- Issued by: Fresh Creative Foods
- Announced by FDA and Fresh Creative Foods: December 6, 2024
- Product: Beef & Lamb Gyro Sandwich Express Meal Kits
- Reason: Possible Salmonella contamination from cucumbers supplied by Baloian Farms
- Details: UPC: 0-13454-38313-1, Use By Dates: 12/24/2024–1/6/2025
- Action: Do not consume the product. Discard it or return it to Sam’s Club for a refund.
- Contact: Fresh Creative Foods at 888-223-2127 (M–F, 8 AM–5 PM PT).
Stick around to learn the full details about this recall—let’s dive in!
What happened?
Fresh Creative Foods is voluntarily recalling its Beef & Lamb Gyro Sandwich Express Meal Kits due to potential contamination of cucumbers used in the tzatziki sauce with Salmonella, following a separate recall from supplier Baloian Farms. The affected kits were distributed nationwide to Sam’s Club warehouses.
Product details
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Use By Dates | Issue |
Fresh Creative Foods | Beef & Lamb Gyro Sandwich Kit | 25 oz | 0-13454-38313-1 | 12/24/2024 – 1/6/2025 | Salmonella Risk |
What caused the issue?
The contamination stems from cucumbers supplied by Baloian Farms, which were flagged for potential Salmonella contamination. Salmonella is a serious health concern, particularly for vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Infection typically manifests within 12 to 72 hours after exposure, causing symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. While most cases resolve within 4 to 7 days, severe infections can lead to hospitalization. Fortunately, no illnesses related to this recall have been reported, but it underscores the importance of vigilance and proactive safety measures in food production.
Here’s what you should do
If you purchased this product, here’s how to proceed:
- Check the Label: Look for the UPC (0-13454-38313-1) and use-by dates (12/24/2024–1/6/2025).
- Don’t Consume: Discard the product or return it to Sam’s Club for a full refund.
- Contact for Refunds or Questions: Fresh Creative Foods at 888-223-2127 (M–F, 8 AM–5 PM PT).
Behind the brand
Fresh Creative Foods has built a reputation for offering high-quality meal kits. However, this isn’t the first Salmonella-related recall in recent months. For example, Baloian Farms, the cucumber supplier, recently issued recalls that disrupted multiple food chains such as Walmart, Supreme Produce, JFE, Yummi Sushi, and others. These recalls serve as a reminder of the importance of robust safety protocols across the supply chain.
“A large-scale recall is a powerful reminder of the importance of rigorous oversight in supplier partnerships and production processes. It underscores the need for manufacturers to prioritize traceability, quality control, and proactive communication to address potential risks before they escalate. Paying close attention to recalls—not just as responses to issues but as learning opportunities—can help build a stronger, more resilient supply chain. By collaborating closely with suppliers and refining production standards, companies can prevent future incidents and reinforce trust with their customers.” Eran Mizrahi, Source86’ CEO.
Ensuring safe eats
This recall underscores the critical importance of ingredient sourcing and quality control in safeguarding consumer safety. For manufacturers, ensuring the integrity of their products begins with thoroughly vetting suppliers by conducting regular audits and testing incoming ingredients for compliance with safety standards. Transparency is equally vital—promptly informing the public when issues arise not only mitigates risks but also builds trust. Swift action is essential to protect public health, including the immediate removal of affected products from shelves. Together, these practices form a strong foundation for maintaining safety and consumer confidence in the food supply chain.
At Source86, we understand the importance of sourcing safe, high-quality ingredients. Need help ensuring the best for your brand? Contact us today or explore our range of safe and reliable ingredients to keep your products top-notch and worry-free!
