The latest food and product recalls in Massachusetts and across New England

The following is a list of recently-recalled food items and other products in Massachusetts and across New England. Check back regularly for updates.

Jan. 17, 2024: BrightFarms has issued a voluntary recall of spinach grown by its supplier Element Farms in their Pompton Plains, New Jersey farm and distributed under the BrightFarms brand because the spinach has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Due to potential cross-contamination, BrightFarms is also issuing a voluntary recall of a limited quantity of four salad kit products from its Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, facility.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriage and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The recalled products were distributed to retailers in seven states including Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

The products come in 4-ounce, clear, plastic containers. Information about the “best by” date, UPC, and facility code can be found at the bottom of the package.

No illnesses have been reported to date. The recall of spinach was initiated after routine sampling conducted by Element Farms yielded a positive result for Listeria monocytogenes. Due to potential cross-contamination at BrightFarms’s Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania facility, BrightFarms is also recalling a limited quantity of four select salad kit products. No positive test results or reported illness have been received on those products, to date.

Jan. 4, 2024: The Rhode Island Department of Health is advising consumers that Blue Ridge Beef is recalling specific lots of Kitten Mix and Puppy Mix due to contamination of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands.

This recall includes all lot numbers and used by dates between N24 1114 to N24 1224 of 2 lb logs of Kitten Grind UPC 8 54298 00101 6; 2lb logs of Kitten Mix UPC 8 54298 00143 6; and 2lb logs of Puppy Mix UPC 8 54298 00169 6.

Pets with Salmonella and Listeria infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

These products were distributed between Nov. 14, 2023 and Dec. 20, 2023. These products were packaged in clear plastic and sold primarily in retail stores in many states, including Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

Jan. 4, 2024 (UPDATE): The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services is also advising consumers that Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition has voluntarily recalled select Enfamil Nutramigen Hypoallergenic powder infant formula products due to potential Cronobacter sakazakii contamination.

The details surrounding the recall, including specific batch and UPC codes, can be found in the item below about the Rhode Island recall alert.

Jan. 2, 2024: The Rhode Island Department of Health is advising consumers that Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition is recalling select batches of Nutramigen Powder, a specialty infant formula for the dietary management of cow milk allergies. This product could be contaminated with Cronobacter sakazakii.

The recalled products are in 12.6 and 19.8 oz cans. Nutramigen in 12.6 and 19.8 oz cans was manufactured in June 2023 and distributed primarily in June, July, and August 2023. The products were distributed through retail stores nationwide. The recalled batches can be identified by the batch code on the bottom of the can. The recalled product batch codes and can sizes are:

• ZL3FHG (12.6 oz cans)
• ZL3FMH (12.6 oz cans)
• ZL3FPE (12.6 oz cans)
• ZL3FQD (12.6 oz cans)
• ZL3FRW (19.8 oz cans)
• ZL3FXJ (12.6 oz cans)

The products have a UPC Code of 300871239418 or 300871239456 and “Use By Date” of “1 Jan 2025”.

There are no reports of illnesses or adverse events to date. However,  Cronobacter bacteria can cause severe, life-threatening infections or meningitis. Symptoms of sepsis and meningitis may include poor feeding, irritability, temperature changes, jaundice, grunting breaths and abnormal movements. Cronobacter infection may also cause bowel damage and may spread through the blood to other parts of the body.

No other U.S. distributed Nutramigen batches or other Reckitt products are impacted.

Consumers who purchased Nutramigen should check the bottom of the can to identify whether the batch number is affected. Products with the batch codes listed above should be disposed of. If parents have any questions, they should consult with their child’s pediatrician.

Dec. 15, 2023: The Quaker Oats Company announced a recall of specific granola bars and granola cereals due to the potential of Salmonella contamination.

Click here to see which products are impacted.

The products were sold throughout the 50 United States, as well as Puerto Rico, Guam and Saipan. Anyone with one of the affected products can contact Quaker consumer relations for reimbursement.

There have been no confirmed reports of illness related to the products covering in this recall.

Dec. 8, 2023: A salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupes continues to expand, with cases doubling again.

Since the last update November 30, 2023, an additional 113 people infected with this outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported from four additional states, resulting in a total case count of 230 people from 38 states. An additional death has also been reported from Oregon.

Interviews with sick people and laboratory findings continue to show that cantaloupes are making people in this outbreak sick.

CDC is concerned about this outbreak because illnesses are severe with more than half hospitalized, and people in long-term care facilities and childcare centers have gotten sick.

Twenty-four people resided in long-term care facilities and 23 children attended childcare centers before they got sick.

CDC advises facilities that care for people who are at higher risk for severe illness to not serve cantaloupes that may be contaminated. This includes recalled cantaloupes and cantaloupe that was supplied pre-cut if the brand of whole cantaloupes used are not known.

Dec. 7, 2023: The Rhode Island Department of Health is advising consumers that Garland Ventures is recalling 13,842 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken fried rice products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The chicken fried rice products were produced on November 10, 2023. Specifically, the product is in 12-ounce trays containing Freshness Guaranteed brand “CHICKEN FRIED RICE DICED CHICKEN MEAT WITH VEGETABLES AND RICE IN A SAVORY SOY SAUCE” with lot code WK10CFR and a best if used by date of Nov. 10, 2024 on the label. The products subject to recall bear the establishment number “EST. P-31993” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations nationwide.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare professional.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

Dec. 6, 2023: Federal officials are now investigating more cases of lead poisoning in children linked to applesauce pouches.

The FDA said there are now 64 reports of lead poisoning in children under the age of six -- all linked to tainted and recalled applesauce pouches.

The recalled pouches are from the WanaBana, Schnucks and Weis brands. The agency believes the cinnamon ingredient is the most likely source of the lead, although the investigation remains ongoing.

As of Wednesday, cases had been reported in 27 states: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

May 11, 2023: A laboratory error incorrectly caused a recall announcement for a brand of salad greens, the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services said. The products from lēf Farms are safe and the recall has been canceled, the department said in a news release Thursday.

The May 5 recall notice regarded a “potential” E. coli bacteria contamination of a specific lot of the company's “Spice” packaged salad greens. When it heard the news, the Loudon-based hydroponics company voluntarily initiated a recall of potentially affected products, the department said. The recall notice was directed at Hannaford and Market Basket supermarkets in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont.

Further analysis determined “the control sample and the lēf Farms sample were nearly identical, indicating that the initial lab results were inaccurate due to a contamination error within the lab itself,” the department said.

“I wish to apologize to lēf Farms, their customers and the public for this unfortunate event,” Division of Public Health Services Director Tricia Tilley said. "While this situation is unprecedented, our dedicated staff will embrace all corrective actions to ensure it will not occur again."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

May 10, 2023: The Rhode Island Department of Health is advising consumers that the mung bean sprouts recall announced on May 8 has been expanded. Chang Farm is expanding their recall to include all mung bean sprouts and soy bean sprouts because of the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes. The affected product is packaged in:

• Bean Sprouts 10lb bag and bag in box
• Nature's Wonder Premium Beans Sprouts 12oz bag (UPC: 815098001330)
• Nature's Wonder Premium Soybean Sprouts 12oz bag (UPC: 815098001347)

The product has been distributed to retail stores and wholesalers throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island, and New Jersey. No illnesses have been reported to date.

May 8, 2023: The Rhode Island Department of Public Health is advising consumers that Chang Farm, located in Whatley, Massachusetts, is recalling certain mung bean sprouts because of possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. All 10-pound bulk bags are being recalled, as well as 12-ounce retail bags with the sell-by date of May 7, 2023. Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems. The products were distributed to retail stores and wholesalers throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York and New Jersey. Consumers should not consume the products and should discard them or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Anyone with questions about the recall can contact Chang Farm at 413-522-0234 or 413-222-5519.

May 5, 2023: The Rhode Island Department of Health is advising consumers that Rushdi Food Industries is recalling its Mighty Sesame 10.9 oz. Organic Tahini (squeezable) with an expiration date of 9/25/23 that may be contaminated with Salmonella. Most of the recalled product was distributed to stores in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut during the weeks of Feb. 23 through March 5. Some of the recalled product was distributed to stores nationwide. The recalled product has an expiration date of 9/25/23 and a UPC of 858313006208. Only products with this expiration date and UPC are impacted by this recall. No other products are being recalled. Consumers should check any products they may have bought recently. Anyone who has purchased this product should not eat it. Consumers should throw it away or return it to the place of purchase.

May 5, 2023: The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services and the Rhode Island Department of Health are advising consumers not to consume a specific lot (lot number SP10723-1RGH1) of the lēf Farms “Spice” Packaged Salad Greens ("best by" date 5/5/23), produced in its Loudon, New Hampshire, greenhouse, as they have the potential to be contaminated with Escherichia coli O157 bacteria. The product comes in a 4-oz, clear, plastic clamshell container. The recall was initiated after a sample tested by the DHHS Public Health Laboratory tested positive for E. coli O157. No illnesses have been reported to date. lēf Farms “Spice” is the only product impacted to date and affected retailers include Hannaford and Market Basket in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine and New York. Consumers who have purchased the affected lēf Farms “Spice” products should discard them or present a photo of the product or receipt to their place of purchase for a full refund and then discard. Consumers with questions are encouraged to call 1-866-857-8745 between 8 a.m.-7 p.m. EDT or email info@lef-farms.com with the subject line: Recall.

May 4, 2023: Frito-Lay has issued a voluntary recall of a limited number – 146 bags – of 13 oz. and 15 5/8 oz. of Lay’s Classic Potato Chips that may contain undeclared milk ingredients from sour cream and onion potato chips. The recall is the result of an investigation following a consumer complaint. Those with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume product contained inside the recalled bags. The products were distributed to grocery, club and convenience stores in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, and consumers would have been able to purchase them as early as April 16, 2023.

No other Lay’s products, flavors, sizes or variety packs are recalled. No allergic reactions related to this matter have been reported to date. If consumers have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk, they are encouraged not to consume the product and discard it immediately. Frito-Lay has informed the FDA of this action. Consumers with the product described below can contact Frito-Lay Consumer Relations at 1-800-352-4477 (9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. CST, Monday-Friday).

The specific recalled product information is listed below: 

May 2, 2023: The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services advises consumers to check if they have two-, five- and 10-pound bags of its Gold Medal Unbleached and Bleached All Purpose Flour. General Mills has announced a recall for Gold Medal all purpose flour with “better if used by” date of March 27, 2024, and March 28, 2024. The recall is being issued for the potential presence of Salmonella Infantis, which was discovered during sampling of the five-pound bag product. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in collaboration with local and state partners, are investigating an ongoing outbreak of Salmonella Infantis infections linked to Gold Medal brand flour. There have been thirteen total illnesses with 3 hospitalizations. There are no New Hampshire cases associated with this outbreak at this time. This recall affects two date codes of Gold Medal Unbleached All Purpose Flour in the five- and ten pound bags and two date codes of Gold Medal Bleached All Purpose Flour in the two- and five-pound bags. All other types of Gold Medal Flour are not affected by this recall.

This voluntary recall includes the following code dates currently in stores or consumers’ pantries, all with “Better if Used by” dates of 27MAR2024 and 28MAR2024:

Product	Package UPC
Gold Medal Unbleached All Purpose 5LB Flour	000-16000-19610
Gold Medal Unbleached All Purpose 10LB Flour	000-16000-19580
Gold Medal Bleached All Purpose 2LB Flour	000-16000-10710
Gold Medal Bleached All Purpose 5LB Flour	000-16000-10610

Consumers are asked to check their pantries and dispose of the product affected by this recall. Consumers who have had to discard products covered by this recall may contact General Mills Consumer Relations at 1-800-230-8103. Consumers who no longer have the flour package and are uncertain if their flour is part of the recall are advised to discard it as it may be a recalled lot.