2 Million Donuts Recalled Over Listeria Risk

LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) - A nationwide recall of over 2 million cases of baked goods has hit retailers across the U.S., including Dunkin’ locations right here in Louisiana. The recall, initiated by FGF Brands, is due to potential listeria contamination in products made back in December 2024.

While the recall itself isn't new - it was originally initiated in January, and has since been completed - the FDA classified this as a Class II recall late last week, meaning there’s a moderate risk to public health. The agency did not issue a formal press release, leaving many consumers unaware of the potential danger.

Get our free mobile app

If you’ve picked up doughnuts, eclairs, or coffee rolls from Dunkin’ or other grocery and convenience stores in Louisiana, keep reading—your breakfast might have been part of the recall.

Which Louisiana Stores Are Affected?

While the FDA hasn’t publicly named all retailers, the recall explicitly includes Dunkin’ locations nationwide, which means stores in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and Lake Charles might have been impacted.

Beyond Dunkin’, the affected baked goods may have been sold in grocery store bakeries and convenience stores. If you’ve stocked up on doughnuts, eclairs, or coffee rolls before December 13, you’ll want to check your pantry.

List of Recalled Baked Goods

The recall covers a wide range of baked goods, including:

Doughnuts (plain, chocolate, yeast ring, raspberry-filled, Bavarian-filled, Persian, apple fritters)
Eclairs
French crullers
Coffee rolls
Paczkis (Polish-style filled doughnuts: raspberry, apple, Bavarian, and cheese)
Munchkins (yeast and cake varieties)

Louisianans, take note: Dunkin’ Munchkins and coffee rolls are some of the most popular menu items in the state. If you’ve bought any of these before December 13, it’s best to toss them out or return them to the store.

What is Listeria & Why Should You Care?

Listeria is a serious foodborne illness and the third-leading cause of food-related deaths in the U.S.. According to the CDC, about 1,600 Americans get sick from listeria each year, with 260 deaths reported annually.

High-risk groups include pregnant women (risk of miscarriage or stillbirth), newborns & elderly individuals, and people with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of Listeria Infection

If you’ve recently eaten any of these recalled baked goods, watch for:

Fever & muscle aches
Nausea & diarrhea
Severe cases can lead to meningitis

You can find out more about listeria from the Centers for Disease Control.

FGF Brands Respond to the Recall

FGF Brands, the company behind the voluntary recall, claims that no products have tested positive for listeria and that the recall is precautionary. They assure customers that all baked goods currently on store shelves are safe.

FGF did reach out to KPEL News to provide the following statement from Simona Ionita, Vice President of Supply Chain and Recall Coordinator.

At FGF, food safety is our top priority. We want to clarify recent media coverage regarding FGF’s voluntary recall of donuts to ensure customers have not been misled or confused:

The voluntary recall was completed over a month ago (early January), and does not implicate anything that is currently, or was recently on the market.
All donuts are completely safe to eat.
The voluntary recall was a precautionary measure based on non product related findings at one of our donut facilities in the US.
No donuts or food contact surfaces ever tested positive for listeria.
The voluntary recall applied only to donut products in the U.S.
We take food safety seriously and acted with an abundance of caution.

Meanwhile, the FDA is continuing to monitor the situation.

Get our free mobile app

What Louisiana Consumers Should Do

Check your pantry—if you purchased Dunkin’ doughnuts, éclairs, coffee rolls, or Munchkins before December 13, 2024, they could be part of the recall.
Dispose of or return any recalled products.
Monitor for symptoms if you or someone in your household is in a high-risk group.
Report any suspected illness to the Louisiana Department of Health.