RECALL ALERT - 2/2/26
Gerber recalls biscuits because of plastic pieces or paper
Gerber Products Company is recalling batches of Gerber Arrowroot Biscuits because of the potential presence of soft plastic and/or paper pieces that should not be consumed. According to a company notice, the material comes from an arrowroot flour supplier who initiated a recall. Gerber is no longer working with the flour supplier.
This recall is isolated to limited batches of Gerber Arrowroot Biscuits 5.5-ounce products produced between July 2025 and September 2025. In the U.S., this recall is nationwide. No other Gerber products are impacted by this recall.
As of Jan. 26, no illnesses or injuries have been reported.
View the Food Safety News article for a full list of affected batch codes:
https://www.foodsafetynews.com
RECALL ALERT - 1/20/26
Cheese recalled because of Listeria contamination
The Ambriola Company is recalling select cheese products, including some Boar’s Head brand cheese, after routine testing confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. Ambriola has suspended production and distribution of affected products as the company conducts a review of all sanitation and food safety procedures.
The affected products were distributed to retail stores and distributors nationwide between Nov.3, 2025, and Nov. 20, 2025.
No illnesses have been reported to date. There is concern that consumers may still have the recalled products in their homes because of their long shelf life, which stretches into May this year.
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look, smell or taste spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.
Details and photos of the affected products can be found in the original article:
https://www.foodsafetynews.com
IDPH News Release
IDPH Issues Reminder About Potential Hazards of Consuming Raw Milk
At least eleven recent illnesses linked to consumption of unpasteurized milk
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is issuing a general reminder to the public about the potential dangers of consuming raw milk after at least eleven people were recently sickened by such products. While most milk products sold in the state are pasteurized, meaning they have been treated with heat to kill viruses, germs, and other substances that can cause illness, raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurized, making it more likely to be a source of foodborne illness.
“Pasteurization is one of the greatest public health successes of the last century,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “It helps keep milk and dairy products safe for everyone to enjoy. Raw milk skips this important step and can carry dangerous germs that may cause serious illness, especially in young children, older people, and individuals with chronic medical conditions. To help keep everyone in Illinois safe, we encourage people to be cautious and think carefully before choosing to drink raw milk.”
IDPH has so far identified an outbreak of eleven cases of Campylobacter infection that appear to be linked to consumption of raw milk from a common source; the producer is taking steps to notify customers and is cooperating with the investigation. Campylobacter is a bacteria that can cause diarrhea (which can be bloody), fever, and stomach cramps. In more severe cases, the infection can lead to irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome. IDPH recommends that anyone who has consumed raw milk and begins to exhibit those symptoms to contact their medical provider.
Illinois raw milk rules require testing for temperature, antibiotics, and certain signs that could indicate infection within the product. However, specific pathogen testing for germs like Campylobacter or other disease-causing agents like E. coli or salmonella is not required.
IDPH recommends the following precautions to avoid illnesses associated with milk consumption:
• Use pasteurized milk and dairy products.
• Refrigerate perishable foods at 40°F or colder to slow bacterial growth. Never leave perishable food out for more than two hours -- or one hour if exposed to temperatures above 90°F, like in a hot car or at a picnic.
• Throw away expired or spoiled food. When in doubt, throw it out.
For more information on raw milk and its potential hazards, go to Raw Milk and Your Health.
IDPH Warns Public to Watch Out for Rabid Bats
Over two dozen cases of rabies have been verified in bats across 14 Illinois counties. For information about rabies and what to do if you think you've been exposed, plus tips for keeping you family and pets safe from exposure, you can read the article on our
News page
Or read the original news release on the IDPH website at:
Board of Health Monthly Meetings
The minutes from the monthly Board of Health meeting will be made available for download on this page