Food recalls and bans seem to be announced in abundance recently, from the FDA banning Red Dye No. 3 to recalls on common food products and pantry staples such as Boar’s Head meat and Costco butter. Several restaurants and fast food chains have also experienced recent food recalls, including McDonald’s quarter pounder burgers, which were recalled after an E. coli outbreak. Now, donut lovers need to beware, because there’s a Dunkin’ recall that affects baked goods at the fan-favorite coffee chain.
What is the Dunkin’ recall?
On February 5, the FDA reported that 2 million baked goods in the United States are being recalled due to a risk of listeria contamination. Most of the affected products are made by FGF Brand baked goods, which — although the company may sound unfamiliar — are sold under multiple brand names, including Dunkin’. In addition to popular products at Dunkin’ such as the baked cinnamon sticks and classic donuts, FGF Brand is also sold under other brand names including “Ace Bakery” and “Simple Joys,” which are commonly found at grocery stores like Kroger and Walmart.
How serious is the Dunkin’ recall?
Based on the number of affected products and risk of contamination, the FDA classified the Dunkin’ recall as Class II. The FDA states that consuming a Class II recall product can lead to “temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.” In this case, listeria is the prominent risk for FGF brand products that fall under the Dunkin’ recall.
What is listeria?
Listeria is a food-borne bacterial illness that can be found in any food product, ranging from sliced meat to dairy products. The symptoms of listeria infection include fever, chills, diarrhea, and nausea. In some cases, the symptoms can worsen to blood infection and meningitis. According to the CDC, the illness poses a serious threat to pregnant women, newborns, people 65 and older, as well as people with pre-existing diseases. If you suspect that you consumed a food product that’s been infected with listeria, visit a doctor as soon as possible.
Is it safe to eat food from Dunkin’ right now?
According to a statement from FGF, the brand issued a “voluntary recall” that was completed in early January, and the recall “does not implicate anything that is currently, or was recently on market.”
FGF also emphasized that donuts and baked goods produced by the brand are “safe to eat,” and that no food contact surfaces at production sites tested positive for listeria. Furthermore, all products affected by the recall were produced prior to December 13, 2024.
What is Dunkin’s spring menu?
Despite the recall, Dunkin’ has plenty of some exciting menu items to look forward to. The Dunkin’ spring menu leaked not too long ago, and it features the return of Dunkalatte and pistachio coffee, plus the Chicken Bacon Croissant Stuffer and the Sweet Black Pepper Seasoned Snackin’ Bacon.
Dunkin’ will also offer Easter-inspired treats such as the Cotton Candy Specialty donut and the Blueberry Sprinkle Munchkins. Plus, the $6 meal deal, which was introduced in August 2024 and made its return recently, will continue to reign entering the spring.