Several household food items have recently been recalled by companies. Oklahomans may want to check their pantries, fridges, freezers and cabinets to be sure they're not holding onto something with the potential for foodborne illness.
This summer, ice cream, tahini, fresh sliced deli meat and black pepper have all been on recall lists at some point.
Recalls are typically prompted when companies do testing or the United States Food and Drug Administration does an inspection of a facility or sampling of products and discovers an issue.
In most cases, companies issue recalls voluntarily and notify the FDA which then releases a notice of the recall to help make consumers aware of the potential for foodborne illness. However, sometimes other agencies such as the United States Department of Agriculture are also involved in food-related recalls because of their role in food safety.
When a recall is linked to an outbreak, that outbreak is tracked by the Centers for Disease Control.
Here are some of the most notable recalls to include products sold in Oklahoma stores over the last three months.
1. Boar's Head deli meats
Boar's Head first recalled its liverwurst along with several styles of ham, bacon and bologna on July 26 due to listeria. Then, on July 30, the company expanded the recall to include even more of its meat products, including poultry, hot dogs, sausages, and other prepacked meats.
A full list of recalled Boar's Head products is available here.
The products had sell by dates through October 2024. Unlike the other recalls on this list, Boar's Head products were actually linked to an outbreak of listeria with 43 sick people identified in 13 states — all were hospitalized and three died.
Consumers who purchased products are urged not to consume them and to dispose of them promptly or return them to retailers. They are also advised to clean refrigerators thoroughly so other foods do not become contaminated.
2. Totally Cool, Inc. ice cream products
Totally Cool, Inc., a Maryland-based manufacturer, recalled more than 60 brands of ice cream products on June 24 for potential listeria contamination. Brands included Hershey's Ice Cream, Jeni's Ice Cream, Chipwich, Yelloh! and more.
A full list of products can be found here.
Recalled ice cream products had use-by dates extending all the way into 2026. While no illnesses had been reported at the time of the recall, listeria has the potential to cause severe and potentially fatal illness in children, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems.
Those with the products are advised to return them to the store for a refund. Consumers with questions may contact Totally Cool, Inc. at 410-363-7801 or regulatory@totallycoolicecream.com, between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday to Friday.
3. Snapchill LLC canned coffee
Snapchill LLC., a Wisconsin-based manufacturer, recalled more than 90 canned coffee products on June 17 because the company's processes could have led to growth of deadly botulinum toxin.
A full list of recalled brands can be found here.
Cans ranged in size from 7 to 12 ounces. No illnesses have been reported but botulism is a potentially fatal form of food poisoning.
Recalled products should be destroyed or returned to Snapchill or the place of purchase for a refund. Snapchill will offer full refunds with proof of purchase including a picture of the product before being destroyed.
Consumers with questions may contact the company by email at Compliance@snapchill.com, or by phone at 920-632-6018 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
4. Al’Fez natural tahini
AB World Foods US, Inc., an Illinois-based manufacturer, recalled its 5.6 ounce glass jars of Al’Fez Natural Tahini on July 12 due to potential salmonella contamination.
No illnesses have been reported, but salmonella, like listeria and botulism, can be deadly, especially for children the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.
The recalled Al’Fez Natural Tahini was sold in jars with specific lot numbers and best-before dates. Recalled products include lots: 3031, 3080, 3270 and 3297 with corresponding best-before dates of 2024 JL 31, 2024 SE 09, 2025 MR 27 and 2025 AL 04.
Consumers who have the products should stop using them and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers who have questions may contact Adifi Burman, info@alfez.us, 647-218-0081, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
5. Baraka brand ground black pepper
UBC Food Distributors, a Michigan-based manufacturer, recalled Baraka branded black pepper on June 3 due to potential salmonella contamination.
The recalled pepper has an expiration date of Jan. 2026 and comes in a 7 ounce clear plastic package. No illnesses have been reported at this time.
Consumers should return the product to stores for a refund. The company can be contacted by calling 313-846-8117 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma food recalls: Boar's Head, ice creams, ground black pepper
