A significant recall has been announced by Cargill Kitchen Solutions involving over 210,000 pounds of its liquid egg substitutes sold under the Egg Beaters and Bob Evans brands. This precautionary measure was taken after concerns emerged about possible contamination with a cleaning agent containing sodium hypochlorite, commonly referred to as bleach. The affected products were distributed in several states and may have reached nationwide markets. While health risks are considered minimal, consumers are advised against consuming these items and should either discard or return them.
On March 28, federal safety authorities reported that Cargill Kitchen Solutions initiated a voluntary recall covering roughly 212,268 pounds of their liquid egg substitute products. These items bear the brand names Egg Beaters and Bob Evans and might contain traces of a cleaning solution with sodium hypochlorite. Production dates for the implicated products were March 12 and 13, 2025, marked with the label G1804 on packaging. Shipments went out to Ohio and Texas for retail sale and to Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, and Iowa for food service use, potentially extending across the nation.
Cargill stated that this action was undertaken cautiously due to the possibility of undeclared sodium hypochlorite within some batches. Following an investigation triggered by a tip-off regarding potential contamination, experts from the Food Safety and Inspection Service determined that using these products would not likely lead to adverse health effects, categorizing it as a Class III recall. They emphasized that no incidents of illness had been reported thus far.
Consumer interest in egg alternatives is currently heightened due to ongoing price fluctuations and shortages experienced at grocery stores throughout the U.S. Concurrently, concerns persist over other goods possibly tainted by avian flu outbreaks affecting poultry and cattle populations domestically. Amidst recent declines in egg costs, apprehension about affordability persists, prompting many shoppers to explore innovative replacement options like liquid egg products.
Authorities urge customers who possess any of the recalled items to avoid consumption and properly dispose of or return them to the point of purchase. Despite the low likelihood of harm posed by these products, individuals experiencing any symptoms should seek medical advice promptly.