The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced last Friday the recall order of 700,125 pounds worth of spaghetti and meatballs-based products.
Apparently, the products are likely contaminated with milk, which could cause allergenic reactions to people that suffer from lactose intolerance.
Spaghetti and meatballs contaminated with milk
The products at hand were produced between January 5 and January 12. It was on June 6 when Conagra Brands, Inc. received a warning from one of it suppliers explaining that the breadcrumbs that received in one of the shipments were likely to contain milk.
The recalled products are the following:
- 14.75-ounce cans of “Chef BOYARDEE Mini pasta shells & meatballs, Pasta and Meatballs made with Pork, Chicken and Beef in Tomato Sauce,” package code 2100700500 and Use By Date 12/26/18.
- 14.75-ounce cans of “Hy-Top Spaghetti and Meatballs Made with Pork, Chicken and Beef in Tomato Sauce,” package code 2100701200 and Use By Date 01/02/19.
- 14.75-ounce cans of “Essential EVERYDAY Spaghetti with Meatballs Made With Pork, Chicken and Beef in Tomato Sauce,” package code 2100701200 and Use By Date 01/02/19.
- 14.75-ounce cans of “Libby’s Spaghetti and Meatballs MADE WITH PORK, CHICKEN AND BEEF IN TOMATO SAUCE,” package code 2100701200 and Use By Date 01/02/19.
- 14.75-ounce cans of “Food Hold Spaghetti & Meatballs MADE WITH PORK, CHICKEN AND BEEF IN TOMATO SAUCE,” package code 2100701200 and Use By Date 01/02/19.
- 14.75-ounce cans of “Del Pino’s SPAGHETTI & MEATBALLS MADE WITH PORK, CHICKEN AND BEEF IN TOMATO SAUCE,” package code 2100701200 and Use By Date 01/02/19.
It is unclear whether the products pose any danger other than the possibility of causing allergic reactions, seeing that they could contain milk and this may alter its expiration date.
Unlike most organic products, slight variations in temperature can cause milk to lose its freshness quickly. If it’s too warm, it can curdle to the bottom of its recipient, which is coincidentally caused by lactose. If this occurs, the milk should be discarded.
Milk becomes spoiled when bacteria converts the lactose into glucose and galactose, which then turn into lactic acid, forming an unpleasant curd. This allows bacteria to form and create mold.
Containment procedures should be specifically designed for milk-based products if they are among the ingredients of what’s being packed. Milk should be kept at a temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit during transportation, something that certainly does not apply for tomato sauce.
Consuming spoiled milk can result in food poisoning, and depending on how bad it is, it can cause diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps that may last for days.
Spoiled milk always smells bad, and its consistency is more like glue than liquid milk. Still, the FSIS advises disposing of the recalled products immediately.
Customers and distributors with questions about the recall order may contact Conagra at (866) 213-12-45. Media queries can be directed at (312) 549-5355.
Source: FSIS