More than 2 million donut products have been recalled nationwide due to potential listeria contamination. The affected products, manufactured by FGF Brands, were sold under multiple brand names, including Dunkin’, and distributed across the U.S. and Canada.
🍩 Why It Matters: Listeria infections can be dangerous, particularly for older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. While the recall is classified as Class 2—meaning health effects are generally temporary—listeria outbreaks have led to serious illness and deaths in the past.
🛑 What’s Happening: FGF Brands issued a voluntary recall in coordination with the FDA, affecting dozens of donut products. The recall was first announced on January 7, 2025, and updated on February 7, 2025. The affected products include cake rings, paczki, fritters, crullers, and munchkins, among others. The recall applies to products with expiration dates of December 13, 2024, and earlier.
🦠 Between the Lines: Listeria is a bacterium that thrives in cold environments, meaning it can survive refrigeration and even freezing. This makes contamination harder to control in food products. Symptoms of listeria infection can include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. More severe cases can lead to meningitis, sepsis, and pregnancy complications.
🔑 Key Term: Bacterium- A bacterium is a tiny living thing that is so small you can’t see it without a microscope. Bacteria are single-celled organisms, which means they are made up of just one cell. Some bacteria can be helpful, like those that help us digest food, while others can make people sick. Bacteria can live in many places, like soil, water, and inside our bodies.
🔎 Catch Up Quick: Listeria-related food recalls are not uncommon, and the bacteria have been linked to previous outbreaks in ice cream, deli meats, and soft cheeses. In 2023, a listeria outbreak tied to soft cheeses led to multiple hospitalizations. A recall of frozen fruit for potential listeria contamination also made headlines in 2024.
🌎 The Big Picture: Food safety remains a critical issue in the U.S., with multiple recalls affecting everything from packaged salads to baked goods. While federal regulations aim to prevent contamination, gaps in food production and distribution still allow tainted products to reach store shelves. Consumers should check their freezers and pantries and discard any affected products immediately.
