recalled product is:

• Product Name: Nouria Banana Nut Muffin (labeled as Blueberry Muffin)
• Package Size: 9 count, 6oz muffins
• Lot Code: 6082 (with accompanying military time stamp)
• UPC: 811070033979
• Distribution Date: March 31, 2026

The product was distributed to a third-party distributor and may have been further distributed to retail and food service locations. Consumers are urged to check with their place of purchase if unsure whether they have the affected product.

This recall was initiated after the company was notified by a customer on April 24, 2026, of a labeling discrepancy. An internal investigation determined that a packaging error resulted in banana nut muffins being placed into blueberry muffin packaging.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

Consumers who have purchased this product and have a tree nut allergy should not consume the product.

George J. Howe Co. of Grove City, PA, is voluntarily recalling 13,619 pounds of Sunflower Seeds because they may contain undeclared tree nuts (cashew) allergens. 

Individuals with an allergy or severe sensitivity to tree nuts are at risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The product was distributed in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin and reached consumers through retail grocery chains, including Foodland, Giant Eagle, Piggly Wiggly, Shop Rite, Shop N Save, Walmart and independent grocers, foodservice accounts, specialty retailers, concession/airport operators, and institutional customers across multiple states.

The recalled products can be identified as follows:

• Plastic Stand-Up Pouch Container, 11 oz, Blue with SUNFLOWER SEEDS brand name, “Fresh Roasted Sunflower Seeds, Lightly Salted”, UPC of 073171003163, Best By Expiration Dates of 08/28/2026, 09/18/2026, 10/01/2026, 10/09/2026, 11/18/2026, and 12/12/2026
• Plastic Stand-Up Pouch Container, 11 oz, Blue with SUNFLOWER SEEDS brand name, “Fresh Roasted Sunflower Seeds, No Salt”, UPC of 073171003200, Best By Expiration Dates of 09/24/2026, 10/30/2026, 11/18/2026, and 12/11/2026
• Plastic Tub, 9.5 oz, Gold Label with Sunflower Seeds brand name, “Sunflower Seeds, roasted and salted.”, UPC of 073171027015, Best By Expiration Dates of 7/22/2026 and 09/05/2026

All products declare an allergen warning that “This product was packaged in a facility that also processes peanuts, tree nuts, milk products, soy, wheat and eggs.”

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The voluntary recall was initiated after the company discovered in a routine inspection that Sunflower Seeds containing Tree Nut (Cashews) were distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of Tree Nut (Cashews). Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by an oversight in the company’s production process at the changeover of products.

Scientists in Belgium have shared their thoughts on planned changes to Salmonella rules that cover testing costs, reasons for different sampling results, and vaccine effectiveness.

The Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain’s (FASFC) Scientific Committee was asked for an opinion on the draft amendment to the 2020 Royal Decree on the control of Salmonella in poultry. FASFC is also known as AFSCA or FAVV.

The Food and Drug Administration uses import alerts to enforce U.S. food safety regulations for food from foreign countries. The agency updates and modifies the alerts as needed.

Recent modifications to FDA’s import alerts, as posted by the agency, are listed below.

Click here to go to the FDA page with links to details on specific alerts. See chart below for a list of the most recent alerts.

Click on chart to enlarge. Use link above to go to FDA page with links to specific alerts.

Danone has confirmed earlier estimates on the cost of its infant formula recall.

In January 2026, Danone announced a recall of some infant formula batches. Most of them were sold in 2025 and there was not a significant return of stock.

Pork King Good is recalling specific Sour Cream & Onion pork rind and seasoning products. 

This recall was initiated following a recall by California Dairies Inc. concerning potential Salmonella contamination in milk powder, which was used as an ingredient in our Sour Cream & Onion seasoning blend.

To date, neither Pork King Good nor our suppliers have received any reports of illness or injury related to these products. Our own internal testing has not identified any impacted finished goods.

The company has identified all affected pork rinds and seasoning bottles produced with the impacted ingredient and is working with its retail partners to ensure any product in the field is destroyed or returned.

The recalled products are:

Product Name (size/description)

Lot Number

Best if Used by

Sour Cream & Onion Seasoning 3oz Bottle

329-5

5/30/2027

Sour Cream & Onion Seasoning 3oz Bottle

004-6

6/30/2027

Sour Cream & Onion Seasoning 3oz Bottle

029-6

6/30/2027

About Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile.

Anyone who has eaten any of the called products and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.

Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.

Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.

Market of Choice is recalling its Vegan Kale Caesar Salad because of the presence of an undeclared sesame allergen. 

People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to sesame run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

The affected Vegan Kale Caesar Salad 9.5-ounce containers has expiration dates ranging from 4/20/26 through 5/8/26. Finished product is packaged in clear clamshell plastic containers and label has UPC 0 210126 01099 3.

The affected Vegan Kale Caesar Salad was sold at Market of Choice stores in Ashland, Bend, Corvallis, Eugene Hillsboro, Medford, Portland, West Linn in Oregon between April 16 and May 4.

This issue was identified through the company’s internal review process, which found that sesame was an added ingredient but not listed in the ingredient statement on the label. To date, no illnesses have been reported.

If you have purchased affected Vegan Kale Caesar Salad and have an allergy or severe sensitivity to sesame, please do not consume it. You may return it to your local Market of Choice for a full refund or dispose of it safely.

The company has removed the affected product from its stores and is taking immediate steps to correct the labeling issue.

As a follow up to the recall of dry milk powder by California Dairies Inc., John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. is recalling snack mix products flavored with a seasoning manufactured by a third-party supplier that contained the recalled dry milk powder. 

The affected seasoning batches tested negative for Salmonella prior to use; however, the company is taking this action as a precautionary measure because of the potential that these products may contain the presence of Salmonella.

To date, the company has not received any reports of illnesses in connection with the recalled products.

Consumers who have purchased the items listed below should not consume these products and should return them to the store of purchase for a full refund or replacement.

The following items have been distributed under the Fisher, Squirrel Brand and Southern Style Nuts brands in retail stores and through e-commerce and QVC.

JBSS ITEM NO.

UPC NO.

BRAND

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

UNIT WT.

BEST BY DATE

P27594

070690275941

Fisher

Tex Mex Trail Mix

30 oz

BEST BY 08/06/27

07331

085839073319

Southern Style Nuts

Gourmet Hunter Mix

23 oz

BEST BY 01/28/27
BEST BY 02/05/27 
BEST BY 02/12/27 
BEST BY 02/17/27 
BEST BY 03/03/27 
BEST BY 03/14/27

07148

085839071483

Southern Style Nuts

Gourmet Hunter Mix

36 oz

BEST BY 12/FEB/2027
BEST BY 26/FEB/2027
BEST BY 13/MAR/2027 
BEST BY 02/APR/2027

07332

085839916302

Southern Style Nuts

Hunter Mix

30 oz

BEST BY 01/29/27 
BEST BY 02/03/27 
BEST BY 02/10/27 
BEST BY 02/19/27 
BEST BY 02/24/27 
BEST BY 03/02/27 
BEST BY 03/10/27 
BEST BY 03/16/27

05120

07223899166

Squirrel Brand

Travelers Mix

16 oz

BEST BY 04/30/27 
BEST BY 05/28/27 
BEST BY 06/24/27

05251

07223805251

Squirrel Brand

Town & Country Mix

16 oz

BEST BY 05/01/27 
BEST BY 05/25/27 
BEST BY 05/28/27

05450

07223805450

Squirrel Brand

Town & Country Mix

7.5 oz

BEST BY 02/10/27

The following item was distributed under the Good & Gather brand in Target retail stores.

JBSS ITEM NO. 

UPC NO.

BRAND

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

UNIT WT.

LOT NO.

BEST BY DATE

03572

085239270240

Good & Gather™

Mexican Street Corn Trail Mix

8 oz

6082GY5D

BEST BY 23/MAR/2027 GY

About Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile.

Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.

Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.

Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.

When 48 infants across 17 states became gravely ill after consuming ByHeart powdered infant formula, their parents did what any parent would: they searched desperately for answers. Too often, the recall alerts that could have protected those babies were locked behind a paywall. This isn't just a media industry problem, it's a food justice problem. No one should be denied access to critical recall alerts like this one. As the growing national conversation around paywalls makes clear, hiding critical public health information behind a pay barrier doesn't just limit readership. It determines who gets to protect their family and who doesn't.

Each year, contaminated food claims the lives of an estimated 3,000 Americans, sends 128,000 to the hospital (CDC, 2011), and costs the economy upwards of $36.6 billion (in 2013 dollars) (USDA ERS, 2015). But it doesn't have to be this way. Many of these tragedies can be prevented if people have the information necessary to identify and avoid recalled food products.

Research has consistently shown that consumers get information about food recalls from traditional and online news sources. However, recall alerts in digital news media are often locked behind paywalls. Many of us have clicked on a provocative headline warning of the recall of a food that is "life-threatening," only to find that the details needed to identify the recalled products are hidden behind a paywall; a barrier to viewing information essential to protecting public health.

Disseminating timely information about recalls of food products is essential to prevent unnecessary illnesses and deaths caused by eating contaminated foods. Broadcasting this news as widely as possible is key to consumer awareness and action.

However, the reality is that most consumers don't pay for digital news subscriptions, and those who do are older, have higher incomes, and are predominantly white. In June 2025, the Pew Research Center reported that only 17% of U.S. adults had paid for digital news in the past year. Yet nearly three-quarters (74%) reported running into paywalls when looking for news online. And, when encountering one, only 1% reported paying to access it. Instead, more than half (53%) looked elsewhere for free content, and a third (32%) gave up entirely.

This data suggests that hiding essential information about food recalls behind paywalls neither improves public health nor the bottom lines of the publications. So, why not make the information about deadly food contamination free for the public?

We've seen news organizations rise to the occasion when public health is at risk. During the COVID-19 pandemic, publications made health information freely available. The same is often true for emergency preparedness alerts about hurricanes, floods, or wildfires. These are moments when public health and safety outweigh commercial considerations. Food recalls deserve the same treatment.

Paywalls aren't the only obstacle to the timely, widespread dissemination of recall information, but they're ones we can address quickly and easily. Newsrooms can take a simple step: make food recall alerts accessible to everyone, regardless of subscription status.

The stakes could not be higher. It is our job to ensure our food supply is safe for everyone, but particularly the most vulnerable in our society. In the case of the ByHeart recall, if parents didn't have access to recall information, they would be unable to protect their babies. A paywall should never mean a missed chance to protect your family's health. Charging a fee to access this information by putting it behind a paywall is just wrong. Removing paywalls for food safety alerts is not just good journalism; it's a public service that saves lives and helps to protect the public's health and well-being. When critical public health information is locked away from those who need it most, we fail in our fundamental duty to keep our communities safe.

About the authors:

Sandra Eskin, JD, is Chief Executive Officer of Stop Foodborne Illness. She served as USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety in the Biden Administration, helping lead the Office of Food Safety and the Food Safety and Inspection Service. Before that, Sandra directed the Safe Food Project at The Pew Charitable Trusts.  

Vanessa Coffman, PhD, is Director of the Alliance to Stop Foodborne Illness, driving efforts to build stronger, positive food safety cultures across the industry. Trained in environmental epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, her research has focused on food systems and industrial agriculture’s impact on workers and communities.

William Hallman, PhD, is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Human Ecology at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. A research psychologist with expertise in risk perception and risk communication, he studies how consumers hear about and respond to food recalls.

Ben Chapman, PhD, is currently serving as the interim Associate Director of NC State Extension, the Department Head of Agricultural and Human Sciences, Professor, and Director of the Safe Plates food safety extension and research program at North Carolina State University. His work focuses on reducing foodborne illness through research on food handling and safety systems, developing and implementing strategies, and evaluating food safety messages from farm to fork.

 

The number of Listeria infections reached a new high in 2025 in Norway but Salmonella cases fell sharply.

An annual report from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI) shows that overall the incidence of diseases transmitted from food, water and animals is largely the same as in previous years.

The management of a company which recently filed for bankruptcy has said the move was a “direct consequence of drastic measures” taken by the Dutch food agency.

Officials from Esro Vlees said there had been no court ruling regarding the alleged breaches found as part of an investigation by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA).

Germina brand "Brocoli Calabrese" seeds are being recalled in Canada because of contamination with pathogenic E. Coli.

The recall was triggered by a recall in another country, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. No illnesses have been reported in Canada in relation to the recalled product.

The recalled seeds were sold online and in Ontario and Quebec. 

About E. coli infections
Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled product and developed symptoms of E. coli infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctor about their possible exposure to the bacteria. Specific tests are required to diagnose the infections, which can mimic other illnesses.

The symptoms of E. coli infections vary for each person but often include severe stomach cramps and diarrhea, which is often bloody. Some patients may also have a fever. Most patients recover within five to seven days. Others can develop severe or life-threatening symptoms and complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

About 5 to 10 percent of those diagnosed with E. coli infections develop a potentially life-threatening kidney failure complication, known as a hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Symptoms of HUS include fever, abdominal pain, feeling very tired, decreased frequency of urination, small unexplained bruises or bleeding, and pallor. 

Many people with HUS recover within a few weeks, but some suffer permanent injuries or death. This condition can occur among people of any age but is most common in children younger than five years old because of their immature immune systems, older adults because of deteriorating immune systems, and people with compromised immune systems such as cancer patients. 

People who experience HUS symptoms should immediately seek emergency medical care. People with HUS will likely be hospitalized because the condition can cause other serious and ongoing problems such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease, brain damage, and neurologic problems.

National authorities in Europe have been urged to keep monitoring pesticide residues in imported samples with a wide analytical scope.

Maximum residue level (MRL) violations and non-compliance rates in food coming from other countries were three to four times higher than in products grown in EU member states, Iceland or Norway. A high non-compliance rate was seen for pomegranates, lemons and tomatoes from Turkey.