Metal Bits Lead to Thomas, Sara Lee, Weight Watchers Bagel Recall

Several popular brands of bagels, including Thomas, Sara Lee and Weight Watchers brands, have been recalled due to the possible presence of metal fragments that may have been caused by a faulty manufacturing part, posing a potential choking hazard for consumers. 

The bagel recall was announced by BBU Inc. on January 16, after metal fragments were discovered in at least two packages.

BBU, Inc. released a statement indicating that the fragments entered the bagels during the production process. There have been no injuries linked to the contaminated bagels.

The recall affects fresh bagels by Bimbo Bakeries include Everything Bagels, Cinnamon Raisin Bagels, Plain Bagels, Onion Bagels, Blueberry Bagels, 100% Wheat Bagels, Honey Wheat Bagels, Cranberry Bagels, and Cinnamon Swirl Bagels under the Thomas label; Original Bagels, Cinnamon Swirl Bagels, Multigrain Bagels, and Onion Bagels sold under the Publix Premium label; Honey Wheat Bagels, Plain Bagels, Cinnamon Raisin Bagels, Blueberry Bagels, and Everything Bagels sold under the Sara Lee label; and Weight Watchers Bagels. For a full list of recalled Thomas’, Sara Lee, Publix and Weight Watchers Bagels see the Publix recall notice.

Defective manufacturing parts are the cause of many recalls issued because of foreign products entering food and even medicine for infants. In 2008, approximately 12,000 plastic 1 ounce bottles of Infants’ Mylicon Gas Relief Dye-Free Drops were recalled after the medication was discovered to contain metal fragments which entered during the manufacturing process.

In October 2012, the popular cereal brand Mini-Wheats recalled about 282,000 cases of cereal due to the possible presence of fragments of flexible metal mesh that came from a faulty manufacturing part. In many cases the metal fragments that enter food are not significant enough in size to harm adults but do pose a severe choking hazard for small children.

BBU Inc. is advising consumers to stop eating the bagels immediately and return them to the store of purchase for a full refund. Consumer with questions may also contact the company at 1-800-984-0989.

Photo Courtesy of woodleywonderworks via Flickr CC 2.0