Target has recalled Favorite Day Bakery Frosted Sugar Cookies due to the presence of foreign wood fragments in the cookie mix. The recall covers the 10-count packages, 13.5 ounces, with UPC code 85239-41250-3 and lot number 25195. The FDA has classified it as a Class II recall indicating a probability of adverse health effects, which are temporary or medically reversible when consumed.
Recall details
The recalled sugar cookies were distributed nationally starting mid-July and are available for sale at all Target stores. Each pack comes with lot number 25195 and UPC code 85239-41250-3. The best-by dates depend on location since those are applied at the retailer when being removed from the freezer. Those cookies come pre-baked, frosted with vanilla icing, then covered with rainbow sprinkles.
Target decided to address the contamination after consumers complained about “hard particles” in the cookies. An inspection later revealed wood fragments, which were probably introduced during the mixing or packaging process. Target voluntarily pulled nearly 1,000 cases off store shelves and online inventories in conjunction with the FDA and cookie manufacturer from Canada.
Most of the affected jurisdictions are there:
Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, and D.C.
Possible health risks
Injury to the mouth or throat from wood splinters is aggravating. Having ingested some splinters or wood chips, the sources of gastrointestinal irritation or perforation-rarely-so might include pain or discomfort while chewing, scratchiness of the throat with coughing, abdominal pain, nausea, or even vomiting.
The cookies that were poured into the market for recall are frozen; therefore, eating them means that any hard wood particles would likely remain unnoticed. The FDA has categorically designated this product as Class II, which means that although serious health effects are unlikely, there remains some potential for temporary injury or reversible effects.
What consumers should do
Target recommends that shoppers who have purchased Favorite Day Bakery Frosted Sugar Cookies that match the lot and UPC information:
- Check any 10-count package found in their freezer for the lot number and UPC.
- Discard any impacted packages, or return them to Target for a full refund. They do not need a receipt for the refund.
- Contact Target Guest Relations at 1-800-440-0680 with questions or to report any adverse effects.
- Consumers should pursue medical assistance for any lingering symptoms after eating the cookies and notify the FDA’s MedWatch program online or by phone.
Target has put on hold any production until the Canadian co-packer completes the investigation and takes corrective actions. The company will supply only after confirming FDA standards for the control of the contamination.
Implications for supply chain and quality control
The present recall has highlighted the vulnerability of co-manufacturing partnerships, especially where manufacturing activities cross borders. Contamination by wood could arise from wear and tear of equipment, maintenance challenges, or failures in packaging materials. To this end, Target commits to the following:
- Strengthening supplier audits.
- Boosting random sampling of finished products.
- Improving traceability of all bakery items.
Such actions should reassure customers concerning product safety and avoid the recurrence of such incidents.
