Eat Rx

As of mid-2025, the landscape of food safety is more dynamic and critical than ever. In an era of increasingly globalized supply chains and complex food production methods, staying informed about what’s on our plates is no longer just a healthy habit—it’s an essential aspect of consumer vigilance. From emerging health alerts to widespread product recalls and ongoing battles against toxic ingredients, the responsibility falls on each of us to be an educated advocate for our own health and the health of our communities, including our vibrant one here in Orlando, Florida.

This blog post delves into recent significant food safety events, including major adverse health alerts, notable food removals from FDA lists, and instances where companies have faced scrutiny for questionable ingredients. We’ll explore the underlying reasons behind these occurrences, understand their implications for public health, and empower you with the knowledge to make safer, more informed choices for yourself and your family. The goal is not to foster fear, but to cultivate an informed perspective, transforming every shopping trip and dining experience into a proactive step towards greater well-being.

Decoding Major Adverse Health Alerts (MAHA) in Food

While “MAHA” isn’t a formal acronym used by regulatory bodies, it aptly describes what the public health community refers to as significant foodborne illness outbreaks or widespread contamination events that pose a serious risk to consumer health. These are the incidents that prompt urgent public warnings, extensive investigations, and often, widespread product recalls. They serve as stark reminders of the fragility of our food systems and the constant vigilance required from regulatory agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

In recent months, as of July 2025, several types of MAHA have been prominent:

• Bacterial Contaminations: Pathogens like Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and E. coli continue to be leading causes of foodborne illness outbreaks. These can lead to severe gastrointestinal distress, hospitalization, and even death, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Recent alerts have frequently involved produce, dairy, and ready-to-eat foods.
• Undeclared Allergens: A recurring and serious MAHA involves products containing undeclared major allergens (e.g., milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish). For individuals with severe allergies, exposure to even trace amounts can trigger life-threatening anaphylactic reactions. Mislabeling, cross-contamination during manufacturing, or errors in ingredient statements are common culprits.
• Foreign Material Contamination: Reports of foreign objects (e.g., plastic pieces, metal fragments, glass shards) in food products, while less common than microbial or allergen issues, can cause physical injury and lead to widespread recalls. These often highlight issues in manufacturing processes or quality control.

These alerts are not just statistics; they represent real people experiencing illness, fear, and disruption. Understanding the categories of these alerts helps us appreciate the types of risks that exist and why regulatory actions are so vital.

Recent Foods Removed from FDA Lists: A Closer Look at Recalls and Withdrawals (Late 2024 – Mid 2025)

The FDA’s primary mechanism for removing unsafe products from the market is through recalls and market withdrawals. A recall is a firm’s removal of a distributed product from the market, or the firm’s correction of a product already distributed, that the FDA considers to be in violation of the laws it administers and against which the agency would initiate legal action. A market withdrawal occurs when a product has a minor violation that would not be subject to FDA legal action, or when a product is removed from the market for commercial reasons.

Recent months have seen a continuous stream of these actions, reflecting ongoing efforts to ensure food safety. As of July 2025, notable categories and specific examples of products removed or subject to alerts include:

• Dairy Products and Listeria Concerns: There have been continued recalls of various dairy products, including cheeses, yogurts, and other ready-to-eat items, due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. This follows major outbreaks in previous years (e.g., the 2024 Rizo Lopez Foods Inc. dairy product recalls) and remains a persistent concern. Listeria can survive and even grow at refrigeration temperatures, making contaminated refrigerated foods particularly hazardous. Consumers are urged to check “Best if Used By” dates and lot codes carefully.
  • Example: In May 2025, Fresh & Ready Foods LLC recalled select ready-to-eat products, including sandwiches and protein snacks, due to a multi-state Listeria outbreak. These products were widely distributed to retail stores, hospitals, hotels, airports, and airlines. [For detailed information, please refer to the FDA’s “Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes: Ready-to-Eat Foods (May 2025)” on FDA.gov, typically found in the Recalls, Market Withdrawals & Safety Alerts section].
• Produce Contamination and Salmonella Outbreaks: Fresh produce, due to its raw consumption and broad distribution, is frequently implicated in Salmonella outbreaks. Cucumbers, leafy greens, and sprouted beans have been recent culprits.
  • Example: In July 2025, Deep-brand frozen sprouted mat (moth) beans and frozen sprouted moong (mung) beans were recalled due to Salmonella contamination, linked to an ongoing multi-state outbreak. The FDA and CDC are actively investigating. Consumers are advised to check their freezers for these specific brands and lot codes. [For more information, visit the FDA’s “Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Frozen Sprouted Beans (July 2025)” on FDA.gov].
  • Another Example: Throughout late 2024 and into early 2025, various cucumber recalls (e.g., those associated with Bedner Growers Inc. of Boynton Beach, Florida, and Agrotato, S.A. de C.V. from Mexico) were issued due to potential Salmonella contamination. This highlights the vulnerability of fresh produce supply chains and the importance of washing produce thoroughly. [Relevant details can be found on FDA.gov’s “Major Product Recalls” page, under 2025 and 2024 listings].
• Undeclared Allergens: Persistent Problem: This category consistently sees numerous recalls.
  • Examples: July 2025 saw recalls such as Jalux Americas, Inc.’s L’espoir Brand Cookies for undeclared milk and tree nuts, and Sabores Bakery (dba Sabores A Tu Mesa) in Kissimmee, FL, recalling MOUSSE DESSERTS for undeclared milk, eggs, soy, wheat, and tree nuts. Hartford Bakery, Inc. also issued an allergy alert in July 2025 for undeclared hazelnuts in “Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style ½ Loaf.” These incidents underscore the critical need for accurate labeling and stringent allergen control in food manufacturing. [A comprehensive list of recent allergy alerts can be found on FoodSafety.gov or FDA.gov’s general recalls page].
• Unapproved or Uneviscerated Products: Less common but equally serious are recalls for products that fail to meet fundamental safety standards.
  • Example: In mid-July 2025, KRASNIY OKTYABR INC. USA. recalled its “ARAL SILVER VOBLA” brand dry salted fish because it was found to be uneviscerated, posing a potential Clostridium botulinum risk. Botulism is a severe and often fatal form of food poisoning. [Details available on FoodSafety.gov].

These recent events are a snapshot of the continuous challenges faced by food safety regulators and the industry. They emphasize that vigilance, both by regulators and consumers, is paramount.

Companies in the Hot Seat: Toxic Ingredients and Regulatory Scrutiny (Late 2024 – Mid 2025)

Beyond immediate contamination and recall events, a growing area of concern involves the long-term health implications of certain ingredients that are legally permitted in the food supply but are increasingly under scientific and public scrutiny for their potential toxicity. This has led to lawsuits, legislative efforts, and public pressure on major food companies.

• Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) Under Legal Fire: A significant development in late 2024 and early 2025 has been the rise of lawsuits targeting major food companies over the health impacts of ultra-processed foods. These lawsuits allege that UPFs contribute to chronic diseases like fatty liver disease and Type II diabetes, arguing that the products are designed to be addictive and are marketed deceptively despite their detrimental health effects.
  • Example: In December 2024, a groundbreaking lawsuit, Martinez v. Kraft Heinz Company, Inc. et al., was filed against multiple major food companies, claiming UPFs caused severe health problems in a teenager. While these cases are ongoing and their outcomes will set precedents, they signal a growing legal challenge to the UPF industry. [For more on this, refer to legal analyses in mainstream business news or legal publications, e.g., articles found on Reuters, The New York Times, or legal advisory sites covering food law trends].
• The “GRAS” Loophole and Questionable Additives: A major point of contention remains the “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) designation process for food additives. Critics argue that many chemicals are introduced into the food supply without sufficient independent FDA oversight, instead relying on industry-appointed experts.
  • Legislative Push: As of July 2025, there’s a strong legislative push to reform the GRAS process. The “Food Chemical Reassessment Act of 2025,” introduced in Congress by Representatives Jan Schakowsky and Rosa DeLauro, aims to compel the FDA to regularly review and reassess food chemicals, many of which haven’t been reevaluated in decades.
  • State-Level Bans: Frustration with federal inaction has led several states, including California and New York, to enact their own bans on specific food additives already prohibited in other countries (e.g., European Union). In 2023, California famously banned four specific food additives—Red Dye No. 3, potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil, and propylparaben—from food products sold in the state, effective 2027. Texas Senate Bill 25, moving through the legislature in early summer 2025, aims to require companies to disclose when a product contains an ingredient deemed unsafe in other countries. These state-level actions are putting significant pressure on national manufacturers to reformulate. [News outlets like The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and environmental health groups like EWG (Environmental Working Group) have extensively covered these legislative and advocacy efforts].
• PFAS “Forever Chemicals” in Food Packaging and Products: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and the human body, continue to be a concern in food packaging and, indirectly, in food products. While direct food ingredients are less often the source, contamination can occur through packaging, processing equipment, or environmental exposure.
  • Regulatory Action & Public Pressure: The FDA has taken steps to phase out certain PFAS in food packaging, but advocacy groups continue to push for broader bans. Recent reports have highlighted PFAS contamination in privately produced eggs in some regions, linked to chickens consuming contaminated earthworms, indicating the insidious ways these chemicals enter the food chain. [Major news outlets often report on PFAS concerns, and environmental advocacy sites provide detailed reports and policy recommendations].

These ongoing issues underscore a critical shift: public and regulatory focus is expanding from immediate foodborne illness to the cumulative, long-term health effects of widespread, legally permissible ingredients. This challenges food companies to not just meet minimum safety standards, but to innovate towards genuinely healthier, cleaner products.

Why This Matters to You: The Consumer in 2025

For residents of Orlando and Central Florida, these national and global food safety trends have direct relevance:

1. Local Impact of National Recalls: Given Florida’s robust tourism industry and diverse population, our grocery stores, restaurants, and food service providers source products from across the nation and the globe. This means that a national recall, whether for Listeria-contaminated ready-to-eat meals or undeclared allergens in baked goods, very likely impacts products available right here in Orlando. The recalls issued by Kissimmee-based Sabores Bakery, for instance, are a direct reminder of local relevance.
2. Diverse Food Landscape: Orlando’s incredible culinary diversity, from its international restaurants to its vibrant farmers’ markets, offers immense choice. However, it also means a wider array of products from various supply chains, necessitating greater consumer awareness.
3. Vulnerable Populations: As a city that attracts many families with young children and is a popular destination for seniors, Orlando has a significant proportion of populations particularly vulnerable to foodborne illnesses and adverse reactions to undeclared allergens. This elevates the importance of staying informed about recalls.
4. Florida’s Role in Food Production: Florida is a major agricultural state. Understanding food safety from farm to fork helps local consumers appreciate the efforts of responsible local producers and demand higher standards across the board. The cucumber recalls linked to a Boynton Beach, Florida, grower in 2025 highlight this local connection to broader issues.

Staying informed about the current events in food safety is not about fear; it’s about empowerment. It allows you to protect your health and to exert your influence as a consumer towards a safer, more transparent food system.

Empowering Your Plate: Actionable Steps for the Informed Consumer

Navigating the complexities of food safety in 2025 requires proactive steps. Here’s how you can empower yourself:

1. Stay Informed:
   • Regularly Check Official Recall Sites: Make it a habit to check the FDA and USDA recall pages before major shopping trips or if you hear a general alert.
     • FDA Recalls, Market Withdrawals & Safety Alerts: [Visit: www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts]
     • FoodSafety.gov Recalls & Outbreaks: [Visit: www.foodsafety.gov/recalls-and-outbreaks]
   • Follow Reputable News Sources: Major news organizations often report on significant food safety alerts and investigations, providing broader context.
     • Examples: Check food safety sections of The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Associated Press, or local news channels like WFTV Channel 9 or WESH 2 News in Orlando, which often cover local impacts of national recalls.
   • Sign Up for Alerts: Many government agencies and consumer advocacy groups offer email or text alerts for food recalls and safety warnings.
2. Read Labels Diligently:
   • Check Ingredients: Pay attention to the ingredient list, especially for highly processed foods. Look for ingredients you recognize and can pronounce. Be wary of long lists of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
   • Allergen Statements: Always check allergen declarations carefully, even on products you’ve purchased before, as formulations can change.
   • “Best By” / “Use By” Dates: Understand the difference. “Use By” dates are typically for safety, especially on perishable items, while “Best By” dates relate more to quality.
3. Practice Safe Food Handling:
   • Clean: Wash hands, surfaces, and utensils thoroughly.
   • Separate: Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs separate from ready-to-eat foods.
   • Cook: Cook foods to the proper internal temperatures.
   • Chill: Refrigerate perishable foods promptly.
4. Choose Whole, Minimally Processed Foods:
   • The more you prioritize whole fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, the less exposure you’ll have to potentially problematic additives and contaminants found in ultra-processed products. This naturally enhances the “supplement value” of your diet.
   • Support local farmers and producers at places like the Orlando Farmers Market or Lake Eola Park Farmer’s Market, as shorter supply chains can sometimes offer greater transparency and freshness.
5. Be a Proactive Consumer:
   • Report Concerns: If you suspect a food product has made you ill or contains undeclared ingredients, report it to the FDA or your local health department. Your report can help prevent wider outbreaks.
   • Support Advocacy: Support organizations working to improve food safety regulations and reduce toxic ingredients in the food supply.

Your Power on the Plate

In 2025, the journey of food from farm to plate is more complex than ever before. While regulatory bodies like the FDA work tirelessly to safeguard our food supply, recent events, including major adverse health alerts, persistent recalls due to contamination and undeclared allergens, and growing scrutiny of problematic additives, underscore the continuous challenges.

For residents and consumers everywhere, this evolving landscape means that personal vigilance and informed choices are powerful tools. By understanding the nature of food safety risks, staying updated on recalls, scrutinizing ingredient labels, and prioritizing whole, minimally processed foods, you become an active participant in your health journey. This proactive approach not only protects you and your loved ones but also contributes to a growing demand for greater transparency, accountability, and ultimately, a safer, healthier food system for all. Your plate is your power—wield it with knowledge and intention.