The Food & Drug Administration (“FDA”) oversees the regulation and safety of prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, medical devices, and most food. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) oversees certain food. This includes meat, poultry, and egg products. Below is a list of recent recalls and safety notifications concerning products overseen by the FDA and USDA.
Lunchables
Lunchables are snack packs manufactured by Kraft Heinz. Consumer Reports, a consumer advocacy group, recently issued a report concerning elevated levels of lead and sodium in Lunchables. Fortunately, none of the levels of lead or sodium exceed legal limits. However, some snack packs contain almost the maximum amount of lead allowed by state law. Specifically, some flavors contain 74% of California’s allowable lead levels, and 29% of California’s allowable sodium levels.
Unfortunately, Lunchables are included in a federal program that provides free or low cost lunch to children at school. Consumer Reports has asked the USDA to remove the products from the program so that students will no longer receive them.
Ground beef
The USDA has issued a public health alert due to the presence of E. coli in ground beef. A popular raw meat manufacturer, Greater Omaha Packing Co., found E. coli in beef while inventorying its products. The contaminated meat was shipped to stores and restaurants nationwide. The meat has a “use/freeze by” date of April 22, 2024. A full list of products subject to the alert may be found here.
E. coli are bacteria that can cause serious injuries such as respiratory illnesses and pneumonia. More common and less severe symptoms of E. coli exposure include abdominal cramping, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.
Baby Formula
Sammy’s Milk, a California manufacturer of infant formula, has issued a warning advising against the use of its Goat Milk Toddler Formula for infants. The FDA asked the company to issue the warning because the formula may be unsafe and may not meet the FDA’s requirements for infant formula. Further, the directions for use may be confusing to the public. Sammy’s Milk maintains that the formula is not meant for infants.
This warning is especially important because baby formula has been the subject of several warnings and recalls lately. Notably, Abbott Laboratory recalled several brands of baby formula because of potential Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria contamination.
If you or a loved one has been injured by one of these products, contact the FDA or the USDA.
