WASHINGTON, DC — A string of food recalls is affecting shoppers across the country, with products pulled from shelves over concerns ranging from a dead rodent in a jar of peppers to possible contamination with E. coli, listeria and salmonella. The recalls touch items that may already be sitting in pantries, refrigerators and freezers, including peppers, raw milk cheese, frozen berries, frozen pasta and salad dressing.
Federal regulators say some of the actions are tied to outbreak investigations, while others were prompted by routine testing or consumer complaints. In several cases, companies have expanded earlier recalls after additional lot codes or production runs were identified. None of the affected products should be eaten, and consumers are being urged to return them, throw them away or seek refunds where offered.
Mezzetta recalls peperoncini after consumer video shows possible dead mouse in jar
G.L. Mezzetta Inc. has voluntarily recalled 32-ounce jars of Mezzetta Golden Greek Peperoncini, Medium Heat, after learning about a social media video that appeared to show a dead mouse inside one unopened jar. The nationwide recall covers SKU 10106328 and lot number 720106, according to a Sept. 26 notice posted by the Food and Drug Administration.
The Northern California specialty foods company said it contacted the consumer and is reviewing production, sanitation and food-safety records. Distributors and retailers that received the affected lot have been asked to remove it from inventory. The company said no illnesses or injuries had been reported as of the recall announcement.
Mezzetta said no other products or lots are included. Consumers who have the recalled peppers should not eat them and may contact the company at [email protected] for help.
Walmart frozen pasta recall widens nationwide after listeria testing
Bettergoods Authentic Italian Lemon Alfredo Fettuccine sold at Walmart has been expanded to a full nationwide recall after federal regulators said all lot codes may be affected by possible listeria contamination. Gias Foods Inc. of New York first recalled two lots in September, then widened the action on Oct. 1 to include every lot of the 22-ounce frozen pasta with UPC 194346442706.
The recall followed routine sampling by agriculture officials in Washington and Florida that found the finished product may contain Listeria monocytogenes. Gias Foods has stopped distributing the pasta while it and the FDA investigate where the contamination came from.
No illnesses had been reported as of the latest notice. Consumers are being told to return the product to the store for a full refund. Listeria can cause severe illness, especially in young children, older adults, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems.
Raw milk cheeses linked to E. coli outbreak sickening 13 people
Sierra Nevada Cheese Company is recalling all of its Graziers raw milk cheeses sold nationwide after the products were linked to a multistate E. coli outbreak that has sickened 13 people. The recall includes Monterey Jack, Jalapeño Jack, Medium Cheddar and Sharp Cheddar sold in 8-ounce, 16-ounce and larger wholesale packages.
The FDA said investigators have not yet identified a specific lot, production date or contamination source. That means the recall now covers all of the company’s Graziers raw milk cheeses while the outbreak investigation continues.
The bacteria involved is E. coli O26, a Shiga toxin-producing strain that can trigger severe diarrhea and, in some cases, a serious kidney complication. Consumers should not eat or serve the cheese and should return it for a refund or discard it.
Frozen berry recall expands to Walmart and Trader Joe’s products in dozens of states
Another expanding recall affects frozen organic berries sold under Great Value and Trader Joe’s labels. Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. of Chile broadened earlier recalls to include more lots of Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend and Great Value Organic Blueberries sold at select Walmart stores, along with one lot of Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend.
The Great Value products were shipped to Walmart stores in 30 states and Puerto Rico, while the Trader Joe’s berries were distributed in 26 states and the District of Columbia. The recalled Great Value bags are 10 ounces, and the Trader Joe’s bags are 12 ounces. Best-by dates on the affected items run from January through June 2028.
The company said it took the action as a precaution after traceback information tied the berries to frozen blueberries involved in an earlier recall. The strain involved is E. coli O145, which can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting and, in some cases, hemolytic uremic syndrome.
Salmonella class I recall hits jalapeño avocado dressing sold in Georgia, North Carolina and Texas
Salata Dressings LLC has recalled 12.5-ounce bottles and 1-gallon jugs of its Jalapeño Avocado Dressing after learning that diced jalapeños used in the product were among four lots tied to a broader Salmonella outbreak. The dressing was distributed in Georgia, North Carolina and Texas, covering 1,724 cases with expiration dates ranging from July 8 through Nov. 25, 2026.
The FDA classified the recall as Class I, its highest risk level, meaning there is a reasonable probability that use of the product could cause serious health consequences or death. The dressing is connected to a larger outbreak involving jalapeños imported from Sinaloa, Mexico, by Coast Citrus Distributors.
That outbreak has been linked to 431 illnesses and 57 hospitalizations in 32 states. Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps, and can hit young children, older adults and immunocompromised people especially hard.
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