Kroger has pulled several food items from its shelves across at least 15 states following reports of potential contamination and packaging defects. The recall extends to multiple Kroger subsidiary stores nationwide, raising alarms for consumers.
Hummus Tubs Recalled Over Plastic Contamination Risk
Fred Meyer and QFC, two Kroger-owned chains operating in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, have recalled 12 varieties of King Harvest hummus. The recall was issued due to a defect in the plastic tubs, which could lead to foreign plastic objects inside the containers.
The affected products include:
- King Harvest Lemon Hummus, 10 oz
- King Harvest Classic Hummus, 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
Kroger urged customers who bought any of these products to avoid consuming them. The recall was officially announced on February 5, 2025.
Interestingly, King Harvest had a similar recall in September 2024 due to plastic contamination in its packaging. It remains unclear whether the latest recall is linked to last year’s issue or if this is an entirely separate problem.
King Harvest has been contacted for comment, but no response has been received yet.
DJs Boudain Pulled Over Potential Metal Contamination
In Texas and Louisiana, Kroger stores have removed DJs Boudain sausage products due to concerns that some packages may contain pieces of a pen.
The affected products include:
- DJs Boudain Hot Jalapeño Boudain, 12 oz
- DJs Boudain – Boudain Sausage, 24 oz
- DJs Boudain – Boudain Sausage, 16 oz
This recall was initiated on February 1, 2025, and is part of a broader action taken by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA called for the removal of nearly 17,720 pounds of boudain sausage links due to potential contamination with foreign materials.
With metal fragments posing a severe health risk, consumers are advised to return or dispose of these products immediately.
DJs Boudain has been contacted for a statement regarding the recall, but no official response has been issued yet.
Gerber Teething Sticks Recalled Due to Choking Hazard
Two Gerber products marketed for teething children have also been recalled across multiple Kroger locations and its subsidiary stores nationwide. These items were removed after reports of choking incidents, including at least one emergency room visit.
The recalled products include:
- Gerber Soothe N Chew Teething Sticks Banana, 3.2 oz
- Gerber Soothe N Chew Teething Sticks Strawberry Apple, 3.2 oz
Kroger stores in Ohio, Virginia, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina, West Virginia, Texas, and Louisiana were affected, along with its subsidiaries Dillons, Baker’s, Gerbes, King Soopers, City Market, Fry’s, Fred Meyer, Ralphs, Food4Less, FoodsCo, QFC, and Smith’s.
This recall was initiated in compliance with a nationwide alert from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In a statement, Gerber acknowledged receiving consumer complaints about the teething sticks and apologized for any inconvenience.
A spokesperson for the company stated:
“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.”
What Should Consumers Do?
For those who have purchased any of these recalled products, Kroger has advised not to consume them and return them to the store for a full refund.
- Hummus recall date: February 5, 2025
- DJs Boudain recall date: February 1, 2025
- Gerber recall date: February 2025 (FDA-issued)
Customers concerned about food safety can check the USDA and FDA websites for updated recall information or contact Kroger’s customer service for further details.
