Attention home cooks: Several peeled garlic products have been pulled due to potential health risks that could lead to “serious adverse health consequences or death." Here's what you need to know.
What is being recalled?
On Friday, March 27, Tops Friendly Markets issued a recall for Garland Fresh Peeled Garlic, sold in its supermarkets across New York, Vermont, and Pennsylvania.
The recall includes garlic with the UCP codes 00068826753408 and 00071894000005.
However, that's not the only garlic you need to be aware of that was recently recalled. Just three days before this recent announcement, Tops also recalled Christopher Ranch Peeled Garlic, which is listed under the UCP code 00007457410852.
Why is garlic being recalled?
Both garlic products were recalled as they were stored at improper temperatures, which can create unsafe conditions for consumption.
“Food safety is a corporate priority for TOPS,” the supermarket chain shared in a statement. “We maintain the highest standards of performance in the business in order to fulfill our commitment to customers that we mean business when it comes to food safety.”
Why did this recall get a Class I designation?
According to the supermarket, “eating the food may cause health problems or even death." As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explained, eating garlic stored at the wrong temperature can cause anything from food poisoning to botulism, which can "weaken muscles used in breathing, which can lead to difficulty breathing and even death."
Because of this risk, all the recalled garlic products were issued a Class I recall by the FDA—the most severe classification, given only to products where there "is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”
What should I do if I have this garlic in my pantry?
The good news is that Tops shared that as soon as the recall was announced, the stores removed the affected product from their shelves. "We also have a process in place to block the sale of any Class I recalled product at the check-out to ensure that no Class I items that have been recalled are inadvertently sold to customers."
However, if you've already purchased this product, Tops shared that it's important to discard it immediately and bring in your receipt to your place of purchase for a full refund.
