Recall Roundup: botulism risk and undeclared allergens

Undeclared allergens

In the UK this week, McGees is recalling McGees Steak Burgers because they contain soya, sulphites and wheat (gluten), which are not mentioned on the label.

This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to soya, a sensitivity to sulphur dioxide or sulphites, an allergy or intolerance to wheat or gluten, or coeliac disease.

Recalled product:

• McGees Steak Burgers (420g) – Batch codes: 040225 and 060225, Use by: 14 February 2025 and 16 February 2025

This product is sold in ASDA stores in Northern Ireland only.

If you have bought the above product and have any of the mentioned allergies or sensitivities, do not eat it. Instead, return it to the store where it was bought for a full refund.

Potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination

In the US this week, Jack and the Green Sprouts is recalling 5oz packages of its Alfalfa Sprouts due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause severe, sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Healthy individuals may experience short-term symptoms, including fever, headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. For pregnant women, infection can result in miscarriage or stillbirth.

Recalled product:

• Alfalfa Sprouts (5oz) – Lot #687, UPC #763247198915, Expiry date: 29 January 2025

Routine testing by the State of Minnesota detected Listeria monocytogenes in expired products, despite the company’s independent tests showing negative results before release. No illnesses have been reported.

If you still have this product, do not consume it. Instead, discard it out of an abundance of caution.

Botulism risk

Tri-Union Seafoods is recalling select canned tuna products sold under the Genova®, Van Camp’s®, H-E-B, and Trader Joe’s brands due to a defect in the pull-tab lid, which could compromise the seal and lead to contamination with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that can cause potentially fatal food poisoning.

Symptoms of botulism include weakness, dizziness, double vision, difficulty speaking, swallowing, breathing, and constipation. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

No illnesses have been reported, and the recall is being carried out as a precaution.

Consumers are advised not to eat the product, even if it appears normal. Instead, they should return it to the retailer for a refund, dispose of it safely, or contact Tri-Union Seafoods for a retrieval kit and replacement coupon.

Full details, including affected products, UPCs, and lot codes, can be found on the FDA’s recall notice.

Botulism risk

Finally, AKT Trading Inc. is recalling Menma Ajitsuke Prepared Bamboo Shoots due to potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that can cause life-threatening illness or death.

Recalled product:

• Menma Ajitsuke Prepared Bamboo Shoots (8.8oz), JANCODE (UPC): 4983673527332, Expiration Date: 29 Janaury 2025

No illnesses have been reported to date.

Consumers should not eat the product, even if it appears fine. Discard it or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.