Mac and Cheese Recall: What You Need to Know About Recent Food Safety Alerts

In recent months, Reser’s Fine Foods has issued a series of recalls affecting their popular macaroni and cheese products, among other items. These recalls have raised concerns about food safety and the potential health risks associated with consuming spoiled or contaminated products. The recall was primarily due to concerns about ‘temperature abuse’ during the transport process, which could lead to bacterial growth and spoilage. The affected products have specific ‘use by’ dates in 2024 and were distributed across five states: California, Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. While the recall was isolated to one truckload of product delivered to a single distributor, it underscores the importance of proper food handling and storage practices.

The recall was initiated on July 29 and did not affect products that had already made it to store shelves. Major retailers like Safeway, Stop & Shop, and Walmart confirmed that their stores were not impacted by this recall. However, Target, another retailer where these products are sold, did not respond to inquiries. The potential spoilage was caused by a malfunctioning refrigeration unit on a trailer, which compromised the temperature-sensitive products. Reser’s Fine Foods, based in Oregon, specializes in prepared salads and side dishes but also offers baked sides, meal kits, desserts, and comfort-food classics. The company emphasized that the recall was a precautionary measure to ensure consumer safety.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified this recall as a ‘class II’ recall, indicating that the potential for adverse health effects is remote but possible. Unsafe temperatures can lead to bacterial growth, including harmful bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli. According to the USDA, food should be stored in the refrigerator within two hours of preparation, or within one hour if temperatures are above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Even cooked foods like the recalled macaroni and cheese products are at risk for bacterial growth if not stored properly. Leftovers should be placed in shallow containers to facilitate quick cooling and minimize the risk of bacterial contamination.

In addition to the macaroni and cheese products, Reser’s Fine Foods also recalled other items, including potato salad and spinach dip. The recall notice advised consumers to check their products and stop consuming them if they match the affected codes. The recalled macaroni and cheese varieties include 12 oz Reser’s American Classics Macaroni & Cheese White Cheddar and 12 oz Reser’s American Classics Macaroni & Cheese. These products can be identified by their bar codes, 71117.02009 and 71117.02123. Consumers who have purchased these products are advised to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Walmart’s macaroni salad was also recalled over the summer due to the presence of foreign material in the product. This recall, issued by Reser’s Fine Foods, Inc., was announced in August and affected macaroni salad cases with a use-by date of 09/18/2024. The FDA classified this recall as a class II risk, meaning that the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences. The affected macaroni salad was identified by UPC codes 78742 12653 and 78742 02670 and came in two sizes: 16oz and 48oz tubs. Foreign objects, such as small pieces of plastic or metal, are one of the leading causes of recalls in the U.S., accounting for 11.6% of all recalls between 2020 and 2024.

The most common cause of food recalls is the presence of unintended allergens and contamination with harmful bacteria or viruses. Allergen contamination accounted for almost 40% of all recalls by the FDA and Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) between 2020 and 2024. The nine major allergens are required by law to be clearly marked on all products to help people avoid potential allergic reactions. Bacterial contamination is the second most common reason for food recalls, accounting for 21% of all withdrawals. Some of the bacteria responsible for foodborne illness, such as salmonella and E. coli, are naturally occurring and can be found in the gut biome of animals.

Popular macaroni and cheese brands sold at retail chains like Target, Safeway, and Stop & Shop have been recalled due to the risk of causing adverse health consequences. The recall was reported by Newsweek and confirmed by a notice from the FDA. The affected products were distributed in five states: California, Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The recall was initiated by the Oregon-based corporation over concerns of spoilage caused by a malfunctioning refrigerator on a trailer. The recalled products include 12 oz Reser’s American Classics Macaroni & Cheese White Cheddar and 12 oz Reser’s American Classics Macaroni & Cheese, identifiable by their bar codes, 71117.02009 and 71117.02123.

Reser’s Fine Foods has also recalled 12 other products in addition to the mac and cheese varieties. These products can be found on their website, and the recall notice includes updates on topics such as elections, crime, and national affairs. Consumers are advised to stay informed about news developments regarding Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Donald Trump. The recalled products can be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund. It is important to stay updated on recalls and potential health risks associated with certain products to ensure consumer safety.

A brand is recalling some of their ready-to-eat products due to safety concerns. The brand, Reser’s Fine Foods, is a large family-owned business that is voluntarily recalling their American Classics macaroni & cheese products due to spoilage. The spoilage was caused by a refrigeration unit malfunctioning, as reported by Newsweek. The products are currently classified as a class II risk, defined by the FDA as potentially causing temporary or reversible health issues. The recalled products have bar codes that end in 71117.02009 and 71117.02123 and were distributed in California, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

Other products from the same brand were also given a class II risk warning. A spokesperson from Reser’s reached out to PennLive to clarify the recall, stating that it was limited to one truckload of products to one distributor location in Hopkins, MN. Although the recall is ongoing, the company considers it complete after providing information to the FDA. The statement also mentions that the same products may still be available at some retailers, but the only products that were recalled were on the truck mentioned. If you have any of the recalled products, it is advised to dispose of them immediately.

The recall was issued by Reser’s Fine Foods after discovering one truckload of their products may have gone bad due to refrigeration problems at the distributor in Minnesota. The distributor was notified immediately to destroy any compromised products. Reser’s American Classics Macaroni & Cheese and Macaroni & Cheese White Cheddar were among the recalled products. The recall was also issued by the FDA and classified as a class II risk, meaning there may be temporary adverse health consequences. Twelve more products from the brand have been recalled, including potato salad, scalloped potatoes, creamed spinach, and raspberry parfait desserts.

The recall also includes a product sold in Texas due to possible plastic contamination. The product recalled in Texas is Hill Country Fare Mustard Potato Salad, sold at H-E-B and Joe V’s Smart Shop locations. The recall was also issued by the FDA and has the potential to cause serious adverse health consequences. The recall was issued in July and has caused concern for customers who may have purchased the affected products. All recalled products should be discarded or returned for a refund. Reser’s Fine Foods emphasizes the importance of consumer safety and advises customers to check for the barcodes listed in the recall notice.

The recent recalls of Reser’s Fine Foods products highlight the critical importance of food safety and proper handling practices. Whether it’s due to temperature abuse, foreign material contamination, or allergen presence, the risks associated with consuming compromised food products can range from mild discomfort to severe health consequences. Consumers are urged to stay vigilant and informed about recalls and to take immediate action if they have purchased any affected products. By doing so, they can help protect themselves and their families from potential health risks and ensure that they are consuming safe and high-quality food products.