After reports of potential glass contamination, Dollar General has announced a voluntary national recall of its 8 oz Clover Valley® Instant Coffee. The recall, which was announced August 11, 2025, pertains to items sold at Dollar General locations from July 9 to July 21, 2025, in these states only. While no injuries have been reported to date, ingesting glass fragments may lead to serious medical complications, including laceration of tissues in the mouth or possible perforation of the gastrointestinal tract.
Scope of the recall
The recall is for three different production lots of Clover Valley® Instant Coffee, all with UPC code 876941004069:
- Lot L-5163 (Best By December 13, 2026)
- Lot L-5164 (Best By December 13, 2026)
- Lot L-5165 (Best By December 14, 2026)
These jars were distributed exclusively to Dollar General stores in 48 of the 50 U.S. states—every continental state except for Alaska and Hawaii. The complete list of states in which the recalled coffee was sold is Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
Reason for the recall
The recall was initiated after one of the customers found glass shards in coffee grounds and informed the employees of Dollar General. The FDA subsequently confirmed, through its own investigation, the possible presence of glass in the lots affected. Injuring oneself with even a bit of glass can cause:
- Laceration of the mouth, throat, and digestive tract
- Perforation of the intestine wall
- Dental damage
The company has stated that no injuries or illnesses have been reported, but out of an abundance of caution, Dollar General and the FDA urged customers to stop using any affected products immediately.
Retailer spotlight on Dollar General
Dollar General, the sole retailer for this Clover Valley instant coffee, is in the hot seat for this recall. With headquarters situated in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, Dollar General operates more than 20,500 stores in the United States and Mexico under various banners, including Dollar General, DGX, DG Market, and Opshelf. The company is recognized for providing both private-label and national brands at a bargain price to customers in both rural and urban communities.
In the announcement, Dollar General outlined its commitment to maintaining consumer safety as it works with the FDA to investigate the origin of the glass contamination. It also established dedicated consumer channels for inquiries and refunds, showcasing a rapid response to potential food safety threats.
Consumer advisory
Purchasers of the affected Clover Valley® Instant Coffee should:
- Stop using the product: Do not open or consume any portion of the recalled lots.
- Discard or return: Either throw away the jar or return it to any Dollar General store for a full refund, including tax.
Contact Dollar General:
- Via Email: [email protected]
- Via Phone: 1-888-309-9030 (Available 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. CST, seven days a week)
Following these steps will help eliminate any risk of ingesting glass and secure reimbursement for the price of the product.
The company’s statement and following steps
Dollar General expresses regret in the press release for any inconvenience this may have caused and reaffirms its commitment to serve communities with safe and affordable products. The company is investigating internally to identify the origins of the glass contamination and prevent a recurrence. Operations at retail remain unaffected, with Dollar General continuing to stock other products while ensuring an increased quality-check procedure is in place.
The FDA is monitoring the recall, while advising consumers to check their cupboards for the affected lot and best-by information. Further updates on the status of the recall and safety information are being posted on the FDA’s website and through Dollar General’s customer service channels.
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