Over 60 doughnut products, totaling more than two million cases, have been recalled by FGF Brands. The recall, initially announced in January, has recently been upgraded by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to a Class II classification, indicating potential temporary or reversible health issues. The affected products, including doughnuts, fritters, paczki, eclairs, and munchkins, were sold across the United States and Canada and were produced before December 13, 2024, but are still within their expiration dates.

The concern stems from potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can cause listeriosis, a serious infection particularly dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), listeriosis leads to an estimated 1,600 illnesses and 260 deaths annually. Pregnant women are especially vulnerable, as infection can result in fetal loss or newborn death.

This recall follows a deadly 2024 listeria outbreak linked to a deli meat plant, highlighting the serious health risks associated with this bacteria. A Class II recall is the second most serious level used by the FDA, reserved for situations where exposure might cause temporary health problems, while the most severe, Class I, signifies a reasonable probability of serious health consequences or death. The FDA's classification underscores the potential health risks associated with consuming the recalled products.