Del Monte Foods Recalls nearly 200,000 Cans Target Brand Green Beans Due to Foreign Object Contamination Risk Concerns

 

Del Monte Foods, Inc., based in Walnut Creek, CA, has issued a significant recall of 8,242 cases—equating to 197,808 cans—of Good & Gather Cut Green Beans due to potential contamination with a foreign object. This Target green beans recall, announced on February 12, 2025, and still ongoing, has raised concerns among consumers across 21 states. Here’s everything you need to know about the recall, the risks involved, and what steps to take if you’ve purchased the affected product.

Details of the Target Green Beans Recall: What Happened?

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the recall was initiated after Del Monte Foods identified a potential contamination risk in their Good & Gather Cut Green Beans product. The FDA classifies this as a Class II recall, which indicates a low probability of serious health consequences but a possibility of temporary or reversible effects. The recall notice, published on the FDA’s website, highlights that the contamination involves a foreign object, though the specific type—whether metal, plastic, or another material—has not been disclosed.

The affected product was distributed exclusively to Target stores in 21 states, including Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin. With nearly 200,000 cans potentially impacted, this recall underscores the importance of food safety and consumer awareness when it comes to canned goods.

Recalled Product Information: How to Identify the Affected Green Beans

To help consumers identify the recalled product, the FDA has provided detailed information about the Good & Gather Cut Green Beans involved in this recall. Here are the specifics:

• Product Name: Good & Gather Cut Green Beans
• Item Description: Net Wt. 14.5 oz (411g)
• UPC Code: 0 85239-11628 9
• Code Information: Best if Used By 28 OCT 2026, Lot 7AA 418507
• Product Quantity: 8,242 cases (24 cans per case, totaling 197,808 cans)
• Recall Number: F-0627-2025

Consumers who have purchased this product are urged to check their pantry for cans matching this description. The recall affects a significant number of cans, and Target shoppers in the listed states should take immediate action to ensure their safety.

Which States Were the Green Beans Shipped to?

The Good & Gather Cut Green Beans were shipped to and sold in the following 21 states across the U.S:1

• Alabama
• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Georgia
• Iowa
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kansas
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• North Carolina
• New Jersey
• New York
• Ohio
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• Texas
• Virginia
• Wisconsin

What Does a Class II Recall Mean for Consumers?

The FDA’s classification of this event as a Class II recall provides insight into the potential health risks associated with the contaminated green beans. A Class II recall is issued when the use of a product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects, or when the probability of serious health consequences is low. In this case, the presence of a foreign object in the canned green beans could lead to minor issues such as choking, dental injury, or gastrointestinal irritation if consumed.

While the risk of severe health problems is minimal, consumers should not take this recall lightly. Foreign object contamination in food products is a serious concern, and even minor health effects can be uncomfortable or distressing. If you or a family member experience symptoms such as mouth pain, difficulty swallowing, or digestive discomfort after consuming the recalled green beans, it’s advisable to seek medical attention promptly.

Understanding Foreign Object Contamination in Canned Goods

Foreign object contamination is a known issue in the food industry, particularly with canned goods like green beans. During the manufacturing process, objects such as metal fragments, plastic pieces, or other materials can inadvertently be introduced into the product. These contaminants can pose a variety of risks to consumers, depending on their size, shape, and material.

• Choking Hazard: Small, hard objects can become lodged in the throat, posing a choking risk, especially for children or the elderly.
• Dental Injury: Hard materials like metal or glass can chip teeth or cause other dental damage if bitten into.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Swallowing a foreign object may lead to irritation or injury in the digestive tract, potentially causing pain, nausea, or vomiting.

Although the FDA has not specified the type of foreign object in this recall, the Class II designation suggests that any health impacts are likely to be temporary and minor. However, consumers should remain vigilant and avoid using the recalled product to prevent any potential issues.

What Should Consumers and Retailers Do?

The FDA and Del Monte Foods have issued clear instructions for both consumers and retailers regarding the recalled Good & Gather Cut Green Beans. If you have purchased the affected product, do not consume, sell, serve, or distribute it. Instead, take the following steps:

1. Check Your Pantry: Look for cans of Good & Gather Cut Green Beans with the UPC code 0 85239-11628 9 and the lot number 7AA 418507, with a "Best if Used By" date of 28 OCT 2026.
2. Dispose or Return: Safely dispose of the product or return it to your local Target store for a full refund.
3. Monitor for Symptoms: If you’ve already consumed the product and experience unusual symptoms such as mouth pain, choking, or digestive issues, contact a healthcare provider immediately.

Retailers, including Target stores in the affected states, have been instructed to remove the recalled product from their shelves and halt distribution. Target has a strong track record of working with suppliers to address safety concerns, and consumers can expect the retailer to handle this recall efficiently.

The Impact of the Recall on Target and Del Monte Foods

This recall is a significant event for both Del Monte Foods and Target, as it involves nearly 200,000 cans of a popular product. Del Monte Foods, a well-known name in the canned goods industry, has a history of producing high-quality fruits, vegetables, and other food products. However, recalls like this can impact consumer trust and brand reputation, even if the health risks are minimal.

For Target, the recall affects its Good & Gather brand, which is a private-label line known for offering affordable, quality food products. Target shoppers in the 21 affected states may be concerned about the safety of other Good & Gather products, even though this recall is limited to the specified green beans. Both companies are likely working to address the issue swiftly to minimize any long-term damage to their brands.

Food Safety and Recalls: Why They Matter

Food recalls, such as this one involving Target green beans, highlight the importance of stringent safety standards in the food industry. The FDA plays a critical role in overseeing food safety in the United States, working with manufacturers to identify and address potential risks before they harm consumers. Recalls are a proactive measure to protect public health, even when the risk is relatively low, as in the case of a Class II recall.

Foreign object contamination is just one of many reasons a food product might be recalled. Other common causes include bacterial contamination (e.g., Salmonella or E. coli), undeclared allergens, or improper labeling. In 2024 alone, the FDA oversaw hundreds of food recalls, ranging from minor issues to more serious health threats. The Target green beans recall serves as a reminder for consumers to stay informed about the products they purchase and to check for recall notices regularly.