Frozen Waffle Recall Alert: Check Your Freezer Now!

03 May, 2025

Are your morning waffles safe? A widespread recall of frozen waffle products, impacting numerous brands and retailers across the United States and Canada, has raised serious concerns about potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacteria that can cause severe illness.

The food industry is currently grappling with a significant recall event, impacting a wide array of frozen waffle products. This recent crisis, initiated by Treehouse Foods, Inc., has prompted the voluntary withdrawal of hundreds of waffle varieties, affecting numerous brands and retailers. The underlying concern is the potential presence of Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium known to cause serious and sometimes fatal infections. This comprehensive recall, impacting both the United States and Canada, underscores the critical importance of food safety protocols and the vigilance required to protect consumers.

The scope of the recall is substantial, extending to numerous brands that are commonly found in grocery stores across the country. Treehouse Foods, the company behind the recall, produces waffles for a wide variety of labels, making it essential for consumers to meticulously check their freezers and pantries. The recall was officially announced on October 18, 2024, with the FDA and Oak Brook III confirming the recall. This highlights the swift action taken to address the issue and mitigate potential risks. The recall isnt just about removing products from shelves; its about safeguarding public health.

The recall was initiated due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This bacterium poses a significant health risk, especially to vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Infections caused by Listeria monocytogenes, known as listeriosis, can lead to severe complications, including sepsis, meningitis, and even death. Symptoms of listeriosis can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. The FDA is urging consumers to be vigilant and to seek medical attention if they experience any of these symptoms after consuming potentially affected products.

The impact of the recall is widespread. The affected products were sold at various retail locations, including major chains like Walmart and Target, as well as other stores across the United States and Canada. This broad distribution highlights the need for consumers to carefully review their purchases and to remain informed about the specific products included in the recall. The FDA is providing detailed information to assist consumers in identifying affected products and understanding the necessary steps to take.

The recall includes a variety of waffle products, spanning several brands. The detailed list includes specific product descriptions, UPC codes, lot codes, and Best By dates to aid consumers in identifying potentially contaminated items. The information provided is crucial in helping consumers determine whether the waffles they have in their homes are subject to the recall. Consumers are encouraged to carefully compare the details on their waffle packaging to the information provided by the FDA.

The recall has been expanded to include additional products as the investigation progresses. This reflects the dynamic nature of the situation and the commitment of both the manufacturers and regulatory agencies to ensure consumer safety. The expansion underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and for consumers to stay informed about the latest updates. Additional brands and products may be added to the recall as further information becomes available.

In addition to the current recall of frozen waffles, its important to note other recent food safety issues. About two months ago, the Quaker Oats Company voluntarily recalled pancake and waffle mix from its Pearl Milling Company brand. This earlier recall was categorized by the FDA as a Class I recall, which is the highest risk level. This indicates a serious health risk due to undeclared milk, highlighting the importance of allergen awareness.

The FDAs guidance is clear: consumers are advised to check their freezers and dispose of any affected products. The agency also recommends that consumers monitor themselves for symptoms of a listeria infection. This proactive approach emphasizes the importance of taking swift action to protect public health. The FDA and Treehouse Foods are working collaboratively to ensure that all affected products are removed from the market and to prevent further exposure.

The recall is a complex situation, with various factors coming into play. The initial announcement was made by Treehouse Foods, emphasizing the company's commitment to consumer safety. The FDA's involvement, and the collaboration between the company and regulatory agencies, highlights the need for a unified response to food safety concerns.

The full list of affected products, along with specific details such as UPC codes, lot codes, and Best By dates, is critical for helping consumers identify any potentially contaminated items in their possession. The inclusion of retailer information also aids in understanding the extent of the recall. This level of detail allows consumers to verify whether products they have purchased are included in the recall.

The recall involves several hundred waffle products across 25 brands. The affected products have been distributed throughout the United States and Canada. This means a significant number of consumers could potentially be affected by this recall. The broad scope of the recall emphasizes the importance of consumer awareness and proactive measures to ensure food safety.

Here's the full list of products affected by the recall:

The provided content does not include a complete list of products. However, the general information is:

Brand description retail UPC Lot code Best by date Always Save Always Save 9.9oz Homestyle Waffles 070038608752 2C201154 1/14/2025

The products were distributed and sold at various retailers including:

Walmart
Target
Other stores across the U.S. and Canada.

What You Should Do

Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled waffle products should take the following steps:

Check Your Freezer: Identify if you have any of the recalled waffle products. The list above includes brand, product description, UPC codes, lot codes and Best By dates.
Do Not Consume: Do not eat any of the recalled waffles.
Dispose of the Products: Immediately discard the waffles in a secure location. This prevents consumption by anyone, including pets.
Monitor for Symptoms: Be vigilant for symptoms of listeriosis, such as fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions. Seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.
Contact Information: If you have questions or concerns, contact Treehouse Foods (as the manufacturer) or the FDA for further information.

Understanding Listeria Monocytogenes

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause a serious infection called listeriosis. Listeriosis can lead to severe health issues, particularly for certain groups of people.

Risk Factors: The bacterium poses the greatest risk to pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Transmission: Listeria is often found in soil, water, and some animals. It can contaminate a variety of foods, including processed foods like waffles.
Symptoms: Symptoms of listeriosis can vary but may include fever, muscle aches, gastrointestinal distress, and, in severe cases, meningitis or sepsis.
Prevention: To minimize the risk, proper food handling and cooking are crucial. Thoroughly cook raw foods, and ensure that ready-to-eat foods are properly stored.

Other Recent Food Recalls: A Reminder of Ongoing Vigilance

The frozen waffle recall is not an isolated incident, and recent events emphasize the need for ongoing vigilance in food safety. Other food product recalls have occurred in recent months. Notably, the Quaker Oats Company, also had a recall on pancake and waffle mix from its Pearl Milling Company brand due to undeclared milk allergens. This is a Class I recall, meaning the health risk from consuming these products is very high. This recall emphasizes the potential risks associated with undeclared allergens in food and the importance of accurate labeling.

The Role of the FDA

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays a vital role in protecting public health by monitoring food safety. In the case of the waffle recall, the FDA is closely monitoring the situation, providing information to the public, and working with Treehouse Foods and other stakeholders to ensure that all affected products are removed from the market. The FDA's involvement is crucial for coordinating the response, providing guidance to consumers, and verifying the effectiveness of the recall.

What Makes a Recall a Class I Recall?

The FDA assigns recalls a class based on the severity of the potential health hazard. The highest level is Class I, indicating that use of the product could cause serious health problems or death. In the case of the pancake and waffle mix recall due to undeclared milk, the potential for allergic reactions and serious health outcomes resulted in a Class I designation. This classification underscores the seriousness of the issue.

Why are These Recalls Happening?

Food recalls often occur due to various factors, ranging from contamination to mislabeling. In the case of the waffle recall, the primary concern is the potential contamination of products with Listeria monocytogenes. This can happen at any stage of the food production process. In the case of the pancake and waffle mix recall, the presence of undeclared allergens, such as milk, is the root cause.

How to Stay Informed

To stay informed about food recalls, consumers should take the following steps:

Check the FDA Website: The FDA website (www.fda.gov) provides up-to-date information on food recalls.
Sign up for Alerts: Many organizations, including the FDA, offer email or text alerts about food recalls.
Review Product Packaging: Regularly check product packaging for lot codes, Best By dates, and any recall information.
Follow Media Reports: Stay informed through news outlets and trusted media sources.

The Importance of Food Safety

Food safety is a shared responsibility that involves manufacturers, retailers, and consumers. By being informed and taking proactive steps, consumers can reduce the risk of exposure to contaminated products. Regular food safety practices, such as proper food handling, cooking, and storage, are essential for maintaining public health. The current recall of frozen waffle products serves as a critical reminder of the need for vigilance in food safety.

The Ongoing Investigation

The recall investigation is ongoing, and the situation is subject to change. As additional information becomes available, it will be shared with the public. Consumers should stay informed about the latest updates and follow any guidance from the FDA or other relevant authorities. The collaboration between regulatory agencies, manufacturers, and retailers is vital for resolving the issue and protecting public health.

Conclusion

The recent frozen waffle recall serves as a stark reminder of the importance of food safety. Consumers are urged to take precautions by checking their freezers and pantries for potentially affected products, following the guidelines provided by the FDA, and seeking medical attention if they experience any symptoms of listeriosis. The ongoing investigation emphasizes the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to protect public health.

Waffle Recall Update as FDA Sets Highest Risk Level Newsweek

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FDA elevates popular pancake, waffle mix recall to highest level

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