RHHD encourages awareness of recalled food and toys this holiday season

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- As the holiday season continues, the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) are encouraging those in the community to be aware of food and toy recalls during the holiday season.

According to RHHD, there have recently been food-related outbreaks of Salmonella, Listeria and infant botulism within the U.S. in 2025.

Related coverage: Infantile botulism cases and WIC risks place new families on edge

"We encourage everyone to be aware of safety recalls during the holidays," said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Environmental Health Manager Cindy McKelvy.

"Recalls protect consumers when a safety issue is found in food or in consumer products like toys. Anything from a missing allergen label to burn and fire hazards can cause a recall. Once a recall has been initiated, consumers should check their pantries, refrigerators or freezers, and their children’s toys for any recalled items," McKelvy added.

According to a 2024 report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were 62 deaths and roughly 87,709 emergency department-treated injuries associated with the usage of child nursery equipment and supplies, RHHD said.

Around 180,224 emergency department-treated injuries and 13 deaths were associated with the use of the use use of toys.

McKelvy also added that, "community members should ensure their safety and the safety of their families by carefully following recall instructions for return or disposal of the items."

Where to find recall information

Information on where to find a list of recalled food items is available through the Food Safety website, Food and Drug Administration and the CDC.

To find out where recalled toys are listed, visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's website and the Safer Products website.

RHHD also states that store retailers will often use store loyalty card programs to notify customers if that individual has purchased items that have been recalled.

What do to if you purchased a recalled item

If you purchased an item that has been recalled, RHHD suggests the following:

• Do not eat or use the product. 
• Return the food or toy for a refund, as instructed by the recall. 
• Dispose of the product safely, as instructed by the recall. 
• If the recalled item was food, clean surfaces, drawers, or utensils that came into contact with the food.  

To ensure that none of your holiday gifts contain recalled items and are safe for children RHHD shares the following tips.

• Make sure what you're buying is age appropriate: Children under the age of three shouldn't use toys with small parts that can easily go into a mouth, and if you're not sure about the size RHHD says to try fitting the toy through a roll of toilet paper.
  • Toys that can pass through the roll will pose a choking hazard.  
• Follow all packaging instructions about safe usage.  
• If you're gifting any kind of skates such as a bike, skates or a scooter, purchase a helmet as well.