In recent months, H-E-B has issued recalls for several food products due to potential health risks. These actions reflect the grocery chain's dedication to consumer safety and its proactive response to alerts from regulatory bodies. The recalls involve cucumbers potentially contaminated with Salmonella, waffle products at risk of Listeria monocytogenes contamination, and ready-to-eat meat and poultry products also suspected of harboring Listeria. Each recall underscores the importance of vigilance in ensuring the safety of the food supply chain.

H-E-B Responds to Multi-State Cucumber Recall

H-E-B took swift action in December 2024 by recalling Sunfed Produce cucumbers due to a potential Salmonella contamination. This move was part of a broader FDA-led initiative involving multiple states. The cucumbers were distributed between mid-October and late November, leading to concerns about salmonellosis, a bacterial illness that can cause severe symptoms and even fatalities. H-E-B's prompt response aimed to protect consumers across various regions.

The cucumber recall affected numerous states, including Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Upon receiving notification from the FDA, SunFed immediately initiated the recall process. Craig Slate, president of SunFed, emphasized the company's commitment to food safety and consumer well-being, stating that they have been prioritizing these values for over three decades. SunFed is collaborating closely with authorities and growers to identify the root cause of the contamination. The company requires strict adherence to FDA food safety standards from all its suppliers.

H-E-B Addresses Contamination Risks in Waffles and Meat Products

In October 2024, H-E-B extended its efforts to ensure food safety by recalling certain waffle products made by Treehouse Foods. The recall was prompted by concerns over potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause serious health issues, especially among vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals. This action was part of a larger FDA-mandated recall affecting hundreds of waffle products across multiple brands.

Treehouse Foods expanded its voluntary recall to include all griddle products manufactured at its Brantford, Ontario facility. The company stated that no confirmed cases of illness had been linked to the recalled items but urged consumers to check their freezers and dispose of or return any affected products for a refund. Around the same time, H-E-B also recalled ready-to-eat meat and poultry products from BrucePac due to possible Listeria contamination. This recall was part of a nationwide effort by the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to remove nearly 10 million pounds of BrucePac meat from shelves. Despite the extensive recall, no reported illnesses were associated with the BrucePac products. Both recalls highlight H-E-B's proactive approach to safeguarding public health and maintaining trust with its customers.