In early January 2025, FGF Brands, a leading food manufacturer and wholesaler, voluntarily recalled more than 2 million cases of different baked foods due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. About 60 products were part of the recall, including some donut varieties distributed nationwide, with some being sold under the Dunkin’ brand.
Details of the recall
The recall, which was classified by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a Class II, was started on January 7, 2025. Class II recalls are those in which exposure to a violative product may have the potential to result in temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, with slim possibilities of serious adverse health consequences. The recalled products were all manufactured on or prior to December 13, 2024, and consisted of products like cake rings, paczki, fritters, crullers, and munchkins. The recalled products list can be found on the FDA website.
Company’s statement and assurance
FGF Brands issued a statement after the recall to assure consumers and explain the situation.
The firm stressed that the recall “was conducted more than a month ago (early January), and does not involve anything that is, or was recently, for sale.” They also reassured consumers that “all donuts are absolutely safe to eat.” FGF clarified that the voluntary recall was a precautionary one founded on non-product-related results in one of their US donut plants, stressing that “no donuts or food contact surfaces ever tested positive for listeria.”
Health effects of listeria
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that can cause listeriosis, a severe infection that is especially life-threatening in infants, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms may be fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. In more severe instances, the infection can extend beyond the gastrointestinal tract and cause other serious health problems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ranks listeria as the third most common foodborne illness killer in the US, causing about 1,600 illnesses and 260 deaths each year.
At the consumer level
FGF Brands announced that the products being recalled are no longer available for sale in the market and have expired, thus current consumers are not affected. Consumers who might have bought the affected products prior to the recall are encouraged to discard them, even if they seem safe for consumption. Consumers can contact FGF’s customer care department via email at customercare@fgfbrands.com in the event of any questions or inquiries about the recall.
