French’s Makes Recalls of One of Its Most Popular Products Amid Severe Food Poisoning Cases

McCormick & Company, Inc. has recalled French’s Original Crispy Fried Onions, one of its most popular products, thanks to the discovery of bacteria that may be growing on the food.

According to McCormick, 720 pouches of French’s Original Crispy Fried Onions have been recalled alongside 3,456 units of their six-ounce products.

However, it was reported that the main infected batches were sent to, and distributed in, Illinois and Arizona. However, neither McCormick nor the FDA have explained which stores these items were distributed to in these two states.

According to the FDA, French’s Original Crispy Fried Onions was recalled because it was discovered that Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) was possibly growing on the food.

Unfortunately, there isn’t an easy way to see if the food you’re eating may be contaminated with this specific type of bacteria. This is because this bacteria is hard to notice.

Often, this bacteria that attaches to food is killed once the food is cooked. Once a food item reaches an internal temperature of a certain heat, Staph can easily be killed off.

Studies have stated in the past that many cases of food poisoning — both those reported and those left unreported — are likely from this very specific strain of Staph bacteria.

Though neither McCormick nor the FDA have clarified why this bacteria may have appeared on some of their French onion products, there are a few theories to look into.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has explained that most people will develop symptoms after ingesting Staph bacteria anywhere from 30 minutes to eight hours after ingestion.

While very severe cases of illness after eating Staph bacteria are not common, there have been a few cases of this occurring.

There have been quite a lot of food recalls since 2024 began. Most recently, Planters Nuts has had to recall their products after they discovered some of their batches may have been contaminated with listeria.

If you’ve realized that you have a pouch or box of contaminated French’s Original Fried Onions, it’s best to throw it out and ensure you don’t eat anything out of it.

The recall of French’s Original Crispy Fried Onions is a significant blow to McCormick’s reputation. Consumer trust is essential for any brand, and food safety issues can severely damage it. The recall not only impacts immediate sales but also long-term brand loyalty.

To regain consumer trust, McCormick can conduct a thorough investigation to prevent future incidents. They can also use this opportunity to enhance their quality control processes.

Food safety protocols are critical in preventing contamination and ensuring consumer health. Standard measures include rigorous testing, sanitation procedures, and regular inspections. These protocols are designed to identify and eliminate potential hazards before products reach the market.

The FDA plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of the food supply. By monitoring manufacturing practices and enforcing safety standards, the FDA helps prevent contamination incidents.

Food recalls can lead to significant legal consequences for companies. McCormick may face lawsuits from affected consumers, which could result in substantial financial penalties.

The financial impact of food recalls on companies can be severe. McCormick faces not only direct costs associated with the recall but also potential loss of revenue due to decreased consumer confidence.

Consumers should first check the product details against recall notices. If confirmed, the product should be safely discarded to avoid any health risks.

Consumers can stay informed about food recalls through various resources. Websites like the FDA and CDC provide updated recall information.

Recent significant recalls highlight ongoing challenges in food safety. For instance, several ready-to-eat products were recalled due to listeria contamination, while Walmart’s ground beef recall involved E. Coli concerns.

While each recall is unique, there are common factors and differences that can be found among them. For example, both listeria and E. Coli are bacterial contaminants that can cause serious health issues if consumed.

Proper food handling and storage are crucial in preventing contamination. Always wash your hands before handling food and ensure surfaces are clean. Store perishable items at appropriate temperatures and follow expiration dates.

Foodborne illnesses can present with various symptoms, including stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Symptoms usually appear within hours of consuming contaminated food. Severe cases may involve fever, muscle pain, and dehydration.