America’s favorite soft drink is now at the center of a frightening food safety scare after something deeply disturbing was found inside select cans of Coca-Cola—prompting a federal recall and urgent consumer warnings.
At the start of March 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed that Coca-Cola had begun recalling some of its products after a shocking discovery inside select cans left officials no choice.
According to the FDA’s website, the ongoing recall was officially initiated on March 3, 2025, after a plastic foreign object was found in cans of Coca-Cola Original Taste—the company’s flagship product.
Coca-Cola bottles and cans on display inside an Auchan supermarket in Paris, France, on January 29, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
The voluntary recall affects cans distributed in Illinois and Wisconsin, specifically the 12 fl oz (355 mL) Coca-Cola Original Taste. The UPC for individual cans is 0 49000-00634 6, and for 12-can packs, 0 49000-02890 4.
The recall number is F-0664-2025 identifies the contaminated batch, which carries the date code SEP2925MDA and a time stamp between 1100 and 1253. In total, 864 twelve-count packs were pulled from distribution by the Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Twelve-pack cases of canned Coca-Cola sit on the shelf at a store in Stevensville, Maryland, on March 25, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
And while some may dismiss the object as minor, the FDA issued a stark warning that “hard or sharp foreign objects in food may cause traumatic injury.”
The agency explained that injuries could include “lacerations and perforations of tissues in the mouth, tongue, throat, stomach, and intestine.” It also cautioned that such objects may cause damage to teeth and gums, especially if swallowed unknowingly.
Coca-Cola products on display in mini and large sizes at a Publix grocery store in Miami Beach, Florida, on May 5, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
He continued: “If the metal is sharp, it can cause cuts or internal injury and may need to be removed via a surgical procedure. If you swallow any foreign objects, its best to consult a healthcare professional.”
Dr. Mark Fischer, regional medical director at International SOS, underlined the severity of such contaminations, saying, “It can be dangerous to consume metals or other foreign objects found in food.”
The FDA has classified this as a Class II recall, which the agency defines as “a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”
As the controversy swelled, Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling broke its silence with a damage-control statement aimed at reassuring shaken consumers.
“The cases are being withdrawn because they did not meet our high-quality standards,” the company said in a public statement. “We are taking this voluntary action because nothing is more important to us than providing high-quality products to the people who drink our beverages.”
But the Coca-Cola scare is far from an isolated incident. According to Fischer, the trend is deeply troubling—and worsening by the year. “Recalls have been on the rise over the past couple of years,” he warned.
He pointed to a disturbing pattern involving contaminated carrots, cucumbers, and deli meats, all recalled in recent months for dangerous pathogens such as E. coli, listeria, and salmonella.
Dr. Fischer continued: “Its recommended that consumers ensure they are keeping up to date with news regarding recalls… Staying informed when purchasing food items is the best way to prevent foodborne illness.”
Fischer’s warning proved prophetic—just days later, a major recall struck the meat aisle.
Coca-Cola cans on display with the brand’s logo visible in the background in the photo taken in Brussels, Belgium, on March 2, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
AdvertisementMetal in meat sticks? Over 29,000 pounds of beef yanked from shelves in contamination scare
On March 20, 2025, Idaho Smokehouse Partners, LLC issued a recall of approximately 29,541 pounds of ready-to-eat beef stick products due to possible contamination with metal.
The products in question were manufactured between January 13 and January 15, 2025, and distributed to retailers in California and Illinois.
The Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) stepped in immediately, confirming that the affected product is: 1.15-oz vacuum-sealed packages of “CHOMPS ORIGINAL BEEF STICK MILD,” marked with an expiration date of 02-10-2026, bearing lot code 25016, and stamped with establishment number “6220A”, ink-jetted directly onto the packaging.
Following the startling beef stick recall, Chomps confirmed it had launched an internal investigation after receiving two alarming consumer complaints.
The reports involved the possible presence of metal fragments in the company’s popular snack product—an unsettling revelation that prompted the company to act swiftly. “Our consumers are, and always will be, our number one priority,” the brand declared.
So far, no injuries or adverse reactions had been reported, but the company wasn’t taking chances. The recall was initiated as a precaution, aiming to get ahead of a growing crisis of consumer confidence.
As scrutiny intensified, Coca-Cola, the FDA, Chomps, and the FSIS had all confirmed they were continuing to monitor the situation. Officials urged shoppers to double-check their pantries and stay vigilant by following official recall updates.
Walmart chicken broth pulled from shelves in 9 states over spoilage risk—2,000+ cases recalled as sterility issue sparks alarm
As previously reported, at the beginning of the year, yet another consumer nightmare emerged—this time involving a household kitchen staple.
The FDA alerted the public to a recall, of over 2,000 cases of chicken broth sold under Walmart’s Great Value label after a serious packaging defect raised red flags about possible spoilage.
Shoppers at Walmart | Source: Getty Images
The product? Great Value Chicken Broth, 48 oz. aseptic paper cartons, shipped in cases of six, with 120 cases per pallet. The recall affected cartons marked with a “Best Used By” date of March 25, 2026, lot code 98F09234, and the following UPCs:
007874206684 (retail unit)
078742066844 (case)
The FDA enforcement report stated the cause as: “Potential for packaging failures that could compromise the sterility of the product, resulting in spoilage.”
The recall was voluntarily initiated by Tree House Foods Inc. on December 11, 2024, after the company distributed 2,023 cases to 242 Walmart stores across nine states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas.
Tree House Foods notified retailers by phone, but notably, the company has not issued a press release, and the recall remains ongoing.
Walmart, for its part, responded quickly, reportedly removing all affected broth from shelves as soon as the issue came to light.
In a statement to USA Today, the retail giant said, “The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority.”
And they continued, “As soon as we were made aware of the issue, we took action to remove all impacted (products) from … select, impacted stores. We are continuing to work with the supplier to investigate.”
Shoppers looking for products inside Walmart | Source: Getty Images
After urging customers to immediately discard the recalled chicken broth and seek full refunds, Walmart found itself once again caught in the FDA’s spotlight—this time, for something even more alarming.
This wasn’t the first time a Great Value product raised red flags.
Toxic twist: Great Value apple juice recalled over arsenic fears—thousands of bottles sold across 25 states and Puerto Rico
In August 2024, Great Value 100% Apple Juice,, sold in 8-ounce plastic bottles in six-packs, was pulled from shelves after testing revealed a toxic contaminant: inorganic arsenic.
This is not the first time a Great Value product has faced an FDA recall. Last year, Great Value 100% Apple Juice, sold in 8-ounce plastic bottles in six-packs, was recalled because the “Product contains inorganic arsenic above action level set in industry guidance (13.2ppb).”
According to the FDA, the juice “contains inorganic arsenic above action level set in industry guidance (13.2ppb).”
The voluntary recall was initiated by Refresco Beverages US Inc. on August 23, 2024, and classified as a Class II recall. It affected 9,535 cases distributed to 25 states, including Alabama, Florida, New York, and even Puerto Rico.
On September 13, 2024, the company issued a carefully worded statement, explaining the move was made “out of an abundance of caution.”
Refresco stated that it became aware that certain lots of their apple juice—made with supplier-provided concentrate—contained arsenic levels that slightly exceeded the FDA’s 10 parts per billion (ppb) threshold.
The company reassured consumers that no incidents had been reported, and encouraged the public to check the FDAs recall list for product specifics.
The affected juice, labeled with a “Best if Used by DEC2824 CT89-6” code, remains under ongoing recall—yet another reminder of how danger can hide in even the most innocent of grocery items.
Just weeks before the holidays, another major brand was forced to pull products off shelves—this time after a consumer sounded the alarm about a hidden allergen in a beloved American snack.
Allergy timebomb in your snack aisle: Lay’s Classic chips recalled over undeclared milk—Frito-Lay under fire after consumer alert
On December 16, 2024, Frito-Lay published a bulletin announcing the recall of select 13 oz. bags of Lay’s Classic Potato Chips. The issue? Undeclared milk—a potentially life-threatening ingredient for those with milk allergies or sensitivities.
A photo of a bag of opened Lays Classic chips taken in Tiskilwa, Illinois on April 17, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
The company revealed that the recalled chips had been distributed to retail and e-commerce locations in Oregon and Washington, and may have been purchased as early as November 3, 2024.
Though no allergic reactions had been reported at the time of the announcement, Frito-Lay issued a stern warning to consumers to check their bags for the following identifiers:
“Guaranteed Fresh” date of February 11, 2025
UPC: 28400 31041
Manufacturing codes: 6462307xx or 6463307xx
Those with milk allergies were advised to discard the product immediately.
A photo of Lays Classic chips taken in Miami, Florida on May 2, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
In a statement to Newsweek, a Frito-Lay spokesperson confirmed the details and attempted to reassure the public. The representative emphasized the company’s “commitment to transparency and consumer safety.”
They further clarified that “No other Lays products — including flavors, sizes, or variety packs — were involved in the recall.”
A photo showing a variety of Lays chips in a supermarket in Latham, New York on February 2, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
To widen public awareness, the FDA re-published the recall notice on its official website two days later, amplifying the message for at-risk consumers and allergy sufferers.
Frito-Lay also announced that affected customers can contact the company directly for support:
Frito-Lay Consumer Relations: 1-800-352-4477
Available during regular business hours
Bags of Lays Classic chips in a grocery store in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 17, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
As the Lay’s chip recall raises alarms over undeclared milk, experts are emphasizing just how dangerous a milk allergy can truly be—especially for children.
Not just a tummy ache: Mayo Clinic warns milk allergies can cause hives, seizures—even life-threatening anaphylaxis
According to the Mayo Clinic, milk allergy is one of the most common food allergies in children, triggered by an abnormal immune system response to proteins found in milk.
Jersey cows in a field located in Fresno, California on June 14, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
While cow’s milk causes most reactions, the Mayo Clinic warns that milk from sheep, goats, and buffalo can also set off the body’s defenses. Why? Because the immune system mistakenly sees certain proteins—like casein (from the curd) and whey (from the liquid)—as harmful invaders.
That mistake can unleash a storm of histamines and other chemicals in the body, causing symptoms that range from mild to terrifyingly severe.
The Mayo Clinic cautions that symptoms can appear within minutes or take hours to manifest. Immediate reactions may include hives, swelling of the lips or throat, wheezing or coughing, vomiting, or an itchy, tingling sensation around the mouth.
But the danger doesn’t stop there. Delayed reactions can hit even harder, presenting as loose stools, painful abdominal cramps, colic in infants, or respiratory problems like a runny nose and watery eyes.
Boxes of milk at a Costco Wholesale store in Kyle, Texas on March 30, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
In the most severe cases, a milk allergy can trigger anaphylaxis s—a life-threatening medical emergency that narrows airways and makes breathing almost impossible. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include a swollen throat, a sharp drop in blood pressure, facial flushing, and even full-body shock.
The Mayo Clinic stresses that in such cases, immediate treatment with an epinephrine injection is critical—followed by a rushed trip to the emergency room.
While many people toss around the term “milk allergy,” experts warn that not all dairy-related issues are the same—and confusing them could prove dangerous.
It’s critical, the Mayo Clinic says, to distinguish a true milk allergy from lactose intolerance or milk protein intolerance, because the underlying causes—and risks—are fundamentally different.
Unlike a milk allergy, which involves the immune system going into attack mode, lactose intolerance is a digestive issue. It’s caused by the body’s inability to break down lactose, a sugar found in milk.
Common symptoms like bloating, gas, and diarrhea may be uncomfortable—but they’re rarely life-threatening. In contrast, a milk allergy can trigger hives, respiratory issues, and even anaphylactic shock.
Several factors can make a child more likely to develop a milk allergy, including a history of atopic dermatitis—a chronic inflammatory skin condition that increases food allergy risk.
The risk also spikes if theres a family history of allergies, including asthma, hay fever, or eczema.
There’s no cure for a milk allergy, so the only treatment is strict avoidance—which is often easier said than done. Milk proteins hide in plain sight, sneaking into processed foods, baked goods, candy, even products labeled “non-dairy.” To stay safe, shoppers are urged to read labels carefully, watching for trigger words like “Casein,” “Whey,” or anything starting with “lact-” (such as lactose, lactate, or lactic acid).
Bottles of milk for sale in a Whole Foods Market Daily Shop in New York on September 17, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Milk allergies are most common in young children, whose digestive systems are still developing. Fortunately, many will outgrow the allergy—but some will carry it into adulthood, where daily vigilance becomes a way of life.
For infants, breastfeeding or hypoallergenic formulas are typically recommended. In some cases, even nursing mothers must eliminate dairy from their own diets if cow’s milk proteins pass through breast milk and cause symptoms.
Eating out? That brings another layer of risk. Experts urge families to ask detailed questions at restaurants, since steak, seafood, and other dishes may be prepared with hidden butter.
And for those with severe allergies, one mistake can be deadly. That’s why it’s critical to carry emergency epinephrine (like an EpiPen), wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace, and make sure others around you are aware of the condition.
Living with a milk allergy doesn’t just mean avoiding dairy—it can also mean nutritional deficiencies, especially in calcium, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients. Doctors recommend working with a healthcare provider or dietitian to build a safe and balanced diet, possibly with supplements to fill in the gaps.
But it’s not just physical—there’s also an emotional toll. Constant label reading, menu anxiety, and fear of cross-contamination can be mentally exhausting, especially for families with small children.
Still, experts insist there is hope. With proper education, careful planning, and unrelenting vigilance, people living with milk allergies can lead safe, happy, and healthy lives—but they can never let their guard down.
Listeria scare in the produce aisle: Walmart broccoli recalled across 20 states in Class I health emergency
Just when shoppers thought they were making a healthy choice, a terrifying new threat emerged from the produce aisle.
As we also previously reported, A Class I FDA recall—the most serious category of food safety warning—was issued for Marketside Broccoli Florets (12 oz.), sold at Walmart stores across 20 states, after tests revealed potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a deadly bacteria.
A stack of broccoli | Source: Getty Images
The recall, initiated by Braga Fresh Foods LLC on December 27, 2024, affected 5,918 cases of prepackaged broccoli marked “BEST IF USED BY DEC 10 2024” with the code: BFFG327A6 13:56.
The threat came to light after Texas Health & Human Services conducted random testing at a Walmart location—and found that one of the samples tested positive for the bacteria.
So far, no illnesses had been reported, but the warning was clear: Do not take chances.
According to the FDA, a Class I recall means there is a “Reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”
Listeria monocytogenes isn’t just another foodborne bug—it’s a potentially deadly pathogen, especially for young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms include fever, severe headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. But for pregnant women, the risks are far more devastating—Listeria can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, or premature labor.
That’s why health officials urged extreme caution for anyone who purchased broccoli florets from Walmart in these 20 states: Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming
Shoppers who found the affected product in their refrigerators were urged not to consume it and immediately discard or return it to the store. Braga Fresh Foods stated it alerted retailers directly via email, phone, press releases, and in-person visits.
The FDA is continued to monitor the situation, which remained active and ongoing.
Organic horror: Baby carrots spark deadly E. coli outbreak—39 sick, 15 hospitalized, 1 dead as ‘healthy’ snack turns sinister
Just when American families thought organic meant safe, an outbreak turned their produce drawers into a potential biohazard zone.
On November 17, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the FDA sounded the alarm: a dangerous E. coli outbreak had been traced to organic carrots—both whole and baby-sized, in various packaging—and sold under some of the most trusted supermarket brands in the country.
The carrots were distributed by Grimmway Farms, a major supplier whose products span national chains. Although the company issued a recall on November 16, the CDC warned that many bags may still be sitting in consumers’ refrigerators, undetected and deadly.
Consumers were urgently advised to inspect their fridges, discard or return any affected carrots, and sanitize all surfaces that may have come into contact with the tainted produce.
A close-up photo of a Grimmway Farms information label in Lafayette, California on November 17, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The contaminated carrots were sold under a sprawling list of brands, including, 365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Compliments, Full Circle, Good & Gather, GreenWise, Marketside, Natures Promise, O-Organic, Presidents Choice, Raleys, Simple Truth, Sprouts, Trader Joes, Wegmans, and Wholesome Pantry.
An individual holding a bunch of baby carrots from their fridge in Lafayette, California. | Source: Getty Images
The recalled baby carrots had “best if used by” dates ranging from September 11 to November 12, while the whole organic carrots—though undated—were sold between August 14 and October 23.
Though shelves may now be cleared, the CDC stressed that the danger may still be in homes across America.
A close-up photo of a packet of Bunny Luv organic carrots from Grimmway Farms in Lafayette, California. | Source: Getty Images
The E. coli outbreak had wreaked havoc across 18 U.S. states, with 39 reported illnesses, 15 hospitalizations, and 1 confirmed death.
The most affected states included: Minnesota, New York, and Washington, with additional cases reported in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Wyoming.
Interviews with 27 of the sickened individuals revealed a chilling common thread—26 of them (96%) had consumed carrots in the week prior to becoming ill, cementing the connection between the product and the outbreak.
A CDC case count map confirmed cluster outbreaks in key regions and warned of a wider, scattered spread across several other states.
A killer strain: What is E. coli O121:H19—and why it’s so deadly
Lab testing confirmed the recalled carrots were tainted with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) O121:H19—a highly dangerous strain known to cause severe and sometimes fatal illness.
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This particular variant is considered especially threatening to young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems
Even healthy individuals can experience symptoms like intense abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting—with complications potentially leading to life-threatening kidney failure.
In severe cases, an E. coli infection can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious complication that causes kidney failure—and in some instances, death.
Symptoms typically appear three to four days after exposure, and can hit suddenly and violently. The CDC lists the most common early signs as intense stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, fever, nausea and vomiting.
Most people will recover within five to seven days without medical intervention. But for some—especially young children and the elderly—the infection can spiral into a medical emergency, requiring hospitalization.
The CDC urges anyone experiencing severe symptoms such as dehydration, persistent diarrhea, or a fever over 102°F to seek immediate medical attention.
Escherichia coli, commonly known as E. coli, are bacteria naturally found in food, water, and even the intestines of humans and animals.
While most strains are harmless—and even help with digestion and vitamin production—certain types, like the one found in the recalled carrots, are dangerously toxic.
Infection occurs when people ingest the bacteria through contaminated food, unwashed produce, undercooked meats, or direct contact with infected people, animals, or surfaces The risk is especially high for children under 5, adults 65 and older, and international travelers with limited exposure immunity.
To help consumers guard themselves against future outbreaks, the CDC has shared an array of critical prevention tips, emphasizing kitchen cleanliness, proper food handling, and cooking vigilance.
1. Wash hands frequently. Scrub with soap and water for at least 20 seconds—especially after handling raw meat, using the bathroom, or prepping food.
2. Sanitize surfaces and tools. Cutting boards, knives, countertops, and sinks should be cleaned with hot, soapy water between each use.
3. Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables. Even organic produce can harbor bacteria—always rinse under running water before eating or cooking.
4. Separate raw and ready-to-eat foods. Keep meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs isolated. Use different cutting boards to avoid cross-contamination.
5. NEVER wash raw chicken. The CDC warns that rinsing chicken can spread bacteria across kitchen surfaces via water droplets.
6. Cook food to the proper internal temperature. Use a food thermometer—don’t guess. The CDC recommends: 145°F for whole cuts of meat, 160°F for ground meats, and 165°F for poultry and leftovers.
7. Refrigerate perishables promptly. Store leftovers within 2 hours (or 1 hour if it’s over 90°F). Keep your fridge at 40°F or below.
8. Avoid unpasteurized milk and juice. These can harbor dangerous bacteria like E. coli, especially for children and the immunocompromised.
9. Be cautious around animals. E. coli can be contracted from petting zoos, farms, and backyard animals. Wash hands after every interaction.
10. Stay informed about food recalls. Check the FDA and CDC websites regularly to ensure your groceries aren’t part of any active contamination warnings.
Other essential precautions include ensuring access to safe, treated drinking water, especially during camping trips, hikes, or international travel—where contaminated water can quietly become a breeding ground for deadly bacteria.
Even swimming isn’t without risk. Experts advise the public to avoid swallowing water while in lakes, ponds, or pools, and to never swim while experiencing diarrhea, a major culprit in the silent spread of E. coli.
And when it comes to the grocery aisle, not all beverages are created equal. The CDC urges consumers to only drink milk, juices, and dairy products that are clearly labeled as pasteurized. This vital process kills harmful pathogens, including E. coli, and protects vulnerable groups—from young children and the elderly to pregnant women and the immunocompromised.
By following these critical safety steps, individuals can drastically lower their risk of infection, safeguard their families, and navigate today’s growing food safety landscape with confidence.
Because in an era of invisible contamination and unexpected recalls, vigilance isn’t optional—it’s essential.
