Food Recall Map Shows US States Being Warned of Dangers

Over the past few weeks, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published several food recall announcements, with warnings in different states across the nation.

Since the end of December, there have been food recall announcements for different food products such as kimchi, dried plums and snack bars that came in array of flavors.

Newsweek previously published a map showing different FDA food recalls in early December, however, this map will showcase more recent recalls, for the past few weeks, dating back to December 26.

In late December, the FDA for 14-ounce packages of Melissa's Kimchi, produced by World Variety Produce, Inc. of Los Angeles. The recall was issued because "mislabeling of allergen ingredient 'Fish' was not listed in the ingredient panel within the allergen information panel."

The FDA voiced concerns that the incorrect labeling could result in consumers experiencing food allergies, which could include hives, lip swelling, and even sometimes life-threatening symptoms called anaphylaxis. According to the FDA, no illnesses had been reported from the recalled kimchi.

"This recall extends only to Sun International stores in Florida, Brookshire Brothers stores in Texas, OK Produce—Grocery Outlet in California," the FDA said.

On December 28, the FDA announced a recall for soybean sprouts sold by Nam & Son of MD, Jessup, Maryland, "because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes."

The FDA states that listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause infections in children, and others with weakened immune systems, that can sometimes be fatal. "No illness has been reported to date," the FDA said.

The recalled soybean sprouts were sold in different retail stores across Virginia, the FDA said.

On January 3, the FDA issued a recall for "Plum Queen" dried plums, produced by Win Luck Trading Inc. of Bayonne, New Jersey, over concerns that they contained undeclared sulfites.

"People who have allergies to sulfites run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the product," the FDA said.

According to the FDA, these products were sold at retail stores in New York and New Jersey and were packaged in a clear plastic container with the brand name Tasty Snacks.

"The recall was initiated after routine sampling by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets found sulfites in the product which was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of sulfites. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's production and packaging processes," the FDA said, noting that no illnesses have been reported from this recalled product.

On January 5, several flavors of the ToYou-branded snack bars were recalled over concerns that they contained undeclared soy, which poses a risk to consumers who are allergic to soy. The snack bars were produced by ToYou Snacks, of Winter Garden, Florida.

According to the FDA, the Chocolate, Mango, and Banana Foster flavors were sold at 20 Whole Foods locations in Florida, while several other flavors were sold nationwide on Amazon.

The FDA said that no illnesses have been reported from these snack bars and added that, "Production of these flavors has been halted until FDA and ToYou Snacks are certain that the issue has been resolved."

Newsweek has reached out to the FDA via email for comment.