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The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has announced a national health alert regarding a series of soups and bowl products potentially contaminated with wood. This alert marks an important moment for consumers to be vigilant about food safety.
The public health alert was released on Friday following the recall of cilantro by the Food and Drug Administration. The cilantro was found to contain foreign materials, prompting immediate action.
A total of thirteen distinct products have been included in this health alert, raising concerns among consumers.
Brands Affected by the Health Alert
Among the affected products, several soups from the well-known Campbell’s brand are included. The specific varieties implicated are:
- Campbell’s Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Campbell’s Baja-Style Chicken Enchilada Soup
- Campbell’s Verve Wicked Thai-Style Soup with Chicken
- Campbell’s Verve Spicy Chicken Nacho Soup
Additionally, the alert encompasses other popular brands such as Health Request, Vital Pursuit, Molly’s Kitchen, Sysco, and Crafted Market. The specific products listed under these brands include:
- Health Request’s Mexican Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Vital Pursuit’s Southwest Style Beef Taco Bowl
- Molly’s Kitchen’s Baja Chicken Enchilada, Chicken Chili, Chicken Enchilada, and Mexican Chicken Tortilla soups
- Sysco’s Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Crafted Market’s Coconut Chicken Thai-Style Soup
Distribution and Impact of the Recall
Reports indicate that these products were shipped to retail and institutional locations primarily in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. The reach of this alert may expand, as the food safety agency has indicated the possibility of further products being added to the recall list. According to the alert, this could cause widespread consequences for consumers across the nation.
Advice for Consumers
In light of this health alert, anyone in possession of these products is strongly advised against consuming them. Food service institutions are similarly urged to refrain from serving these items. The alert specifically states that these products should either be discarded immediately or returned to the original place of purchase.
For those looking to verify their products, a comprehensive list detailing product numbers and sell-by dates has been made available on the FSIS website.
Statements from Affected Companies
James Regan, a spokesperson for Campbell’s, clarified that none of the soup varieties found in retail outlets are part of this alert. He emphasized that the soups referenced in the health alert are food-service varieties intended for restaurants and institutional use, rather than those sold directly in grocery stores.
Regan explained that these particular soups are not available in retail stores in cans or bowls, alleviating concerns for consumers shopping at home.
Monitoring Future Developments
As this situation develops, consumers are encouraged to stay informed about updates related to the health alert. The FSIS is actively monitoring the situation and will provide additional information as necessary.
Health alerts like this underscore the importance of food safety and consumer awareness. As incidents of contamination arise, the public must remain vigilant in checking their food items and staying updated on safety alerts issued by authorities.
In summary, the nationwide health alert serves as a reminder of the need for diligence in food safety practices. Consumers should take these advisories seriously and adjust their purchasing and consumption behaviors accordingly.
