Food Contamination – Recalls

Have you heard food product recalls on your radio, television, on the internet, or read about them in the newspaper? Food products are recalled for many reasons. Products are recalled when there are indications the food contains a biological, chemical, or physical hazard. Sometimes, product recalls involve a presence of biological hazard, like disease-causing bacteria or an ingredient that does not appear on the label. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration work with food companies and state and local health departments to get the message out to consumers.

If you have a recalled product, it’s important that you do not consume the product. The food product should be returned to the place of purchase. If you have already consumed the recalled product and become ill, you should always contact your personal physician and local health department.