Healthy Choice Expands Frozen Food Recall After Customers Found Rocks in Entrees

Healthy Choice has expanded the recall of its Power Bowls frozen entrees that might have small rocks in them. According to a news report, the recall has been expanded by 276,872 pounds and two more Power Bowl varieties. Conagra, which makes these products, received additional consumer complaints about rocks being in the products, and the firm then notified the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Inspection Service of the issue. Those with any of these products can return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Those with questions can reach Conagra at 800-672-8240.

Prior Healthy Choice Recall

Last month, Conagra issued a nationwide recall of about 130,763 pounds of Healthy Choice power bowl products over concerns that they may contain extraneous material. Reports stated that consumers reported finding small rocks in the meals. The USDA announced the recall on its website stating that the problem was discovered when consumers began to report they were finding small rocks in their power bowls.

While we often read about contaminated food involving bacteria, foreign objects such as pieces of metal, glass, plastic, or rubber, also tend to make food products dangerous. Sharp fragments in particular have the potential to surprise the consumer and cause serious injury or harm if ingested.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers a product adulterated if it contains a hard or sharp foreign object that measures 7 mm to 25 mm in length and is ready to eat or requires only minimal preparation steps that would not eliminate or neutralize the hazard before the food is consumed. Glass is the most frequently reported foreign material in food to cause illness or injury.

Recalls Involving Contaminated Products

There have been a number of recalls in recent months and years involving foreign bodies such as wood, metal and rubber in processed food products. Since food processing is extremely mechanized, it is likely that parts of machinery or even surfaces such as conveyor belts could make their way into the products. This could occur when manufacturers fail to maintain their facilities and equipment properly or when they fail to train employees about being vigilant while processing the food products.

Contaminated food has the potential to cause serious injuries, illnesses or even death. If you or a loved one has been affected by recalled or contaminated food products, you may be able to seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, permanent injuries, pain and suffering and emotional distress. An experienced product defect lawyer will be able to help you better understand your legal rights and options.

Source: https://www.miamiherald.com/living/food-drink/article242957811.html