Foreign Object Contamination
When unexpected materials like metal, glass, or plastic end up in food products.
What is Foreign Object Contamination?
Foreign object contamination occurs when physical materials that are not supposed to be in a food product are found during or after manufacturing. Common foreign objects include metal fragments, glass shards, plastic pieces, rubber, wood, and stones.
These contaminants typically enter food during the manufacturing process through equipment failure, broken machinery, or inadequate quality controls. Foreign objects in food can cause choking, cuts to the mouth or throat, dental damage, or internal injuries if swallowed.
Symptoms
- Choking or difficulty swallowing
- Cuts or lacerations in the mouth or throat
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Abdominal pain if swallowed
- Internal injury (in severe cases)
Onset: Injuries from foreign objects are usually immediate upon biting into or swallowing the contaminated food.
Who is Most at Risk?
What Should You Do?
If you find a foreign object in a food product, stop eating immediately. Save the product and the foreign object as evidence. If you have been injured, seek medical attention and report the incident to the FDA.
If you have a recalled product, return it to the retailer for a refund or dispose of it. You can report injuries from food products to the FDA MedWatch program.
Sources
This guide is based on public health guidance from the following agencies.
Recent Foreign Object Contamination Recalls
The latest recalls related to Foreign Object Contamination.
Stewart's Shops Recalls Ice Cream for Potential Metal Contamination
Mezzetta Recalls Greek Peperoncini Due to Pest Contamination
Fontanini Recalls Pork Sausage for Plastic Contamination
So Delicious Recalls Salted Caramel Cluster Dessert Over Foreign Objects
Grand Central Bakery Recalls Potato Sourdough Bread for Metal Pieces
Outshine Fruit Bars Recalled for Possible Glass Contamination
Stay Informed
Check FreshRecall regularly to stay up to date on food safety recalls in your area.