If your family enjoys baked treats from Dunkin’ or local grocery stores, here’s an important recall to pay attention to. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced a Class II recall of over 2 million baked goods, including items sold at Dunkin’ and under private grocery store labels. The cause? Potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can cause serious health risks.
What’s been recalled?
The recall involves 60 types of pastries produced by Indiana-based wholesaler FGF Brands. These products include popular Dunkin’ items like:
- Just Baked Yeast Rings
- Just Baked Yeast Munchkins
- Just Baked Coffee Rolls
- Just Baked Sour Cream Cake Donuts
- Just Baked Eclairs
In addition, grocery store brands carrying these pastries may also be affected. If you’re unsure, check the FDA’s full recall list here.
The recall initially began on January 7 but was upgraded to Class II on February 5. The FDA defines a Class II recall as one in which “use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”
What is listeria?
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that can cause listeriosis, a rare but serious foodborne illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), certain groups are at higher risk, including:
- Pregnant women and their newborns
- Adults aged 65 and older
- People with weakened immune systems
While most healthy individuals experience mild symptoms, those in high-risk groups could face severe complications such as meningitis or even life-threatening infections. Pregnant women should be especially cautious, as listeria can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature delivery.
Symptoms of listeriosis can include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Seizures
- Gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea
If you or a family member experience these symptoms after consuming a recalled product, it’s important to seek medical care immediately. Learn more about listeria symptoms on the CDC’s website here.
What should you do if you bought these products?
The FDA’s general advice for recalls is to discard any potentially contaminated items immediately to avoid health risks. If you have questions, FGF Brands can be reached directly at 905-761-3333 or via email at info@fgfbrands.com. Their contact form is also available on their website here.
How can you keep your family safe?
Here are some practical tips for avoiding foodborne illnesses like listeriosis:
- Stay informed: Keep an eye on FDA and CDC updates for recalls.
- Practice proper food storage: Refrigerate perishable items promptly and follow “use by” dates.
- Heat it up: Thoroughly cooking food can kill harmful bacteria.
- Be cautious with high-risk foods: Ready-to-eat deli meats, soft cheeses, and raw produce can also carry listeria.
A final note
While the likelihood of serious illness from this recall is low, it’s always better to err on the side of caution—especially when it comes to your family’s health. By staying informed and vigilant, you can help ensure your loved ones remain safe and sound.
For more information about this recall, you can read the original articles from Food & Wine and USA Today.
