Though it's not clear how widespread the concern may be for consumers, there is a defined risk level already assigned.
Whenever a dip, sauce, or salad need a fresh, zesty pop of flavor, picking the right herb can take a recipe from ho-hum to wow-worthy. Even better: If you’ve got a green thumb and want to keep it active during the dreary winter months, growing your own herbs indoors can also mean you always have a fresh supply on hand. Now, a food safety incident involving two major herb products offers yet another consideration to cultivating your own at home.
On December 4, Tops Friendly Markets—widely known as Tops—announced the recall of two brands of dill weed products, stating that New York State laboratories found “elevated chemical levels” inside. The notice specifically names Garden Gate Dill Weed and Badia Dill Weed as the culprits, each sold in 0.50-ounce bottles. The former may alternatively be marked as “GRDNGATE DILL WEED,” according to the recall announcement.
While the products’ distribution pattern was not specified, Tops is a regional grocery chain located in the Northeastern U.S., with branches in three states: New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont.
All code dates are included in the present recall. The affected items can be spotted using their universal product codes (UPC):
- Garden Gate Dill Weed: UPC 00002043660650
- Badia Dill Weed: UPC 00003384400678
Though the alert doesn’t provide further details regarding the chemicals that were discovered or how the problem was first diagnosed, the incident has apparently been labeled a Class II event. “This involves a potential health hazard where there is a remote probability of a health problem if the food is eaten,” the Tops recall site states.
The notice instructs stores to “hold the product at store level until further instructions are given.” Customers with proof of purchase are eligible to receive a full refund, per the Tops notice.
For daily wellness updates, subscribe to The Healthy newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading:
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