FDA 2018 Recall Recap: June’s Noteworthy Recalls…So Far

A recall is a word dreaded by consumers and companies alike. Whether it’s contaminated food or defective products, at the slightest it’s annoying for the affected persons. In worst case scenarios recalls can result in ailments, injuries or even cause a consumer’s demise.

In 2017, the FDA recalled 9,199 products according to that year’s Enforcement Statistics report. The most product recalls, 3,609, were by the Center for Food and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) one of the six centers belonging to the FDA. The Center for Devices and Radiologic Health (CDRH) was second with 3,226, the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) had 1,176 recalls, 900 more were through the Center for Biologic Evaluation and Research (CBER), 285 by the Center for Veterinary medicine (CVM), and lastly 3 from the Center for Tobacco Products (CTP).

So far this year there are 194 notices on the FDA’s page 2018 Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts. It is noted on the page that not all recalls appear there, but scroll down to the bottom and there are links to more detailed lists organized by product categories. Here’s a recap of the most noteworthy recalls that have occurred so far this month.

Honey Smacks

On June 14, 2018, a recall was issued by Kellogg Company announcing that certain boxes of Honey Smacks cereal are potentially tainted with Salmonella. The 15.3 oz and 23 oz cereal boxes with the UPC codes found here can pose a possibly serious health risk.

Salmonella can cause nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and stomach pains which can go on for up to a week. Medical treatment isn’t always necessary if you are in good health, but it can be more serious and potentially fatal for young children and elderly individuals.

Buyers are encouraged to contact the company for a refund and can find more information on kelloggs.com/honeysmacksrecall. 

Melissa’s Spicy Edamame 

A recall was announced on June 13, 2018, for Melissa’s Spicy Edamame created by World Variety Produce, Inc. due to there being an undeclared allergen. The ingredient “Oyster Extract” is contained inside the 7 oz. a product’s spicy sauce packet, which was incorrectly packed into the Spicy Edamame.

The presence of this ingredient has the potential to cause a severe and possibly life-threatening allergic reaction for any person with a serious sensitivity or allergy to shellfish.

Dispose of the recalled product if you have purchased it. Find more information and the number you can call with any questions here.

Dave’s Pet Food 

The product Dave’s Pet Food of Agawam, MA sold on the east coast is being recalled as of June 12, 2018. Raised levels of beef thyroid hormone were discovered in 548 cases of Dave’s Dog Food 95% premium beef product.

After ingesting, dogs could experience weight loss, elevated heart rate, agitation, and an escalation in thirst and urination. Serious symptoms that may require a trip to the veterinarian’s office include difficulty breathing, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Click here to find out about a refund.

Caito Foods, LLC

Multiple fresh fruit products were recalled by Caito Foods on June 9, 2018. Products such as fresh-cut mixed fruit, honeydew melon, watermelon, and cantaloupe are possibly contaminated with Salmonella. The CDC made the company aware that there have been 58 cases of illness discovered so far that are associated with the strain possibly in the products. The investigation is ongoing.

These products may still be in stores. There’s a list of the product descriptions and their retailers on the FDA’s Caito Foods, LLC Voluntarily Recalls Fresh Cut Melon Products Because of Possible Health Risk page.

STAT-Check & Medline Manual Resuscitator Bags

On June 1, 2018, it was announced that SunMed Holdings, LLC had begun a recall of 18,808 STAT-Check and Medline resuscitator bags. Between February 1, 2018, to May 13, 2018, the bags were dispensed nationwide.

It was discovered that these bags may not be getting air to the patient due to a faulty patient port retaining ring on some of the bags. It’s possible the retaining ring may not seat fully which could result in the patient port detaching while in use. Consequently, the patient would not be receiving the treatment they need.

As of now, no injuries have been disclosed according to the FDA’s page, SunMed Holdings, LLC Issues a Nationwide Recall of STAT-Check and Medline Manual Resuscitator Bags.