Over 2 million doughnut products recalled across US, Canada over listeria risk | World News
More than 2 million doughnut products have been recalled across the United States and Canada due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, according to reports from New York Post.
The products, made by FGF Brands, were sold under various brand names, including Dunkin’ and several private-label grocery store brands.
Details of the recall
The recall, first announced on 7 January, was recently classified by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a “Class II recall,” which is the agency’s second-highest level of concern.
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This classification means that the product could cause temporary or medically reversible health issues, though the risk of serious health consequences is considered low.
The FDA’s enforcement report states that over 60 different doughnut products, including fritters, paczki, eclairs, crullers, and Munchkins, are affected. All of the recalled products were made before 13 December 2024 and are still within their expiration dates.
What are the potential health risks
Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection, especially dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 1,600 people in the US contract listeriosis each year, and roughly 260 of those cases are fatal.
“Infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage in about 20% of cases and newborn death in around 3% of cases,” warned the CDC.
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Despite no reported illnesses linked to the recalled doughnuts so far, health experts are urging caution. The FDA advised, “Consumers should immediately stop eating the affected products and check their packages for expiration dates on or before 13 December 2024.”
Challenges with private-label recalls
One of the main issues highlighted by Forbes is the confusion caused by private-label food production. Since many of the recalled doughnuts were sold under different brand names, consumers might not even realise their products are affected.
“Unlike recalls from big-name brands, where shoppers can easily spot familiar logos, private-label recalls require extra attention,” wrote Forbes contributor Stephanie Gravalese. “Consumers need to check product types, packaging details, and expiration dates instead of relying on brand recognition.”
This recall includes products that may have been sold under labels like “WM” (possibly Walmart’s in-store bakery), “Just Baked,” and even generic brands distributed to schools, hotels, and cafeterias.
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What consumers should do
-The FDA recommends that anyone who has purchased doughnuts recently should:
-Check expiration dates on or before 13 December 2024
-Stop eating the recalled products immediately
-Contact the retailer for refunds or replacements
Retailers have been instructed to pull the affected products from shelves, and customers who have bought them may be eligible for compensation depending on store policies.
Bigger concerns about food safety
While the immediate health risks are limited for most people, this recall has raised broader concerns about food safety, especially in mass-produced baked goods.
“This isn’t just about one batch of doughnuts,” Gravalese noted in Forbes. “It’s part of a larger conversation about how food safety issues are handled and how transparent companies are about where their products come from.”
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As food recalls become more common, consumers are increasingly demanding better tracking systems, clearer labelling, and more accountability from food manufacturers.
(with inputs from agencies)
