Another week, another round of food recalls—reminding us why food safety remains a constant concern. The FDA hasflagged multiple products for contamination risks and labeling errors, leading to recalls on frozen mac and cheese bites due to metal fragments, ground beef sold at Food Lion, and tahini paste linked to potential salmonella exposure.
As recalls become more frequent, it raises an important question: How well are food safety systems adapting to the scale and speed of modern production? With more retailer-specific recalls and labeling mix-ups making headlines, consumers and food service operators must stay informed to navigate an increasingly complex food landscape.
Frozen Supplemental Shakes Recalled Due to Listeria Risk
On February 22, 2025, Lyons Magnus LLC issued a recall for certain lots of its ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
- Where it was sold: Healthcare facilities nationwide.
- What to do: If you work in a healthcare facility, check your inventory for the affected products and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Mac & Cheese Bites Pulled for Metal Contamination
The first recall to watch out for this week comes from Feel Good Foods, which is recalling frozen mac and cheese bites after discovering metal fragments in the product.
- Where it was sold: Nationwide grocery stores.
- What to do: If you have these in your freezer, return them immediately. Metal contamination isn’t just a risk—it’s a lawsuit waiting to happen.
Food Lion Fresh Ground Beef Recall Over Contamination Fears
Another major recall this week centers on Food Lion’s freshly prepared ground beef, which may be contaminated.
- Where it was sold: Food Lion stores in Gastonia, NC.
- What to do: If you purchased ground beef from this location, return it immediately or dispose of it.
Undeclared Allergens in Southwest Salad Kit
Little Leaf Farms Southwest Salad Kit has been recalled. The affected products were incorrectly assembled. According to the FDA listing, “The affected product was produced during a single run on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, resulting in one pallet of 96 cases (576 individual clamshells). Little Leaf Farms has determined that fewer than 20 individual Southwest Salad Kits were incorrectly assembled during this run.” For those with severe allergies, this could turn a quick lunch into a trip to the ER.
- Where it was sold: Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Hampshire
- What to do: If you have a fish or wheat allergy, do not eat this salad. Check lot numbers and return if needed.
Lemonade Recalled for Undeclared Ingredient Linked to Cancer
A bulk lemonade recall just dropped—OCBW Inc. is pulling its Beverage Base Lemonade (3-gallon and 5-gallon bag-in-box containers) due to an undeclared ingredient (Yellow #5) that may be a known carcinogen. It has been identified as a class to recall, meaning this alert, while there is potentially a health risk, is not considered life-threatening. If you’ve got this in your inventory, check the Best By datesand reach out to the supplier for more info.
- Where it was sold: Foodservice providers in TX, CO, NM, KY, OK, MO, AR, and CA.
- What to do: Check your stock for the affected Best By dates and contact the supplier if needed.
Aleppo Tahini Recall: Another Salmonella Risk?
Tahini-based products have been under fire for years due to persistent bacterial contamination issues, and this week’s recall is no different. Turkana Food Inc. has recalled its Aleppo Tahini Sesame Paste (1lb, 16oz) due to possible salmonella exposure.
- Where it was sold: Nationwide.
- What to do: Throw it out. Even if you haven’t had symptoms, consuming a recalled tahini product is not worth the risk.
Cucumber Recall Affects Nationwide Sushi Counters
If you’ve picked up sushi recently, check your ingredients. A recall from JFE Franchising, Inc. has affected pre-packaged cucumbers sold in sushi counters nationwide, with potential bacterial contamination concerns.
- Where it was sold: Sushi counters and prepared food sections across the U.S.
- What to do: If you’ve recently purchased sushi or pre-packaged cucumbers, check the recall notices and discard affected items.
For the latest updates on food recalls, check the FDA’s official recall database.
Why This Week’s Recalls Matter
Some food recalls are more than just a labeling issue—they’re serious health threats. And this week, the most concerning recalls show exactly how food safety risks are evolving.
At the top of the list is a recall for Feel Good Foods’ frozen mac and cheese bites, which were pulled from stores nationwide after the discovery of metal contamination. It’s the kind of recall that makes consumers question: How do metal shards even end up in a frozen meal? The answer often lies in high-speed manufacturing lines, where mistakes—whether it’s a broken machine part or a quality control failure—can lead to dangerous consequences.
Meanwhile, a recall at Food Lion grocery stores in Gastonia, North Carolina, is drawing attention to a different concern: the safety of in-store prepared foods. The retailer pulled its freshly prepared ground beef due to possible contamination, raising fresh questions about whether grocery store meat counters have the proper oversight to prevent serious foodborne illnesses.
And then there’s the issue of undeclared allergens—one of the most preventable yet persistent food safety problems. This week’s recalls include a Southwest Salad Kit from Little Leaf Farms, which was mislabeled and sold without warning that it contains fish and wheat. It’s a mistake that could cause a life-threatening reaction for anyone with allergies.
New Recall Research Reveals Food Safety Trends
These recalls aren’t isolated incidents—they’re part of a larger conversation about food safety in an evolving supply chain. According to PIRG’s 2025 Food for Thought report, undeclared allergens and bacterial contamination remain two of the biggest culprits behind recalls. The report highlights that:
- Salmonella and Listeria contamination continue to be major recall drivers, especially in fresh produce, dairy, and packaged foods.
- Undeclared allergens remain a persistent issue, with labeling mistakes posing serious risks for people with food allergies.
- Grocer and other retailer-specific recalls (like this week’s Food Lion case) are becoming more common, pointing to the need for careful oversight in grocery store food prep.
While recalls can feel overwhelming, they also highlight the importance of transparency and vigilance in the food system. From food manufacturers and wholesalers to retailers to consumers, every link in the process plays a role in ensuring food safety. Staying informed and checking recall alerts regularly is one of the best ways to navigate these challenges.
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