On August 29, 2014, Kraft announced the recall of 7,691 cases of select KraftAmerican Singles Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product. The company sites improper storage temperatures as the cause of the recall. The recall has been issued as a precaution as no one has been reported ill, but it brings to light an important facet of food safety—temperature.
The Temperature Danger Zone is a big buzzword in the food safety world, but to most people, it means nothing. So, what is the Temperature Danger Zone? It is the temperatures that lie between 41°F and 135°F. In this temperature range bacteria multiplies the fastest; therefore, it’s encouraged that food not be left in this zone for more than four hours. If the temperature is over 70°F, food should not be left out for more than two hours.
Why does this matter to me? You’re probably wondering why you should care if you are not a worker in the food industry. Have you ever been to a picnic? Ever taken food to the beach with you? Ever been to a potluck? The Temperature Danger Zone doesn’t just apply to food handled by food workers, it applies to all food.
So how do I keep myself safe? A good rule of thumb is to never leave food out of refrigeration for more than four hours. And for those summer picnics, where the temperature is 70°F, or higher, food should not be left out for more than two hours. Remember to keep hot food hot: keep it in chafing dishes, warming trays, or slow cookers and keep it above 135°F. And to keep cold food cold: place it in containers on ice and keep it below 41°F.
So enjoy the last few weeks of summer while you can, but make sure your food stays safe. No one wants to end summer with a case of Salmonellosis.
Download Poster: The Temperature Danger Zone
— Rachelle Riffle
FAQs
It is the temperatures that lie between 41°F and 135°F. In this temperature range bacteria multiplies the fastest; therefore, it's encouraged that food not be left in this zone for more than four hours.
What is the choking hazard with Kraft Singles? ›
According to Kraft, the choking hazard was caused by a temporary issue with a wrapping machine, which made it possible for a thin strip of plastic film to remain on the slice after the wrapper is removed. No injuries or serious health issues have been reported as a result of the hazard, Kraft said.
What Kraft American cheese is being recalled? ›
The recalled cheese packages are labeled 16 oz. Kraft Singles American Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product with an individual package UPC of 0 2100061526 1 and a “Best When Used By” date of 10 JAN 24 through 27 JAN 24. Individual packages in this recall will contain an S and 72 in the Manufacturing code.
What is the warning on Kraft Singles? ›
The company was alerted to the issue after six customers complained of choking or gagging on the plastic. The recall includes 16-ounce and 3-pound packages with certain product codes and “best by” dates in January, 2024.
How to tell if Kraft Singles are bad? ›
Evaluating Cheese Before Eating
Signs of spoilage include: Smell: Sour or unpleasant odor. Appearance: Discoloration, mold. Texture: Slimy or overly hard texture.
What is the number 1 choking hazard? ›
It's hard to believe that food as small as grapes can pose a choking hazard, but it's true. Grapes are the number one choking hazard for children, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Hot dogs are a choking hazard for babies and toddlers, so you should avoid feeding them to your baby or toddler.
Is shredded cheese a choking hazard for babies? ›
Shredded cheese can be served on its own or can be melted into a variety of foods, but when serving this way, sprinkle sparingly, as large globs of melted cheese increase the risk of choking.
Is Kraft cheese recall 2024? ›
The recall applies to 16-ounce Kraft Singles American Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product with an individual package code of 0 2100061526 1 and "Best When Used By" dates of Jan. 10, 2024, through Jan. 27, 2024. The individual packages will contain an S and 72 in the manufacturing code.
Why are Kraft singles not cheese? ›
Introduced in 1950, the individually wrapped "slices" are not really slices off a block, but formed separately in manufacturing. Kraft Singles do not qualify for the "Pasteurized Process Cheese" labeling, as the percentage of milkfat in the product that comes from the added dairy ingredients is greater than 5%.
What cheese has Listeria USA? ›
Recalled Products
| Product Description | Brand | Sell or Use By Dates |
|---|
| Cotija | Tio Francisco | All dates through 7/31/2024 |
| Cotija | Food City | All dates through 07/31/2024 |
| Cotija | Tio Francisco, San Carlos | All dates through 07/31/2024 |
| Cotija (Grated) | Rizo Bros | All dates through 07/31/2024 |
64 more rowsFeb 6, 2024
A good rule of thumb is to never leave food out of refrigeration for more than four hours.
What is the controversy with Kraft Singles? ›
Potential gagging, choking hazards cited
About 83,800 cases of individually wrapped Kraft Singles American processed cheese slices have been recalled by the manufacturer as a precaution against a potential “gagging or choking hazard,” Kraft Heinz announced in a press release issued Sept.
What percent of Kraft Singles is real cheese? ›
Kraft singles. A process cheese, with a minimum of 51% cheese, a moisture content between 44 and 60%, and a milk fat content of at least 20%, that remains spreadable at 70°F (21°C).
What candy is a choking hazard? ›
“Choking hazards are incredibly common when you start to look at Halloween candies,” says Dr. Donner. “You basically want to avoid anything round, chewy, or gummy if your child is 3 or younger. Candies that fit these criteria are more likely to cause a choking incident in young kids and should be avoided entirely.”
What does Kraft Singles have in it? ›
CHEDDAR CHEESE (CULTURED MILK, SALT, ENZYMES), SKIM MILK, MILKFAT, MILK, MILK PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, WHEY, CALCIUM PHOSPHATE, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, SALT, LACTIC ACID, OLEORESIN PAPRIKA (COLOR), NATAMYCIN (A NATURAL MOLD INHIBITOR), ENZYMES, CHEESE CULTURE, ANNATTO (COLOR).
What size is considered a choking hazard in food? ›
Small round foods such as grapes, cherries, cherry tomatoes, and melon balls are common causes of choking. Slice these items in half lengthwise. To help prevent choking, do not serve small (marble-sized), sticky, or hard foods that are difficult to chew and easy to swallow whole, including: Cheese cubes or blocks.
Are cheese puffs a choking hazard? ›
Puffs are filled with air and quickly dissolve in your baby's mouth. Therefore, the chances of choking on them are extremely low. Because Puffs are a safe consistency, they can be a good choice for parents who might be particularly fearful or nervous about choking.
