Over 60 different baked products, including several donut varieties sold at popular American multinational coffee and donut company Dunkin' have been recalled by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US and Canada. According to the FDA, these sweet treats are believed to be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes — a bacterium posing potential health risks. The recall notice was issued on February 5 impacting about 2 million baked goods, reported The New York Times. These desserts were manufactured by FGF Brands — a pastry wholesaler distributing baked goods in the US and Canada.
Some of the items that have been recalled are Bavarian, raspberry chocolate, Persian, sour cream and plain cake donuts, cake rings, French crullers, apple fritters, eclairs, coffee rolls, and cinnamon fries. As per the FDA report, a few of these products were sold at Dunkin' and produced before December 13, 2024. The source of the contamination has not been identified as of now.
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The recall, which was implemented on January 7 was upgraded to the Class II category on February 5. The FDA stated that the classification indicates “a situation 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.”
The FDA is yet to reveal whether these recalled baked goods are linked to any diseases to customers. In their statement, the agency added the voluntary recall directive was a “precautionary measure” prompted by non-product-related findings at one donut production facility in the US. “No donuts or food contact surfaces ever tested positive for listeria” mentioned the statement.
The company clarified that the recall was finalised in early January. It does not affect any products “currently or recently” available on the market. The statement said, “We take food safety seriously and acted with an abundance of caution.”
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), listeriosis is a bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated food. It can lead to life-threatening risks in elderly people, those having a weak immune system and pregnant women. Listeria ranks as the third leading cause of death from foodborne illnesses in the US, reports CDC.