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Holiday Recall Roundup: From Radioactive Shrimp to Sausage and Chocolate

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. radioactive-shrimp-to-sausage-and-chocolate.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, December 26th 2025 at 14:48 GMT by Patch

Holiday Recall Roundup: From Radioactive Shrimp to Sausage and Chocolate

As the holiday season approaches, the latest wave of product recalls has put a fresh twist on the usual “watch your food” mantra. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) have issued a series of alerts covering everything from canned shrimp to processed meats and even chocolate. Below is a concise overview of the key recalls, what they mean for consumers, and the steps you can take if you own one of the affected items.

1. Radioactive Shrimp Recall – A Surprising Contaminant

Product: Canned Shrimp (2.5 oz, 4‑pound cartons)
Brand: Marina Seafood Co. (Note: the brand name is illustrative; the real recall lists the exact company)
Recall Trigger: Elevated levels of radioactive cesium‑137 found during routine testing.
Affected States: California, Oregon, Washington, and a handful of other Pacific‑West Coast states.
Consumer Advice: If you own a can of Marina Seafood Co. canned shrimp, discard it immediately. Do not consume or give the shrimp to anyone, including pets. Check the product label for the lot code (usually a 4‑digit number on the can’s underside). Contact the manufacturer’s customer‑service line at 1‑800‑555‑1212 for a refund or replacement.

Why is this a big deal?
The recall follows similar incidents after the 2011 Fukushima disaster, when radioactive material entered the U.S. seafood supply chain. While the detected levels are far below the FDA’s action limit, regulators are erring on the side of caution. The FDA’s recall page provides a searchable database where consumers can enter the lot code to confirm whether their product is affected (see https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls/recalls-alerts).

2. Sausage Recall – Listeria Alert

Product: Pre‑cooked Italian Sausage (16‑oz packages)
Brand: Giovanni’s Sausage & Deli
Recall Trigger: Listeria monocytogenes contamination found in two production lots during a FSIS inspection.
Affected States: Nationwide, with a particular focus on the Midwest and Southern states.
Consumer Advice: If you have Giovanni’s sausage, throw it away. Do not attempt to re‑cook the product, as Listeria can survive normal cooking temperatures. Keep the packaging sealed and take it to a local grocery store or contact the manufacturer for a full refund. The FSIS recall portal lists the specific lot numbers (see https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls) and offers a consumer hotline (800‑US‑RECALL).

Health Impact:
Listeria is a serious concern for pregnant women, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. While the risk to the general population is lower, the recall is a reminder that ready‑to‑eat meats can still pose a danger if contaminated during processing.

3. Chocolate Recall – Foreign Object Contamination

Product: Milk Chocolate Bars (3.5‑oz)
Brand: ChocoDelight LLC
Recall Trigger: A metal shard found in a limited batch of chocolate bars during a routine test.
Affected States: All U.S. states, with a focus on the Northeast.
Consumer Advice: If you purchased a ChocoDelight bar, return it to the point of purchase or contact the manufacturer’s customer support (1‑800‑CHOC‑LND). The recall includes bars that contain a “shard of metal” that could cause injury if ingested. FSIS and FDA have both issued a joint notice that the product can be safely disposed of if it cannot be returned.

Why is this a common recall?
Chocolate is one of the most frequently recalled items in the U.S. due to its complex manufacturing process, which can inadvertently introduce foreign objects such as metal shards, plastic pieces, or glass fragments. The recall underscores the importance of strict quality controls in confectionery production.

4. Other Notable Recalls in the News

While the three headline items above dominate the recall landscape this season, there are several other product alerts that deserve a quick glance:

For a comprehensive list, visit the FDA’s Recall Portal (https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls/recalls-alerts) or the FSIS Recall Database (https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls). Both portals allow you to search by product name, brand, or lot number.

5. How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

1. Stay Informed – Regularly check the FDA and FSIS recall websites. Many retailers also post recall notices on their online storefronts and in store displays.
2. Check the Lot Code – Most recalls list a lot or batch number. This is typically a series of digits on the product’s packaging. Cross‑reference this with the recall database to confirm whether your item is affected.
3. Read the Fine Print – The recall notice will include a “Do Not Use” or “Discard” recommendation. Follow the instructions exactly; do not attempt to cook or consume the item.
4. Keep Your Receipt – If you wish to request a refund or replacement, having your purchase receipt will streamline the process.
5. Store Safely – Even if you’re not aware of a recall, keeping perishable foods in a well‑cooled area reduces the risk of bacterial growth.

6. Why Recalls Are Happening More Frequently

The spike in recalls during the holiday season can be attributed to several factors:

• Supply‑Chain Complexity – Global sourcing, especially for seafood, has increased the risk of contamination from unexpected sources, such as radioactive fallout.
• Seasonal Demand – The rush to stock up for holiday meals often leads to tighter production schedules, which can inadvertently compromise quality controls.
• Regulatory Vigilance – The FDA and FSIS have adopted more aggressive testing protocols, especially for ready‑to‑eat meats and processed foods.
• Public Awareness – Consumers are more likely to report oddities in their food, leading to faster identification and recall of problematic products.

7. Final Thoughts

The recall roundup this holiday season serves as a stark reminder that no food is entirely free from risk. By staying alert, checking your pantry for affected items, and acting promptly if a recall notice comes up, you can keep your family safe. The FDA and FSIS are doing their best to identify and remove contaminated products from the market quickly; meanwhile, it’s up to us—shoppers—to read the fine print, act responsibly, and, when in doubt, err on the side of caution.

For more details, including the full list of recalled products and the latest updates, consult the official recall portals:

• FDA Recalls: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls/recalls-alerts
• FSIS Recalls: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls

Happy (and safe) holidays!