Food recalls seem to make the news regularly, from contaminated produce and prepared foods to undeclared allergens and products containing foreign materials. With so many alerts, it can be difficult to know which recalls matter to you and what to do if you have already eaten a recalled food.

A recall does not necessarily mean everyone who ate the product will become sick. It does mean there is a potential safety concern that should be taken seriously. Knowing how to check a recall, recognize symptoms of foodborne illness, and understand when those symptoms require medical attention can help you protect yourself and your family.

Why Are Foods Recalled?

Food can be recalled for several reasons. Harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites may be found in a product. A food may contain an undeclared allergen, or foreign materials such as pieces of plastic, metal, or glass may be discovered.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees recalls for most foods, while the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) oversees meat, poultry, and processed egg products.

For the latest information, check the FDA Recalls, Outbreaks and Emergencies page or the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service recall list.

What Should You Do If Food You Purchased Is Recalled?

Start by reading the recall notice carefully. Check the brand, package size, UPC, lot or product code, and expiration or use-by date to determine whether the food in your home is actually affected.

Follow the instructions provided with the recall. Depending on the product, you may be instructed to throw it away or return it to the store where it was purchased. Do not eat recalled food simply because it looks or smells normal.

If a contaminated product has been stored or prepared in your kitchen, clean and sanitize surfaces, utensils, cutting boards, and refrigerator shelves that may have come into contact with it. Wash your hands thoroughly afterward.

The FDA provides additional guidance on what to do when food has been recalled.

What Are the Symptoms of Foodborne Illness?

Foodborne illness is often called food poisoning, but many different bacteria, viruses, parasites, and toxins can cause it. Symptoms vary depending on the cause and may begin within hours of eating contaminated food or take days or even weeks to appear.

Common symptoms include:

Diarrhea
Nausea or vomiting
Abdominal pain or cramping
Fever
Headache
Body aches
Fatigue

Because many illnesses cause similar symptoms, it may not be obvious that something you ate is responsible. If you become ill after eating a food associated with a recall, tell your healthcare provider what you ate and when you ate it.

When Does Food Poisoning Become an Emergency?

Many cases of foodborne illness are uncomfortable but improve with rest, fluids, and appropriate medical care. The concern increases when symptoms are severe, continue for several days, or prevent you from replacing the fluids your body is losing.

Seek medical attention for symptoms such as:

Diarrhea lasting more than three days
Fever higher than 102°F
Signs of significant dehydration
Severe or worsening abdominal pain
Fainting, confusion, or unusual weakness

Young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems or certain chronic health conditions can have a greater risk of developing serious complications from foodborne illness.

Watch for Dehydration

Vomiting and diarrhea can cause the body to lose fluids and electrolytes quickly. Dehydration can become a medical concern even when the original illness is expected to resolve on its own.

Warning signs may include very little urination, dark urine, dry mouth, dizziness when standing, unusual fatigue, weakness, or confusion. Children may become unusually sleepy or irritable and may urinate less frequently than normal.

If you cannot keep fluids down or begin experiencing significant symptoms of dehydration, medical evaluation may be necessary.

Foodborne Illness and Emergency Care

You do not need to visit an emergency room simply because you ate something that was later recalled. Follow the recall instructions and monitor yourself for symptoms.

If you become seriously ill, the situation is different. Persistent vomiting or diarrhea can lead to significant dehydration, while severe abdominal pain, high fever, bloody stool, fainting, or changes in alertness can indicate a more serious problem.

Elite Hospital Kingwood is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to evaluate serious symptoms and complications associated with foodborne illness. Our emergency care team has access to on-site laboratory testing and advanced diagnostic imaging when needed to help determine what may be causing your symptoms and provide appropriate treatment.

Stay Informed About Food Recalls

Recall information can change quickly as investigators learn more about a product or outbreak. Instead of relying solely on social media posts or news headlines, verify recall information through an official source.

You can find current information through:

If you are experiencing severe symptoms or believe you may be having a medical emergency, seek medical attention immediately.

Elite Hospital Kingwood provides 24/7 emergency care for Kingwood and the Greater Houston area.

Food Recalls in Houston and Foodborne Illness