Tradewind Foods de Puerto Rico Inc. has initiated a recall of Goya Red Kidney Beans. This came right after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found swollen and leaking cans during a routine inspection. This ongoing recall originally started on March 21, 2024 and continues to this day.
This is a very serious issue. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) warns us not to use food from cans that are leaking or look like they’re bulging or have big dents. They also warned us to look out for cracked jars or jars with loose lids, canned food with bad odor, or any food container that spurts liquid once you open them. These could all be signs that the food is contaminated with Clostridium botulinum which causes botulism, a very dangerous kind of food poisoning.
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The Goya Red Kidney Beans that were recalled are in metal cans that weigh 15.5 ounces each. They were sold in Puerto Rico and St. Croix. They came in cases that had 24 cans in them. These cases were labeled with “A2404-8BB” and have an expiration date of March 4, 2029. If you’ve purchased any Goya Red Kidney Beans lately, check them for these signs and labels. If you do have them in your possession, the best thing to do would be to throw them away or return them back to the place of purchase.
Let’s talk a bit more about botulism. This is a dangerous illness that can stop your muscles from working properly. It can paralyze your muscles and even the muscles you use for breathing which can cause sudden death.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tells us which symptoms to watch out for. If you’ve consumed something that can cause botulism, it will take about 18 to 36 hours before you start feeling sick. But in some cases, it can happen as fast as 6 hours after eating or as late as 10 days later. The warning signs include having blurry or double vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, having trouble swallowing, feeling your tongue is thick, dry mouth, and weak muscles. Keep in mind that these symptoms may all show up at once.
If you or anyone you know has consumed the recalled product and shows signs of botulism, you must seek immediate medical help. The illness will only get worse so you should see a doctor right away.
Remember, we must always be careful with what we eat. Prevention is always better than cure. Make sure to stay tuned so you’ll be up to date with all the food recalls. Stay safe everyone!
The Rise of a Food Empire
Did you know that Goya Foods is actually a brand with deep historical roots? Founded in 1936 by Spanish immigrants Prudencio Unanue and his wife Carolina, the couple started a small store in Lower Manhattan, New York. This modest beginning saw them catering to local Hispanic families by providing products from their home countries that were hard to find in the United States at the time.
They started out by distributing Spanish olive oil under the Goya brand. Pretty soon they expanded their product line to include a variety of Latino cuisines like beans, condiments, seasonings, and snacks. As the Hispanic population in the U.S. grew, so did Goya’s distribution. Eventually, they become the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the United States. Goya’s legacy has always been about family, quality, and tradition. All of these come together to be a true testament to the American Dream.
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The Crucial Steps in Handling a Food Recall
When it comes to the recall of Goya Red Kidney Beans by Tradewind Foods, it’s essential to grasp why taking these beans off the shelves is so necessary. The issues identified by the FDA inspection pointed to swollen and leaking cans, which are tell-tale signs of potential contamination by harmful bacteria, such as Clostridium botulinum.
Botulism is a serious matter, and food recalls like this work to prevent any harm to consumers. Sometimes recalls can impact a brand’s reputation, but how the company handles the recall is what really matters. Goya’s swift action to initiate the recall reaffirms its commitment to customer safety—a value ingrained since its inception.
The recalled cans are marked with a specific lot code “A2402-8BB“, ensuring customers can identify and avoid the affected products easily. This prompt action by Goya demonstrates strict adherence to safety standards for the well-being of all their customers.
The CDC has issued guidelines to recognize the symptoms of botulism (which you can find on their website CDC Botulism Information). It’s important for individuals to be aware of these signs to take action quickly in case of exposure.
As a consumer, staying informed and vigilant about food recalls is one way to participate in the overall safety of our community. Through their response to this incident, Goya, though facing a tough situation, upholds its brand promise of quality and concern for the consumer, which has been the cornerstone of their success over the years. Always remember to pay attention to the food you eat and to keep an eye out for safety notices to protect yourself and your loved ones!
From The Club
Goya’s Red Kidney Beans is a staple for a lot of people. So it’s quite concerning that some of their products can cause a life-threatening disease. It’s a good thing that they are doing everything they can to manage the situation but it is still scary to see a slip up like this. Remember to check the labels and see if you have these potentially contaminated cans in your homes. Stay safe!
