USDA Issues Nationwide Alert
Washington, D.C., April 4, 2025 – More than 212,000 pounds of liquid egg products have been recalled nationwide due to potential contamination with a bleach-based cleaning solution, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced earlier this week. The recall, initiated by Cargill Kitchen Solutions on March 28, affects popular brands Egg Beaters and Bob Evans, sparking concern among consumers and food service providers as the products may have reached shelves and kitchens across the country.
A Tip Sparks Action
The recall stems from a tip received by FSIS about possible contamination at Cargill’s Lake Odessa, Michigan, facility, where the affected liquid eggs were produced on March 12 and 13. An investigation confirmed the presence of sodium hypochlorite—a key ingredient in household bleach—in the cleaning solution used, prompting swift action. FSIS classified it as a Class III recall, the lowest risk level, after scientists determined the contamination poses “negligible risk” of adverse health effects. No illnesses have been reported as of Friday, per the agency’s latest update.
The recalled products, totaling 212,268 pounds, include:
- 32-ounce cartons of “Egg Beaters Original Liquid Egg Substitute” with a use-by date of August 10, 2025
- 32-ounce cartons of “Egg Beaters Cage-Free Original Liquid Egg Substitute” with a use-by date of August 9, 2025
- 32-ounce cartons of “Egg Beaters Cage-Free Original Frozen Egg Substitute” (and its Spanish-labeled counterpart “No Enjauladas Original Sustituto de Huevo Congelado”) with a use-by date of March 7, 2026
- 32-ounce cartons of “Bob Evans Better’n Eggs Made with Real Egg Whites” with a use-by date of August 10, 2025
All bear the establishment number “G1804” ink-jetted on the carton, a telltale sign for consumers to check their refrigerators.
A Nationwide Reach
While the eggs were primarily shipped to distributors in Ohio and Texas and food service locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, and Iowa, FSIS warns they “may have been distributed nationwide.” Cargill, in a statement to Good Morning America, called the recall a precautionary measure, stressing that “no illnesses or injuries” have been linked to the products. Still, the USDA urges consumers not to eat them and advises discarding or returning them to the point of purchase. Food service operators are similarly directed not to serve the items.
Posts on X reflect a mix of alarm and relief: “Over 200K pounds of liquid eggs recalled for bleach—check your fridge!” one user warned, while another noted, “USDA says low risk, but I’m tossing my Egg Beaters anyway.” The recall’s timing, amid Trump’s tariff chaos, adds a layer of unease as grocery prices loom as a broader concern.
What’s Next?
For those affected, Cargill has set up a hotline (844-419-1574) for questions, and FSIS recommends consulting a healthcare provider if health worries persist—though no adverse reactions have surfaced. As the agency monitors the situation, this bleach scare serves as a stark reminder of supply chain vulnerabilities, even if the health stakes, for now, appear minimal.
