In 2024, Conagra Brands launched a Class I recall of nearly 2.6 million pounds of canned meat and poultry products that were shipped to locations throughout the United States. According to the recall notice, the Class I recall was due to the discovery of compromised packaging that may have allowed for bacterial contamination, which was possibly due to temperature changes during storage or distribution. Conagra Brands stated that the affected products did not have the integrity to support pathogen growth and integrity of long-term storage.[1]
Despite brand-specific temperature-related recalls not being regularly reported in the EU, the European Commission has talked about the important structural significance of temperature control in mitigating food safety risks. Under the new General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) coming into force in December 2024, businesses must demonstrate that food products are kept in appropriate states as a condition of sale through all stages of movement and storage. Protecting food products against temperature abuse is a necessity to mitigate microbial contamination. Such activities demonstrate that Europe is consolidating its position to be more accountable for the regulation of cold and ambient food chains. [2]
The recall occurred to reduce the risk of consumers being exposed to bacterial pathogens that resulted from packaging being compromised. While canned goods have a shelf tofu, or exploit strong, canned goods can be affected by storage conditions, especially in high ambient temperatures given time, this hermetic seal could potentially be breached and microorganisms, for example Clostridium botulinum or spoilage organisms, could have developed in the canned goods. Given that there was 16,500 lbs and the nature of the food, not only did the USDA’s FSIS recall release a Class I (potentially serious health consequences with foodborne illness and even potential death. [3]
Consistent quality inspections and consumer feedback had indicated a persistent problem throughout Conagra’s meat and poultry product lines concerning cans that were bulging, leaking or otherwise damaged. A follow-up investigation from FSIS revealed packaging issues that were consistent with thermal abuse, and an increased risk was posed by temperature variants during warehouse storage/distribution. Increased temperatures in storage conditions will impair vacuum sealing/internally balanced pressures, possibly allowing microbial intrusion. There was evidence of packaging failures showing that temperature abuse would decrease the age and potentially accelerate the growth of pathogens within.
Potential pathogens are:
While no illnesses were confirmed, there was a risk with the compromised packaging, and the potential risk to consumers warranted a precautionary nationwide withdrawal. [4]
Company: Conagra Brands (Multiple Private Labels)
Product Type: Canned Poultry and Meat Products
Packaging Type: Metal cans (various sizes and labels such as chili, stew and meat-based soups).
Issue: Temperature abuse that has resulted in packaging defects
Recall Class: Class I (High Risk)
FSIS identified the issue during an investigation and post-distribution monitoring. Cans from several production lots had irregular structures, including bulging, denting, and weak seams. Product temperature logs collected during the warehouse and transportation audits indicated ambient temperature might have exceeded 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius), which was above the recommended conditions for thermally processed canned products. These conditions would not maintain the integrity and safety of the products, particularly if the initial thermal process resulted in survivorship for microbial spores that multiplied following closure with compromised packages. [5]
Conagra Brands worked with FSIS to put the public safety announcement regarding the Class I recall out for consumers and retailers. The announcement provided the following notices:
The manufacturer also committed to re-evaluating the ambient storage procedures, enhancing thermally processed product monitoring, and implementing preventative controls for all thermally processed product lines. [7]
This recall draws attention to the unconsidered risks in ambient product supply chains, in which temperature excursions are often not as well accounted for. Food Research Lab recommends, for producers and distributors of canned products:
The large recall of canned meat and poultry products by Conagra demonstrates that shelf-stable products are still susceptible to temperature abuse. Regulatory agencies are treating deviations from packaging integrity as zero tolerance errors, especially when the public’s health may be compromised. It also serves as a reminder to manufacturers that robust packaging does not matter if it is put into storage conditions without tight controls.
Food Research Lab strives for excellence in new Food, Beverage and Nutraceutical Product Research and Development by offering cutting edge scientific analysis and expertise.
