Austin, TX—A recent study of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s food safety database by Vocativ has found that, out of the 737 product recalls since the beginning of 2014, Whole Foods Market has had roughly 25 store-brand recalls, more than other grocers on the list. The majority of the recalls by Whole Foods Market were voluntarily actions completed as a matter of caution, as opposed to FDA mandated.

The product recalls, according to the study, were mainly due to undeclared allergens, such as milk, soy or nuts, and confirmed product contamination. For example, Whole Foods Market had six types of Bleating Heart-brand cheeses recalled on Dec. 31, 2014, due to the possible contamination of Listeria monocytogenes. Additionally, three types of assorted cookie platters recalled on Jan. 6 of this year because of the potential presence of peanut and tree nut allergens was undeclared. Most recently, Whole Foods Market had issued a voluntary recall on packaged raw macadamia nuts because there was a possibility of Salmonella contamination.

Additionally, in the same time frame, it was found that of the 737 product recalls, almost 10% of them fit into the category of “convenience food,” or already-prepared meals. Again, all recalls were done out of an abundance of caution and conscientiousness.

Other grocers high on the list include Giant Eagle Supermarket and Wegmans Food Market, Inc.

Posted on 4/29/15