If you regularly eat cereal bars, you may want to check your pantry. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a recall affecting 2.5 million boxes of cereal bars due to potential contamination. Consumers are urged to check their products and take action immediately.
Why were the cereal bars recalled?
The recall was initiated after Riverside Natural Foods Inc., the manufacturer of the affected bars, identified the potential presence of metal pieces in some of its products. If consumed, these contaminants could pose a serious health risk. The FDA classified this as a Class II recall, which means the product may cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences, though the chance of severe harm is relatively low.
Which cereal bars are included in the recall?
Several flavors of MadeGood brand granola bars have been impacted by the recall. If you have any of these in your kitchen, check the packaging immediately:
- Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
- Mixed Berry Granola Bars
- Strawberry Granola Bars
- Cookies & Crème Granola Bars
- Chocolate Banana Granola Bars
- Chocolate Drizzled Birthday Cake Granola Bars
- Chocolate Drizzled Cookie Crumble Granola Bars
- Chocolate Drizzled Vanilla Granola Bars
Each of these products may contain small metal pieces, which could pose a choking hazard or cause injury if swallowed. Consumers are strongly encouraged to stop eating these bars and follow the recall instructions.
What should you do if you have these cereal bars?
If you have purchased any of the recalled cereal bars, here is what you need to do:
- Check the packaging – Look for the UPC codes and best-by dates associated with the recall. A full list of affected products can be found on the FDA’s recall page.
- Stop consuming them immediately – Do not eat any of the recalled bars, even if they look normal.
- Return them for a refund – Customers can return the recalled products to the store where they were purchased for a full refund.
- Contact the company – If you have questions, you can call the MadeGood Consumer Hotline at 855-215-5695 for more information.
How did this contamination happen?
Riverside Natural Foods has conducted an investigation into how the contamination occurred. The company identified the source of the issue within its manufacturing process and has since taken steps to correct it. According to Riverside Natural Foods, the affected production lines have been adjusted to prevent future contamination risks.
Is there a health risk from eating these bars?
The presence of metal in food products is a serious concern, even in small amounts. While the FDA considers this recall a Class II, meaning the risk of severe harm is low, consuming a metal object can still lead to injuries such as:
- Choking or damage to the digestive tract
- Cuts or punctures in the mouth or throat
- Potential internal injury if swallowed
Anyone who has eaten the recalled products and is experiencing unusual symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.
