- Date Issued: March 28, 2025
- Company: Cargill Kitchen Solutions (Lake Odessa, MI)
- Product: Liquid egg products
- Issue: Potential contamination with sodium hypochlorite cleaning solution
- Details:
- Brands affected: Egg Beaters, Bob Evans Better’n Eggs
- Sizes: 32-oz (2-lb.) cartons
- Establishment number: “G1804”
- Distributed to: Ohio, Texas, and possibly nationwide
- Action: Do not consume; return or dispose of affected products
Wanna know more about what happened? Keep on reading!
What happened?
Cargill Kitchen Solutions has issued a recall for 212,268 pounds of liquid egg products due to potential contamination with sodium hypochlorite, a cleaning solution. The issue was flagged when the FSIS received a tip, prompting an investigation that confirmed the presence of the solution. While the FSIS concluded the contamination poses negligible health risks, the recall was issued as a precaution.
Affected products
Below is a breakdown of the recalled items:
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best By Date |
Egg Beaters | Original Liquid Egg Substitute | 32-oz | N/A | Aug 10, 2025 |
Egg Beaters | Cage-Free Original Liquid Egg Substitute | 32-oz | N/A | Aug 09, 2025 |
Egg Beaters | Cage-Free Original Frozen Egg Substitute | 32-oz | N/A | Mar 07, 2026 |
Bob Evans Better’n Eggs | Made with Real Egg Whites | 32-oz | N/A | Aug 10, 2025 |
These products were distributed to Ohio, Texas, and possibly nationwide for foodservice use in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, and Iowa.
What caused the issue?
The recall is due to accidental contamination with sodium hypochlorite, a common ingredient in cleaning solutions. Sodium hypochlorite is widely used in the food industry to sanitize equipment and prevent bacterial growth. However, when it unintentionally enters food products, it can pose potential health risks.
Potential health risks
- Mild to moderate irritation: Ingesting sodium hypochlorite can cause burning sensations in the mouth, throat, and stomach.
- Gastrointestinal discomfort: Symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain may occur in some individuals.
- Higher risk for vulnerable groups: Infants, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems or preexisting digestive conditions may be more susceptible to adverse effects.
- Long-term exposure concerns: While a single exposure is unlikely to cause severe harm, repeated ingestion of contaminated food products over time could lead to chronic irritation or imbalance in gut flora.
Though FSIS has categorized this as a Class III recall, meaning the health risk is minimal, food safety remains a top priority.
10 common questions you might have
- What exactly is sodium hypochlorite?
- It’s a chemical commonly used in household bleach and industrial cleaning solutions.
- Why was it found in liquid eggs?
- Likely due to an error in the sanitation process at the manufacturing facility.
- Is it dangerous to consume?
- In small amounts, it may cause mild irritation but is unlikely to cause serious harm.
- Have there been any reports of illness?
- No illnesses have been reported in connection to this recall.
- What should I do if I already ate some of the recalled eggs?
- If you experience irritation, nausea, or discomfort, consult a healthcare provider.
- Can I return the product for a refund?
- Yes, you can return it to the store where you purchased it.
- Where can I check if my product is part of the recall?
- Look for the establishment number “G1804” on the packaging and check the best-by date.
- How widespread is the recall?
- The affected products were distributed in multiple states and may have reached nationwide markets.
- Is this the first recall of its kind?
- No, other food recalls have occurred due to similar contamination issues in the past.
- How can I stay informed about future recalls?
- Follow FSIS and FDA recall alerts or check with your retailer for updates.
Here’s what you should do
If you have any of these products in your refrigerator or freezer, take the following steps:
- Check the label: Look for the establishment number “G1804” printed on the carton.
- Dispose of or return the product: Do not consume it; return it to the place of purchase.
- Foodservice providers: Do not serve these products to customers.
- Contact Cargill for more info: Reach out to their customer service for assistance.
Behind the brand
Cargill is a well-known food producer with a diverse portfolio, but this isn’t the first food safety incident in the industry. Similar recalls involving contamination concerns have occurred recently. For instance, on February 15, 2025, Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc. initiated a recall of 400 cases of their Happy Farms by ALDI Colby Jack Finely Shredded Cheese. In addition, on March 17, 2025, Nestlé USA recalled certain Lean Cuisine® and Stouffer’s® frozen meals due to potential contamination with wood-like material.
“Situations like this underscore the importance of strict quality control throughout the entire food production process. Ensuring food safety goes beyond meeting regulations—it’s about safeguarding consumers and maintaining their trust. People rely on brands to deliver safe, high-quality products, and as an industry, we must uphold those standards. Whether it’s contamination, mislabeling, or other safety concerns, swift and transparent responses are crucial. Accountability and proactive measures are essential in protecting public health and preserving confidence in the food supply.” — Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.
Ensuring safe eats
This recall highlights the importance of rigorous quality control in the food industry. While the health risks are low in this case, food manufacturers must prioritize strict sanitation protocols to prevent contamination incidents. Bulk buyers, foodservice providers, and consumers should always stay informed about recalls to ensure food safety.
If you handle bulk ingredients and want to work with reliable suppliers who prioritize food safety, let’s talk! Contact us at Source86 to discuss high-quality, contaminant-free ingredient sourcing options.
