Many shoppers never receive a warning before recalled products end up in their kitchens. Food recalls are easy to miss, and they can happen for various reasons, including harmful bacteria or parasites, foreign objects, or undeclared allergens.

Why Your Grocery Store May Not Warn You

You may not receive a notification if you paid with cash, did not use a loyalty account, or bought the item from a third-party seller. Store alerts are helpful, but they should not be your only way of finding out about a recalled product.

Some recalls happen because a product contains a major allergen that is not listed on the label. For someone with a food allergy, even a small amount of an undeclared allergen can cause a severe or life-threatening reaction.

How to Check if Food in Your Kitchen is Recalled

Compare the recall notice with the package in your kitchen. Check the brand name, product name, package size, UPC, lot number or lot code, and best-by, use-by or expiration date. A product can still be within its expiration date and be recalled.

If your product matches the recall notice, do not eat it. Follow the instructions in the recall notice, throw it away, return it to the store, or contact the manufacturer if instructed.

How to Stay Ahead of Food Recalls

Sign up for federal recall alerts, bookmark official recall websites, and keep your grocery account updated. You can also set up Google Alerts for specific foods or brands.

Cleaning your refrigerator after a recall can help reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Throw away the recalled food and any food that came into contact with it. Wash reusable containers, shelves, and drawers with hot, soapy water, then wipe down the inside of the refrigerator.

Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.