FGF Brands has initiated a recall of approximately 2 million bakery items, including doughnuts and coffee rolls sold at Dunkin’ locations, due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recall, classified as a Class II by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is a precautionary measure to ensure consumer safety, though no illnesses have been reported.
The affected products include chocolate, raspberry, and Bavarian doughnuts, French crullers, éclairs, and coffee rolls, which were manufactured before December 13, 2024. The FDA stated that the contamination source remains unidentified.
FGF Brands emphasized that the recall was based on “non-product related findings” at a U.S. doughnut facility, clarifying that no doughnuts or food contact surfaces tested positive for Listeria. The recall was concluded in early January, and the company assured that no recently sold products are affected.
Listeria infections, while rare, can be severe, particularly for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms may include fever and headaches, and in extreme cases, the infection can be fatal. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Listeria is the third leading cause of foodborne illness deaths in the United States, with around 1,600 cases and 260 fatalities annually.
Dunkin’ has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the recall. This follows a similar Listeria-related recall in December when Braga Fresh withdrew certain ready-to-eat broccoli floret packages from Walmart stores.
The recall highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring food safety across the industry, reinforcing the importance of stringent quality control measures in food production.