Recalls: Arsenic In Apple Juice; What Inspectors Found At Boar’s Head

ACROSS AMERICA — The death toll in a multistate listeria outbreak has risen to nine as federal inspectors released reports showing repeated violations at a Boar’s Head plant that produced the recalled ready-to-eat meats linked to the outbreak, and Walmart is recalling about 9,500 cases of apple juice because they’re potentially contaminated with arsenic.

Other recalls and health alerts warn of 145 illnesses in 29 states that are potentially associated with the consumption of Diamond Shruumz brand candy products after a lab analysis showed contained a psychoactive ingredient found in certain mushrooms and other illicit substances. Federal investigators are looking into two deaths that may be linked to the products.

This report is based on notices issued by the Food and Drug Administration, the USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

9 Dead In Listeria Outbreak; Inspectors Find Bugs, Mold. Mildew

A Boar’s Head plant in Virginia linked to a multistate listeria outbreak that has caused nine deaths had dead and live bugs, mold and mildew, according to records released by USDA inspectors.

At least nine people have died and at least 57 people have been hospitalized after being infected with listeria from the suspect Boar’s Head deli meats, the CDC said Wednesday.

The USDA records showed 69 reports of “noncompliance” at the Jarratt, Virginia, Boar’s Head plant have been filed with the agency’s Food Safety Inspection Service over the past year. Boar’s Head issued a massive recall of potentially contaminated products last month, and operations at the plant have been suspended.

The dozens of violations in the plant that produces ready-to-eat meats included a “rancid smell,” mold and mildew buildup, “ample amounts of blood in puddles on the floor,” pooled water from leaks that showed green algae growth, and insects, both live and dead.

Arsenic Found In Apple Juice Sold At Walmart

Walmart is pulling more than 9,500 cases of apple juice from its shelves in more than two dozen states after it tested above Food and Drug Administration recommended levels for naturally occurring arsenic.

According to the FDA announcement, Walmart's Great Value 8-ounce 100 percent apple juice in six-packs packaged in 8-ounce PET plastic bottles is being recalled. The affected products have a Best If Used By date of Dec. 28, 2024, and a UPC code of 0-78742-29655-5.

The products were sold in Alabama, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont and West Virginia.

145 Sickened By Mushroom Chocolates And Gummies

The CDC and FDA are urging people to avoid Diamond Shruumz chocolates, cones and gummies linked to 145 severe acute illnesses, 59 of them requiring hospitalizations, in 29 U.S. states. The agencies are investigating two potential deaths linked to consumption of the products.

The agencies say the cause of the reported illnesses has not been confirmed, but an analysis of recalled products found some contained muscimol, a psychoactive substance found in certain mushrooms, controlled substances, prescription drugs and other illicit compounds.

People who have reported illnesses have experienced symptoms such as hallucinations, uncontrolled movements, fast or slow heart rate, high or low blood pressure, flushed skin, and nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain. Others have reported seizures, loss of consciousness, confusion, sleepiness and respiratory failure.

The product packaging, sold at smoke and vape shops, may appeal to children, the agencies said, warning consumers they should dispose of any unused product Diamond Shruumz-brand they have on hand. All have been recalled. Anyone who consumes a Diamond Shruumz brand product and has adverse health effects should call the Poison Help Line at 800-222-1222.

The products were sold at smoke and vape shops nationwide. States reporting illnesses include Alabama (4), Arizona (11), California (3), Colorado (1), Florida (6), Georgia (23), Indiana (8), Iowa (5), Kansas (5), Kentucky (11), Maryland (2), Minnesota (3), Missouri (1), Montana (3), Nevada (2), New Jersey (2), New York (1), North Carolina (17), North Dakota (3), Oklahoma (1), Oregon (1), Pennsylvania (2), South Carolina (7), South Dakota (1), Tennessee (9), Texas (7), Virginia (3), Washington (2) and Wisconsin (1).

Fisher-Price Baby Dumbbells Pose Choking Hazard

Fisher-Price is recalling about 366,200 plastic dumbbells sold with the Baby Biceps Gift Set because the ends can come off and pose a choking hazard to children. According to the recall notice on the CPSC website, the manufacturer took seven reports of the ends coming off the dumbbells but no injuries.

The model number, GJD49, is located on the back of the kettlebell toy in the gift set. The dumbbell toy is gray with orange and red plastic weights on each side.

The gift sets were sold nationwide from April 2020 to August 2024 at Walmart, Kohl’s, Fred Meyer, Hobby Lobby, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Buy Buy Baby and Target stores, and online at Amazon.com, Walmart.com, Zulily.com, Target.com and other websites. The gift sets cost about $18.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled dumbbell toy, take it away from young children, and contact Fisher-Price to receive a refund at 855-853-6224 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday; by email; or online.

Fudge Recalled Because Of Mold Growth

About 840 packages of Montreal Chocolate Fudge with Nuts sold in TJ Maxx and Marshalls stores in more than three dozen U.S. states have been recalled due to the potential for contamination from mold growth, the FDA said in a recall notice.

No illnesses have been reported in connection to the fudge, manufactured by Athentik Fudge of Sainte-Julie, Quebec, Canada, and distributed by Marshalls on June 19-20 of this year. Affected lot numbers are 0241500805, with an expiration date of March 1, 2025; lot 0241690105 with an expiration date of March 17, 2025; and lot 0241690205, also with an expiration date of March 17, 2025.

Consumers who bought the fudge are encouraged to destroy it or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Questions may be directed to the company at [email protected] or 450-649-1331 or 877-313-1331, from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.