Kroger has pulled several food products from its shelves in at least 15 states due to safety concerns, with recalls affecting multiple items from different brands. Some recalls involve potential contamination with plastic and foreign objects, while others pose choking hazards. The recall also extends to subsidiary stores across the country, impacting thousands of customers.
King Harvest Hummus Recalled Over Plastic Contamination Risk
Kroger subsidiary stores Fred Meyers and QFC in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington have recalled twelve varieties of King Harvest hummus due to potential plastic contamination in their tubs. The affected products include:
- King Harvest Lemon Hummus, 10 oz
- King Harvest Hummus Classic, 10 oz
- King Harvest Roasted Garlic Hummus, 10 oz
- King Harvest Toasted Onion Hummus, 10 oz
- King Harvest Chipotle Hummus, 10 oz
- King Harvest Spinach Hummus, 10 oz
- King Harvest Black Olive Hummus, 10 oz
- King Harvest Sesame Hummus, 10 oz
- King Harvest Jalapeño Hummus, 10 oz
- King Harvest Balsamic Hummus, 10 oz
- King Harvest Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus, 10 oz
- King Harvest Roasted Pepper Hummus, 10 oz
The recall, initiated on February 5, 2025, follows similar issues from September 2024 when King Harvest had to recall hummus products due to the presence of plastic fragments in containers. It remains unclear whether this is a continuation of the previous recall or a new safety incident.
Kroger warned customers not to consume the affected products and advised returning them for a refund. King Harvest has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the recall.
DJs Boudain Sausages Pulled Due to Possible Pen Contamination
Kroger stores in Texas and Louisiana have recalled three products from DJs Boudain due to potential contamination with pieces of a pen. The affected items include:
- DJs Boudain Hot Jalapeño Boudain, 12 oz
- DJs Boudain – Boudain Sausage, 24 oz
- DJs Boudain – Boudain Sausage, 16 oz
The recall, announced on February 1, is part of a larger action led by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which called for the removal of approximately 17,720 pounds of boudain sausage links from stores in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. The USDA classified the recall as a safety measure to prevent possible health risks.
DJs Boudain has not yet issued a public statement or responded to inquiries about the recall.
Gerber Teething Sticks Recalled Nationwide for Choking Hazard
Two Gerber products for teething children have been recalled from Kroger stores in 13 states, including Ohio, Virginia, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina, West Virginia, Texas, and Louisiana. The affected items include:
- Gerber Soothe N Chew Teething Sticks Banana, 3.2 oz
- Gerber Soothe N Chew Teething Sticks Strawberry Apple, 3.2 oz
These products were also removed from Kroger’s subsidiary stores, including Dillons, Baker’s, Gerbes, King Soopers, City Market, Fry’s, Fred Meyer, Ralphs, Food4Less, FoodsCo, QFC, and Smith’s.
The recall follows consumer complaints about choking incidents, including one case requiring an emergency room visit. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) supported the recall as a precautionary measure to prevent further health risks.
In a company statement, Gerber acknowledged the issue and apologized to parents and caregivers, stating, “The recall was initiated after receiving consumer complaints of choking incidents. To date, one emergency room visit has been reported to the firm… We sincerely apologize for any concern or inconvenience this action represents to parents, caregivers, and retail customers.”
Consumer Guidance on Returns and Refunds
Customers who purchased any of these recalled products are advised to:
- Stop consuming them immediately.
- Return them to the store where they were purchased for a full refund.
- Contact the respective brands for further information on the recall.
Kroger continues to monitor the situation and has reassured customers that it is taking necessary precautions to prevent similar incidents in the future.
