The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued two urgent recalls this week affecting cheese and vegetable products sold in multiple states, citing contamination risks and undeclared allergens that could pose serious health threats to consumers. The recalls highlight ongoing concerns about food safety, underscoring the need for vigilance by both retailers and the public.
Listeria Concerns in Charlevoix Cheese
Boss Dairy Farms has initiated a recall of a single lot of its Charlevoix Cheese Company 8-ounce Mild Cheddar Cheese due to the potential presence of Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can cause severe and sometimes fatal infections. The affected product is packaged in clear plastic blocks with UPC 850056642057 and is marked on the back with lot number 13220025. The cheese carries a “best by” date of October 20, 2026.
Listeria infections can be mild in healthy individuals, manifesting as fever, headache, nausea, and diarrhea, usually lasting one to three days. However, the infection can be life-threatening for immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, and older adults. For pregnant women, the infection may result in stillbirth or miscarriage, while immunocompromised patients can develop sepsis, a potentially fatal complication.
The contamination was detected during routine testing by Boss Dairy Farms. While the source of the contamination remains unknown, the FDA emphasized that the cheese should not be consumed. Consumers who have purchased the product are advised to destroy it or return it to the store for a full refund. The recalled cheese was distributed exclusively in retail locations in Michigan, and no illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this recall.
Listeria is a serious public health concern in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 1,250 people are infected annually, with around 1,000 hospitalizations and approximately 170 deaths each year. The infection disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including children under five, adults over 65, and pregnant women.
Symptoms generally begin within 24 hours of exposure and can include flu-like signs such as fever, muscle aches, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, the bacteria may enter the bloodstream, causing sepsis or meningitis. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, and early intervention is critical to prevent life-threatening complications.
Undeclared Soy in Publix Rice & Pigeon Peas
In a second recall, A.S.K. Foods, LLC, based in Pennsylvania, announced a voluntary recall of select 32-ounce containers of Publix Rice & Pigeon Peas due to undeclared soy, a known allergen. Soy allergies affect nearly two million Americans, and ingestion can trigger reactions ranging from mild symptoms such as hives and itching to severe anaphylaxis, a rapid, potentially fatal reaction that can cause swelling of the throat, vomiting, dizziness, and difficulty breathing.
The recalled Publix product was sold exclusively in Florida Publix stores. Packaging inconsistencies were identified during routine quality checks, revealing that containers labeled as Publix Rice & Pigeon Peas inadvertently used ingredient labels intended for a separate product, Three Cheese Mac & Cheese. Consequently, the labels failed to indicate the presence of soy, creating a potential risk for allergic consumers.
Affected containers are marked with codes “5387-4,” “5387-5,” or “5387-6” on the lid. The top label identifies the product as Publix Rice & Pigeon Peas, Net Wt. 32 OZ (2 LB) 907, while the bottom label lists Cavatappi Pasta as the first ingredient. Consumers are advised to return the product to the store for a full refund and to avoid consuming any portion of the affected lot.
The Public Health Risk
Both recalls underscore the ongoing challenges of ensuring food safety and preventing contamination or mislabeling in food production and distribution. Listeria contamination and undeclared allergens pose different types of risks, but both can be life-threatening. The FDA continues to monitor and enforce compliance among food manufacturers to protect public health.
Listeria is particularly insidious because it can survive and even thrive in refrigerated conditions where many other bacteria cannot. Its ability to persist on food surfaces, in processing equipment, and in manufacturing environments makes prevention and routine testing critical components of food safety protocols. Similarly, undeclared allergens present a silent risk, as consumers rely on accurate labeling to avoid substances that could trigger severe reactions.
Both recalls highlight the importance of prompt action and consumer awareness. While these incidents affected specific products in limited geographic areas, they serve as reminders that vigilance is essential at every stage of the food supply chain—from production and processing to retail distribution and home consumption.
Consumer Guidance and FDA Recommendations
The FDA urges consumers to take the following steps to protect themselves and their families:
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Check Product Labels: Carefully examine packaging for lot numbers, UPC codes, and expiration dates to identify potentially affected products.
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Do Not Consume Recalled Items: If you possess a recalled product, do not eat it. For Boss Dairy Farms’ Charlevoix Cheese, destroy or return the item. For Publix Rice & Pigeon Peas, return the product to the store for a refund.
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Monitor for Symptoms: Anyone who may have consumed contaminated cheese should watch for symptoms of listeriosis, including fever, headache, nausea, diarrhea, and muscle aches. Seek immediate medical attention if severe symptoms develop, especially in vulnerable populations.
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Be Cautious with Allergens: Individuals with known soy allergies should be particularly vigilant regarding mislabeled products, as exposure could result in a severe reaction. In the event of an allergic response, administer epinephrine if prescribed and seek emergency medical care immediately.
Industry and Regulatory Response
Both Boss Dairy Farms and A.S.K. Foods have cooperated with the FDA and acted quickly to issue the recalls. The FDA routinely conducts inspections and tests, providing guidance to manufacturers to reduce risks associated with pathogens and allergens.
Food safety experts note that recalls are an expected part of the regulatory ecosystem, serving to mitigate risk rather than indicating widespread systemic failure. “While recalls can be alarming, they are a critical safety mechanism to protect consumers,” said Dr. Meredith Hayes, a food safety consultant. “The timely identification and removal of affected products help prevent illness and save lives.”
Past Trends and Implications
Food recalls, particularly those involving listeria, have become more common in recent years as testing methods improve and regulatory oversight strengthens. Listeria outbreaks have historically led to widespread illness and hospitalizations, highlighting the importance of rigorous food safety protocols.
Undeclared allergens are also a persistent challenge. Cross-contamination, labeling errors, and packaging mistakes can all contribute to allergic reactions in unsuspecting consumers. According to the FDA, proper labeling and adherence to allergen control plans are crucial to protecting individuals with food sensitivities.
Looking Ahead
As the holiday season progresses, consumers are advised to remain vigilant about product recalls, particularly for perishable items like cheese and ready-to-eat meals. Retailers are responsible for promptly removing recalled products from shelves, while manufacturers must continue to enhance quality control measures to prevent future incidents.
The FDA maintains an up-to-date list of recalls on its website, offering detailed information for consumers, including lot numbers, packaging identifiers, and geographic distribution. This transparency enables the public to make informed decisions and avoid potentially hazardous products.
Conclusion
The recalls of Charlevoix Cheese Company Mild Cheddar Cheese and Publix Rice & Pigeon Peas underscore the importance of food safety vigilance, accurate labeling, and swift regulatory action. Listeria contamination and undeclared allergens pose significant risks, particularly to vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, older adults, and those with food allergies.
Consumers should take immediate action to identify, return, or dispose of affected products while monitoring for symptoms of illness or allergic reaction. Meanwhile, food manufacturers, regulators, and retailers must continue to prioritize safety, ensuring that the food supply remains secure and that mechanisms are in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.
While no illnesses have been reported in connection with these particular recalls, the potential severity of listeria infection and allergic reactions reinforces the need for vigilance. Public awareness, coupled with prompt industry response, remains the best defense against foodborne illness and allergen-related emergencies.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
