Recalls are an unfortunate but necessary aspect of food safety in today’s market. They can be initiated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), or even voluntarily by manufacturers themselves. Over the years, recalls have ranged from bizarre instances—like a dead bat found in bagged salad—to serious health threats such as salmonella-contaminated chocolate and potential listeria outbreaks in ice cream, all of which occurred in 2024 alone.
When it comes to cooking oils, recalls often happen due to issues related to misrepresentation or safety. For instance, a product label may inaccurately list ingredients, which can trigger severe allergic reactions in unsuspecting consumers. Additionally, bacteria contamination is a significant concern. While this may sound alarming, these recalls serve an essential purpose; they push companies to be more vigilant, prioritizing consumer safety and ultimately leading to better-quality products in the long run. Take olive oil, for example—this widely used oil often faces scrutiny for its authenticity. Due to its high market price, some manufacturers may inadvertently compromise quality in ways that can go unnoticed.
In April 2024, Primal Kitchen found itself in the spotlight for a voluntary recall of over 2,000 cases of its avocado oil. Warehouse employees discovered that the oil was seeping from shipping containers, a problem attributed to broken bottles. A follow-up investigation revealed that the glass bottles were prone to breakage. While the company acted quickly by issuing a recall, it’s important to note that faulty bottles had already made their way to customers through online orders and stores in California and the eastern United States. Customers were urged to discard the tainted products and reach out for refunds. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, highlighting the company’s prompt response to the situation.
Packaging recalls like this are not uncommon in the food industry. Just a short time after Primal Kitchen’s predicament, Walmart recalled over 12,000 cartons of Great Value chicken broth due to packaging failures that risked spoilage. As of early 2025, Primal Kitchen has yet to report further incidents, and the brand continues to receive positive ratings from various online retailers. This indicates that the company’s swift action and commitment to transparency helped limit any long-term fallout from the recall.
Another significant player in the cooking oil industry, Deoleo USA—the parent company of Bertolli and Carapelli—has had its share of recalls, too. In November 2015 and March 2016, the company voluntarily recalled their Extra Light Tasting and Classico Pure Olive Oils. The first recall was set in motion after Deoleo discovered premature oxidation in the oils, which could impact their taste and odor. While the recall was characterized as precautionary, it nonetheless raised concerns about the risk of spoilage before the products’ expiration dates.
Months later, the company initiated another recall due to pesticide contamination. Trace amounts of Tebuconazole and Trifloxystrobin were detected in the oils, both of which are banned in food products due to safety concerns. Deoleo promptly addressed the problem, attributing it to one of its refining suppliers. Customers were able to request refunds during this incident as well.
In addition to recalls, Deoleo has faced legal trouble over inaccurate labeling. In 2018, the company settled a class-action lawsuit for $7 million after allegations surfaced that it improperly labeled products as “extra virgin” and “Imported from Italy”. While Deoleo denied any wrongdoing, it chose to settle rather than contend with the costs and uncertainties of litigation.
If you’d like to dive deeper into the world of olive oil, you might find the story of Rubino U.S.A. particularly insightful. In 1993, the FDA ordered a recall of Rubino’s olive oil products based on revelations that the labeling was misleading. Rubino was accused of misrepresenting multiple oil blends, including some labeled as “100% pure olive oil” that contained undisclosed canola oil. This resulted in a nationwide recall affecting over 200,000 products. Unfortunately, Rubino’s scandals didn’t end there. In the early 2000s, the company, along with Bertolli and Carapelli, faced further scrutiny when their virgin olive oils were found not to meet the necessary standards for “extra virgin” status.
These ongoing issues highlight the prevalence of olive oil fraud, which saw a sharp increase in the European Union at the start of 2024. As consumers, it’s essential to remain vigilant and informed about the products we use daily. The world of food safety can be daunting, but by staying updated on recalls and understanding the implications of labeling, we can make better choices for our health and well-being. Always remember: when it comes to cooking oils, what you see on the label might not always be what you get. Stay safe, stay informed, and keep questioning what goes into your kitchen.
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