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Wood Found in Soup Sparks Public Health Alert—What You Need to Know

1 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

A public health alert has been issued for a wide range of soup products after it was discovered that cilantro used in the soups was contaminated with wood fragments. 

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) warns that affected soups were sold in institutional locations and retail restaurants across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio—but the reach may expand nationwide.

The alert includes products from well-known brands such as Campbell’s, Molly’s Kitchen, Sysco, Life Cuisine, and Verve, all linked to production facility P-17644. Another affected product under the Crafted Market label from establishment CA-711 is also included.

Among the recalled items:

  • Campbell’s Chicken Tortilla, Wicked Thai, and Baja Chicken Enchilada Soups
  • Molly’s Kitchen Chicken Enchilada, Mexican Chicken Tortilla, and Chicken Chili
  • Sysco Chicken Tortilla Soup
  • Life Cuisine Vital Pursuit Southwest Style Taco Bowl
  • Crafted Market Coconut Chicken Thai Style Soup

These soups have best-by dates ranging from May 2025 to December 2026. View a full list of products here.

If you have any of these products, do not eat them. Return them to the store for a refund or safely discard them. While no injuries have been reported, anyone feeling unwell after consuming these soups should consult a healthcare provider.

Even trace amounts of wood can pose serious health risks. For further information or questions about food safety, contact the USDA at MPHotline@usda.gov.

Listeria Alert: Over 1,500 Celery Packs Sold at Walmart May Be Contaminated

1 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

A nationwide health warning has been issued after over 1,500 cases of Marketside Celery Sticks—sold at Walmart—were flagged for potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The pre-packaged veggie sticks, distributed by Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc., were sold in 29 states and Washington, D.C., and may pose a serious health risk.

The FDA confirmed that a routine test revealed Listeria in one four-pack of celery sticks purchased in Georgia. In response, the company has voluntarily issued an advisory, urging consumers to check their fridges and freezers. While the affected celery packs are no longer available on store shelves and are past their “best by” date of March 23, 2025, there’s concern that some may still be stored for future use.

The impacted product is the Marketside 4-in/1.6 oz Celery Sticks, UPC code 6 81131 16151 0, Lot Code P047650.

Listeria is not to be taken lightly. The bacteria can cause life-threatening infections, especially in young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. Even healthy individuals may experience severe flu-like symptoms. Pregnant women face even greater risk, as listeria can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth.

No illnesses have been reported as of now—but don’t take chances. If you have this celery in your home, do not eat it. Toss it immediately.

Only this specific lot is affected. No other Duda or Marketside products are included in the warning.Stay alert, check your produce, and spread the word. Listeria is a silent threat—but vigilance can stop it in its tracks.

Pumpkin Juice Recalled in 12 States Over Deadly Bacteria Risk—Here’s How to Make Your Own Safely

1 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

If pumpkin juice is part of your fall flavor lineup, it’s time to check your label. Based in New York, Walker’s Wine Juice LLC has recalled its pumpkin juice after inspections revealed it wasn’t acidic enough to eliminate dangerous bacteria during processing. That missing “kill step” opens the door to Clostridium botulinum, the bacteria that causes botulism—a rare but potentially fatal illness.

Botulism can cause blurred vision, slurred speech, muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, paralysis. While no cases have been reported, the juice was distributed across 12 states including New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Illinois.

If you’ve purchased Walker’s pumpkin juice, especially in bulk sizes (2.5- to 275-gallon containers), stop drinking it and contact the company for safe disposal and reimbursement instructions.

But if you still crave that cozy, spiced pumpkin flavor—don’t worry. You can make pumpkin juice at home, and safely, too! Here’s a simple, delicious recipe that adds enough acidity to keep things safe and tasty.

Homemade Spiced Pumpkin Juice Recipe

Delicious and so easy to make!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups pumpkin purée (not pie filling)
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 1/2 cup orange juice (adds necessary acidity)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a blender, combine all ingredients and blend until smooth.
  2. Strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth for a smoother texture.
  3. Chill and serve over ice, or warm gently for a cozy version.

This version is safe, delicious, and perfect for fall. Skip the risk—sip smart and make your pumpkin juice at home!

The 3 Most Dangerous Expired Dairy Products Hiding in Your Fridge

1 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

Dairy plays a starring role in our kitchens—from creamy morning lattes to tangy yogurt parfaits and cheese-laden dishes. But these nutrient-rich staples are also prime real estate for bacteria, especially when they’re stored improperly or kept past their expiration dates. According to Connie Elick, a registered dietician and culinary arts instructor, the safest bet is to toss expired dairy to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.

1. Milk
Even though most milk is pasteurized, it still needs constant refrigeration. If it’s left out for over two hours (less in warm temps!), it can quickly turn into a bacterial breeding ground. Watch for discoloration, chunky or slimy textures, sour smells, or off flavors—clear signs it’s time to toss.

2. Yogurt
Though it’s full of probiotics, expired yogurt isn’t doing your gut any favors. Mold spots, off-color patches, and foul or musty smells are red flags. If there’s thick, slimy liquid on top, don’t risk it.

3. Soft Cheeses
High-moisture cheeses like Brie, ricotta, and cottage cheese spoil faster than harder types. Any signs of fuzz, discoloration, or a rancid smell mean it’s unsafe—even if you scrape off the mold. “Mold may have already spread throughout,” warns Elick.


Can You Eat Expired Dairy?

If it smells fine, can you still eat it? Maybe, but Elick says when in doubt, throw it out—especially for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and pregnant individuals.

Dairy Storage Tips:

  • Always buy pasteurized products.
  • Keep your fridge at 39°F.
  • Freeze milk and yogurt to extend their life (though texture may change).
  • Consider powdered milk as a long-lasting alternative.

Stay safe, and keep your fridge in check!

Federal Officials Say STOP: Latest Salmonella Food Outbreak Sending People to the Hospital

5 min read | Author - The Backyard Vitality Team

Like a broken record playing over and over again, food recalls keep on coming. Federal officials have now identified specific stores where recalled frozen, raw, and breaded chicken products were sold. These products, manufactured by Serenade Foods in Indiana, include almost 60,000 pounds of chicken. So far, eight states have reported salmonella sickness, including New York, Illinois, Arizona, Connecticut, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Nevada, where 28 people have become sick, and 11 have been hospitalized. 

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