FDA Recalls 60 Baked Goods Over Listeria Contamination Risk

FDA Recalls 60 Baked Goods Over Listeria Contamination Risk \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The FDA has recalled 60 baked products, including doughnuts, cinnamon sticks, French crullers, and fritters, due to a possible listeria contamination. The recall affects 2 million baked goods produced by FGF Brands, a wholesaler that supplies retailers in the U.S. and Canada. Some of the recalled items were sold at Dunkin’ and were manufactured before December 13, 2024. The recall was upgraded to a Class II warning, indicating a risk of temporary or medically reversible health effects. Listeriosis, caused by listeria monocytogenes, can be serious, particularly for older adults, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals.

FDA Recall of 2 Million Baked Goods: Quick Looks

• The FDA has recalled 60 baked goods, including doughnuts, fritters, and cinnamon sticks, due to possible listeria contamination.
• FGF Brands, a major baked goods wholesaler, manufactured the affected products.
• Some recalled items were sold at Dunkin’ and were made before December 13, 2024.
• The recall affects 2 million baked goods distributed across the U.S. and Canada.
• The recall was upgraded to Class II, meaning the health risk is significant but not life-threatening in most cases.
• Listeriosis can cause serious illness, particularly in pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
• Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, gastrointestinal distress, and severe complications in newborns.
• People who develop flu-like symptoms after consuming affected products should seek medical attention.

Deep Look

FDA Issues Nationwide Recall of Baked Goods

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a major recall affecting 60 types of baked products, including doughnuts, fritters, French crullers, and cinnamon sticks, due to the potential presence of listeria monocytogenes.

The recall, which was initially issued on January 7, has now been escalated to a Class II recall, meaning the affected products pose a potential but not immediate life-threatening health risk.

The 2 million recalled products were manufactured by FGF Brands, a pastry wholesaler that distributes baked goods across the U.S. and Canada. Some of the contaminated items were also sold at Dunkin’ locations.

What is Listeria and Why is it Dangerous?

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a serious and sometimes fatal infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified listeria as the third leading cause of death from foodborne illnesses in the U.S.

The CDC estimates that 1,600 Americans contract listeriosis each year, with approximately 260 deaths annually. Those most at risk include:

• Older adults
• Pregnant women (as it can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature delivery)
• Newborns (who may suffer life-threatening infections)
• Individuals with weakened immune systems

Symptoms of Listeriosis

According to the CDC, listeria infection can cause:

• Fever and muscle aches
• Headache and stiff neck
• Confusion and loss of balance
• Convulsions
• Diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms
• Severe pregnancy complications, including miscarriage or stillbirth

The CDC advises that individuals in high-risk categories who develop flu-like symptoms within two months of consuming contaminated food should seek medical care immediately.

Details of the Recall

The FDA’s recall covers a wide range of baked products, including:

• Filled and flavored doughnuts
• Cinnamon sticks
• French crullers
• Fritters

The affected products were produced before December 13, 2024 and were distributed to retailers and food service providers across the U.S. and Canada.

The recall was upgraded to Class II on Wednesday, meaning exposure to these products may cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences, but the risk of serious long-term effects is considered low.

Consumers Advised to Check Products and Take Precautions

Consumers who have purchased baked goods from Dunkin’ or other retailers should check the FDA recall list to determine if their products are affected.

The FDA strongly advises against consuming any recalled items. Instead, affected products should be disposed of immediately or returned to the point of purchase for a refund.

People who suspect they may have eaten contaminated food and develop flu-like symptoms should contact a healthcare provider, especially if they belong to a high-risk group.

What Happens Next?

The FDA and FGF Brands will continue to monitor the recall and may expand the list of affected products if further testing reveals additional contamination.

As part of the ongoing investigation, health officials are working to determine how the contamination occurred and whether additional food safety measures need to be implemented to prevent future outbreaks.

While food recalls due to listeria contamination are not uncommon, this recall underscores the importance of strict food safety protocols and timely public health interventions.

More on US News