MorningStar Farms is recalling two of its products after the possible presence of plastic was identified in the food.
Food recalls happen for a range of safety reasons, from contamination concerns to labeling issues that could put shoppers at risk.
In a separate case last month, the US Food and Drug Administration announced a recall involving De Dios’ Ice Pops after inspectors determined that “existing manufacturing processes required improvements to prevent allergen cross-contact”.
That kind of issue can mean a product contains ingredients that are not declared on the label, creating a potential health hazard for consumers.
There have also been recent concerns tied to salmonella, prompting retailers including Walmart and Aldi to pull multiple products from sale.
Among the items affected in those recalls were popcorn, pizza, and cheese products.
When a product is found to be out of step with FDA rules, it can be removed from store shelves. Just as importantly, customers who may already have bought it need to know what action to take.
“FDA regulates all foods except meat, poultry, and processed egg products, which are regulated by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA),” it explains on its website.
“It is important that consumers be aware of recalls because recalled foods may cause injury or illness, especially for people who are pregnant or have weakened immune systems because of chronic illness or medical treatment,” the FDA goes on.
The FDA said MorningStar Farms voluntarily recalled two plant-based items after customer complaints raised concerns about possible plastic contamination. The recall was announced on June 18 and later publicized by the FDA on June 22.
The products were sold in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Costa Rica, and were also distributed through grocery stores nationwide.
The recalled items are Buffalo Chik’n Nuggets (10.5 oz) and Hot & Spicy Sausage Patties (8 oz).
The affected nuggets carry UPC code 000 28989 10110 5 and “Better If Used Before” dates of July 7 and 8, 2027, while the sausage patties carry UPC code 000 28989 10094 8 and “Better If Used Before” dates of July 5, 6, and 7, 2027.
No other MorningStar Farms products are included in the recall.
The FDA states: “People who purchased affected product should discard it and contact the company for a full refund.
“Consumers can contact Consumer Affairs Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM EST, by calling 800-962-0120 or texting 877-453-5837.”
Consumers can also check recall information through FDA public warnings and notices from other agencies, including the United States Department of Agriculture.
The manufacturer behind the recall is also expected to alert its customers directly.
The FDA states: “The company that initiated the product removal issues a recall notice to their direct customers.
“These notices contain information to help customers identify recalled foods, including the product name, size and type of packaging, Universal Product Code (UPC), product codes, such as lot codes, sellby, or use-by dates, pictures of the packaging and labels, and distribution information (i.e., the states and/or stores in which they were sold).”
MorningStar Farms said no injuries have been reported in connection with the recall and that it has already taken steps to address the issue and strengthen quality control procedures.