A voluntary recall issued by Subco Foods, Inc. based in West Chicago, Illinois for Fox’s u-bet Sugar-Free Chocolate Flavored Syrup and Fox’s u-bet Vanilla Flavored Syrup on July 9, 2024 for bloated bottles of the product remains ongoing. Bloated bottles may be indicative of contamination and potential foodborne illness.
Background
A customer reported issues with bloated bottles, leading to tests that showed these product lots failed to meet safety standards. Elevated pH and water activity levels were found, which could indicate the presence of harmful microorganisms and potential for foodborne illness.
The products were distributed in the following states: CT, DE, MD, NJ, and NY
Product Details
| Product Name | Size | UPC Code | Units Per Wholesale Case | Product Quantity Recalled |
| Fox’s u-bet Sugar-Free Chocolate Flavored Syrup | 18 oz | 070216246004 | 12 | 137 cases |
| Fox’s u-bet Vanilla Flavored Syrup | 20 oz | 070216241016 | 256 cases |
Consumer Action
Consumers should search their homes for the recalled products.
As with all food recalls, consumers are advised to stop consumption of the affected products even if they look or smell safe.
Consumers should dispose of any found products immediately. The company has not said if the recalled syrups can be returned to the place of purchase for a refund.
Health Risks
No press release was issued for these recalls so it is not yet known if there have been any illnesses or adverse reactions to consumption of the recalled products. However, any consumer experiencing symptoms of food poisoning after use of the affected products should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
In most cases, bloated food packaging occurs when microorganisms in perishable items generate gas, like carbon dioxide. These microorganisms can lead to food spoilage, and in some instances, they may cause foodborne illnesses.
Consumers should avoid buying any items with bloated packaging and ensure food is stored under the right conditions and protected from extreme heat or sunlight, which can harm packaging. Expiration dates should always be checked before eating. If food is past its expiration and the package appears unusually swollen, discard it for safety.
Commenting on this article, one national food poisoning lawyer said, “Bloated packaging does not always mean that food is dangerous to consume. However, it could mean contamination with pathogens like Clostridium botulinum, which causes botulism, so it’s best to be safe and throw away any food products with bloated packaging.”
