Consumers are advised to be cautious as several liquid egg products have been recalled due to potential contamination with a cleaning solution. Cargill Kitchen Solutions, based in Michigan, has initiated the recall of approximately 212,268 pounds of liquid egg substitutes sold under the Egg Beaters and Bob Evans brands. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall last week, stating that the products may contain sodium hypochlorite, an active ingredient in bleach.
The affected products were distributed in Ohio and Texas for retail sale and in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, and Iowa for food service use. However, there is a possibility that the distribution was broader. Cargill spokesperson Kristen Saunders confirmed to NPR that no updates regarding the extent of distribution were available.
The company emphasized that the products do not pose a health risk if consumed, and the recall was conducted out of an abundance of caution. FSIS scientists determined that the health risks to consumers are minimal, classifying the recall as Class III. No adverse reactions have been reported so far.
Shoppers are advised not to consume the recalled products and instead discard them or return them to the store. The recalled items, produced on March 12 and 13, bear the establishment number “G1804” on their cartons. A consumer hotline at 1-844-419-1574 has been set up to address questions about the recall.
This recall comes amid rising egg prices and shortages, driven by avian flu outbreaks that have reduced the bird population significantly. Prices seem to be declining after hitting record highs in January, but uncertainties remain due to factors like tariffs.
— new from NPR
