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Critical Food Recalls: What Home Cooks Must Know Right Now

Update Stay Informed: Food Recalls You Can't Ignore As summertime brings family barbecues and casual dining, it’s vital to double-check your pantry and fridge for recent food recalls. This week, crucial recalls on turkey bacon and Ritz peanut butter crackers have emerged, and knowing about them can keep your family safe. Turkey Bacon Scare: What You Need to Know On July 2, Kraft Heinz Foods Company announced a staggering recall of over 367,000 pounds of Oscar Mayer turkey bacon due to potential listeria contamination detected in routine testing. This harmful bacteria can cause severe foodborne illnesses, leading to symptoms like fever and gastrointestinal distress. If you've stocked up on turkey bacon from your local Walmart, Target, or Kroger, check the label closely. The recalled turkey bacon comes in packages of 12-ounce, 36-ounce, and 48-ounce sizes. Look for specific UPC codes and 'use by' dates ranging from July to September 2025. It's a good idea to throw away any suspect packages and sanitize your refrigerator or freezer. Plus, you can request a refund or replacement by contacting the Kraft Heinz consumer hotline at 1-800-280-7185. A Different Kind of Labeling Issue: Ritz Crackers Recalled In a separate recall, Mondelēz Global LLC pulled Ritz Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches from shelves due to a labeling mistake. Some packages incorrectly labeled as cheese cracker sandwiches contain peanut butter. This poses a severe risk for individuals with peanut allergies, highlighting the importance of reading labels carefully. The impacted packages include various sizes sold at major retailers. Check UPC codes and best-by dates, especially if you have family members who could react to peanut allergens. If you have these snacks at home, be sure to check them against the recall information to stay safe. Why These Recalls Matter Recalls like these are reminders to be vigilant about food safety in our homes. Apart from keeping an eye on your refrigerator, they open an opportunity to engage with your family's eating habits. Take this time to explore delicious recipes gathered from safe, reliable sources or perhaps create new fun recipes at home using trusted ingredients. Take Action: Always Check Labels In conclusion, our food landscape is prone to errors, but you can keep your meals safe. Stay informed and proactive by verifying your pantry and fridge for recalled items. It’s also a great time to try easy recipes that utilize safe ingredients. Happy cooking!