WASHINGTON — The recent salmonella outbreak that triggered the recall of a half-billion eggs generated headlines across the globe, but less reported are the small volume of food and drug recalls that take place almost every day.
Just last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported 13 voluntary recalls from food and drug makers, ranging from celery and cantaloupe to turkey and beef.
McNeil Consumer Healthcare, a unit of Johnson & Johnson, recalled another lot of Tylenol last week, its sixth since December, due to consumers’ complaints of its moldy odor.
On Friday, Nestle USA recalled Raisinets, 10 oz.-sized bags that contain “undeclared” peanuts that may cause an allergic reaction. The products were sold to Target, Shop Rite and Don Quixote stores nationwide and the company received eight complaints, according to Tricia Bowles, a spokeswoman for Nestle.
And the manufacturer of Mega Pops brand lollipops, Colombina SA, recalled 90,000 bags that may contain foreign particles. The manufacturer found no serious health risks, said spokesman Bradley Gerber.
These recalls often fall into the FDA’s so-called class II or III recalls, which may cause temporary or no adverse health reaction but still violate the FDA labeling or manufacturing rule. And news of the recalls often doesn’t reach the public unless consumers seek out information.
But there is a way to stay informed. The FDA provides a Web page and Twitter updates on recalls.
“You never know how serious it is until it begins, that’s the problem,” said Barry Swanson, a professor of food and science at Washington State University. “Whether you’re an elderly person or a very young person, any type of food-borne illness can be hazardous.”
When consumers consume tainted food or drugs, and detect possible symptoms of an adverse reaction, they should seek a doctor’s help, Swanson said.
Consumers with allergies to food and drug should be especially vigilant and stay aware of what they eat, experts warn.
“There is no cure for food allergies,” says Stefano Luccioli, a senior medical adviser in the FDA’s Food Additive Safety. “The best way for consumers to protect themselves is by avoiding food items that will cause a reaction.”
An estimated 150 to 200 Americans die each year because of allergic reactions to food, according to the FDA’s food-testing laboratories. Almost 30,000 people go to the emergency room each year with severe food allergic reactions.