14 Food Items That Were Pulled for Health Risks

These 14 real-life food recalls show how quickly products can be pulled from shelves when contamination or health risks threaten public safety.

Alyana Aguja
September 1, 2025
4 min read

14 Food Items That Were Pulled for Health Risks — Dan Gold from Unsplash

Food recalls often make headlines when contamination puts public health at risk, and these 14 cases highlight some of the most significant in recent years. From listeria in ice cream to E. coli in lettuce, each incident prompted swift action from companies and regulators. These examples remind consumers of the importance of food safety vigilance and the ongoing efforts to prevent similar outbreaks.

1. Blue Bell Ice Cream (2015)

Image from Wikipedia

In 2015, Blue Bell Creameries issued a massive recall after listeria contamination was linked to its ice cream products, causing three deaths and multiple illnesses. The bacteria were traced back to production facilities, leading the company to shut down operations temporarily. It took Blue Bell months of cleaning and safety upgrades before their items returned to store shelves.

2. Peanut Corporation of America Peanut Butter (2009)

Towfiqu barbhuiya from Unsplash

A Salmonella outbreak in 2009, traced back to the Peanut Corporation of America, led to one of the deadliest food recalls in U.S. history. Over 700 people fell ill, and nine died as a result of contaminated peanut butter and paste. The company’s CEO was later sentenced to prison for knowingly shipping unsafe food.

3. Romaine Lettuce from Yuma, Arizona (2018)

Jef Wright from Unsplash

Romaine lettuce from the Yuma growing region was recalled in 2018 due to an E. coli outbreak. The contamination caused at least five deaths and sickened more than 200 people across multiple states. Authorities warned consumers to avoid romaine lettuce altogether until the source was eliminated.

4. Dole Packaged Salads (2016)

Anna Pelzer from Unsplash

In early 2016, Dole Fresh Vegetables pulled its packaged salads from shelves after listeria contamination was detected at a processing plant in Springfield, Ohio. The outbreak caused 19 illnesses and at least one death in the United States. The company overhauled its safety protocols before resuming production.

5. Sabra Hummus (2016)

Ludovic Avice from Unsplash

Sabra Dipping Company recalled certain hummus products in 2016 due to Listeria concerns. While no illnesses were directly linked to the products, the bacteria were found in the manufacturing environment. Sabra reassured customers by deep-cleaning facilities and increasing safety checks.

6. Blue Buffalo Dog Treats (2015)

okeykat from Unsplash

In 2015, Blue Buffalo voluntarily recalled some of its dog treats after discovering possible salmonella contamination. While meant for pets, these products posed risks to humans handling them. The recall served as a reminder that food safety extends beyond human food items.

7. Foster Farms Chicken (2013–2014)

JOHN TOWNER from Unsplash

Foster Farms faced a major Salmonella outbreak from 2013 to 2014 that sickened more than 600 people. The bacterial strain was resistant to multiple antibiotics, making the illnesses more severe. While the company did not issue a full recall, stores pulled the products, and the USDA issued safety warnings.

8. Kraft Macaroni & Cheese (2015)

Mikey Frost from Unsplash

Kraft recalled 6.5 million boxes of its original flavor Macaroni & Cheese in 2015 after small metal fragments were found in some packages. Although no injuries were reported, the risk of ingestion was serious enough to warrant immediate action. Kraft revamped inspection processes to prevent a repeat.

9. Trader Joe’s Raw Cashew Pieces (2016)

Mockup Graphics from Unsplash

Trader Joe’s recalled raw cashew pieces in 2016 after routine testing found potential Salmonella contamination. While no illnesses were reported, the company acted quickly to protect customers. The incident reinforced the importance of regular product testing for pathogens.

Pam Menegakis from Unsplash

Nestlé recalled refrigerated Toll House cookie dough in 2009 due to an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak. At least 69 people in 29 states became ill, and the company halted production. The dough was later reformulated with new safety measures in place.

11. Jif Peanut Butter (2022)

Olivie Strauss from Unsplash

In 2022, J.M. Smucker Co. recalled multiple varieties of Jif peanut butter after salmonella contamination was detected. The outbreak affected 21 people in 17 states, leading to hospitalizations. The recall extended to snacks and desserts made with the contaminated peanut butter.

12. Tyson Chicken (2021)

JK Sloan from Unsplash

Tyson Foods recalled nearly 9 million pounds of ready-to-eat chicken products in 2021 due to possible listeria contamination. The recall followed reports of at least three illnesses and one death. Tyson implemented a plant-wide sanitation overhaul before resuming production.

13. General Mills Gold Medal Flour (2019)

Immo Wegmann from Unsplash

In 2019, General Mills pulled 5-pound bags of its Gold Medal Unbleached All-Purpose Flour due to E. coli concerns. The recall was issued after routine testing found traces of the bacteria, though no illnesses were confirmed. Customers were warned not to eat raw flour or dough.

14. Sprouts from Jimmy John’s Suppliers (2020)

Christian Joudrey from Unsplash

In 2020, sprouts used in Jimmy John’s sandwiches were linked to multiple E. coli outbreaks. Federal officials traced the contaminated sprouts to a common supplier, leading to a nationwide removal. The fast-food chain later announced it would permanently stop serving sprouts.