- Date Issued: April 4, 2025
- Company: All American Trading Of Houston, Inc. (Texas Olive Company brand)
- Products Affected: Capers Capote, Giardiniera, Pepperoncini
- Issue: Improper sealing leading to potential contamination
- Product Details: Distributed in Texas and Mississippi
- Action: Do not consume; return or discard products
Stick around to find out what went wrong (and how you can stay safe).
What happened?
Food recalls this week brought some spicy news: All American Trading Of Houston, Inc. is recalling three products under the Texas Olive Company brand due to improper sealing. The lack of heat-sealing raises concerns about potential contamination — not something you want to pair with your antipasto platter.
The company officially issued the recall on April 4, 2025, after conducting internal quality checks. Here’s a breakdown of the recalled products:
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best By Date | Issue |
Texas Olive Company | Capers Capote | 8 oz. plastic, 16 oz. glass | – | Expiry before 06/04/2025 (8 oz), 12/21/2025 (16 oz) | Improper sealing |
Texas Olive Company | Giardiniera | 16 oz. glass | – | Expiry before 06/14/2025 | Improper sealing |
Texas Olive Company | Pepperoncini | 16 oz. glass | – | Expiry before 05/21/2025 | Improper sealing |
All American Trading shipped the products to stores across Texas and Mississippi. So far, no one has reported any illnesses.
What caused the issue?
In a nutshell: the company didn’t properly heat-seal the jars, leaving the door wide open for some pretty nasty microscopic guests.
Improper sealing prevents the creation of the vacuum-tight environment that protects shelf-stable foods. Without that airtight seal, bacteria can slip in — and stay in. That creates the perfect breeding ground for harmful microbes like Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium responsible for botulism.
Why is that dangerous?
Botulism isn’t just your everyday foodborne illness — it’s rare, but potentially life-threatening. It produces a toxin that affects the nervous system, and symptoms can escalate quickly if untreated. And because these products were low-acid, shelf-stable vegetables, they’re particularly vulnerable if the sealing process isn’t spot on.
Health risks of improper sealing:
- Clostridium botulinum contamination
- Mold growth, spoilage
- Loss of vacuum = increased oxygen inside the container, inviting more bacterial growth
Common symptoms to watch for:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Blurred or double vision
- Dry mouth
- Muscle weakness
- Drooping eyelids
- Difficulty breathing
- Paralysis (in severe cases)
Who’s most at risk?
- Children under 1 year old
- Elderly adults
- Pregnant individuals
- People with weakened immune systems
- Anyone with underlying health conditions
No illnesses have been reported so far (thankfully!), but that doesn’t mean the risk isn’t real. Improper sealing isn’t always visible — the product might look, smell, and taste fine, but contamination could still be present.
10 common questions you might have
1. How do I know if my jar was improperly sealed?
If the lid “pops” when you press it or opens with no resistance, it likely wasn’t sealed properly. Bulging lids are a red flag, too.
2. What should I do if I already ate some of the product?
If you feel fine, no need to panic. But if you experience any symptoms listed above, contact a healthcare provider immediately.
3. Is this a widespread issue across all jarred foods?
No — this recall is limited to specific products under the Texas Olive Company brand. Always check batch codes and best-by dates.
4. Can I still return the product even if I opened it?
Yes! Most stores will accept returns even if the jar has been opened, especially for recalled items.
5. What happens if I throw it away? Do I need special disposal?
No special disposal is needed. Just seal it in a bag, toss it, and make sure it’s out of reach from pets or kids.
6. Can I just boil the product to make it safe?
Nope. Botulinum toxin is not always destroyed by boiling, especially if it has already developed. Don’t risk it.
7. I bought this in another state. Am I safe?
The products were distributed to Texas and Mississippi stores. If you purchased it elsewhere, it’s likely safe — but still check the label to be sure.
8. Are other Texas Olive Company products affected?
At this time, only Capers Capote, Giardiniera, and Pepperoncini jars are part of this recall. Keep an eye on FDA updates for any changes.
9. Should I report it if I see it still on a store shelf?
Yes! Contact the store manager or file a report with the FDA’s consumer complaint system. It helps prevent further sales.
10. Will I be contacted if I bought it?
Possibly. Some stores use purchase tracking and loyalty programs to notify customers of recalls. Still, it’s best to check your pantry and labels directly.
Here’s what you should do
- Do NOT eat the product.
- Check the label: Look for the brand name Texas Olive Company and the best-by dates listed above.
- Identify the product: Plastic or glass jars, depending on the item.
- Contact Info: Return products to the store or reach out to All American Trading Of Houston, Inc.
Behind the brand
All American Trading of Houston, Inc. distributes Texas Olive Company’s Mediterranean-inspired goodies. While this brand isn’t new to the scene, it’s worth noting that this is their first major recall in 2025. Similar recalls have occurred in the last weeks, on March 27, 2025, Craftmark Bakery, LLC recalled a total of 6,589 cases of cookie dough and ready-to-eat cookies after discovering potential contamination with plastic fragments. And on April 4, 2025, Johnsonville, LLC announced a voluntary recall of their Cheddar Bratwurst due to the risk of foreign matter contamination.
“Improper sealing might sound like a minor hiccup, but it’s a powerful reminder that food safety goes far beyond regulations — it’s about protecting people. When a seal fails, so does the barrier against contamination. It only takes one misstep to put health at risk and shake consumer trust. In today’s fast-moving manufacturing environments, brands need to prioritize airtight quality control — from sealing checks to equipment upkeep — to ensure every jar is as safe as it is shelf-ready.” — Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86
Ensuring safe eats
While this recall is a Class II event (meaning the risk of serious health effects is relatively low), it’s still a major reminder: Proper sealing and food safety procedures are crucial.
In today’s supply chain, a single slip in manufacturing can ripple out across wholesale, private label, and co-packing operations. Businesses must ensure their processes — from packaging to shipping — are tight (literally) to avoid contamination risks and protect their reputation.
If you’ve purchased any of the recalled items, remember to discard or return them ASAP.
Need reliable, high-quality ingredients from trusted suppliers? Let’s talk! At Source86, we make sure safety is baked into every batch. Contact us today to learn more!
