Check your pantry: Popular canned fruit recalled over heavy metal contamination
- Replies 0
Many of us keep a few cans of fruit stocked in the pantry—perfect for tossing into a fruit salad, topping cottage cheese, or serving with dessert when the grandkids visit.
But if you’ve got any canned pears on the shelf, now’s a good time to take a closer look.
A nationwide recall has been issued for a well-known brand of canned fruit due to possible contamination with two toxic heavy metals: lead and cadmium.
While no illnesses have been reported yet, health officials are urging consumers to take the warning seriously.
Here’s what you need to know to keep your household safe and informed.
What product is being recalled?
W.W. Industrial Group is recalling 15-ounce cans of Parashore brand pear slices in juice after elevated levels of lead and cadmium were found during testing.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the affected cans were distributed through grocery outlet stores in California and across other parts of the United States.
The specific product to watch for includes:
Also read: Nationwide recall for a popular deodorant—could yours be among them?
Why this recall matters
Lead and cadmium are both harmful heavy metals that can enter the food supply through contaminated soil, industrial runoff, or manufacturing processes.
Even low levels of lead exposure are known to affect brain development in children and can contribute to long-term learning and behavioral issues.
In adults, it can raise blood pressure and affect kidney function.
Cadmium, meanwhile, builds up in the body over time and can lead to kidney damage and weakened bones.
The FDA notes that manufacturers are legally required to monitor and minimize these risks, but contamination can still occur.
Also read: Unexpected hazard found in popular yogurt—recall issued over plastic contamination
How the contamination was found
The heavy metal contamination was detected through testing by the Maryland Department of Health as part of the FDA’s Laboratory Flexible Funding Model program.
W.W. Industrial Group is cooperating with federal authorities and has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the issue.
Also read: Nationwide fish recall raises botulism concerns—what you need to know
What should you do if you have this product?
If you find a can of Parashore pear slices that matches the recall information:
Also read: Dark chocolate almond recall expanded—here’s what you need to know
A reminder to stay food-safe
This recall is one of several in 2025 involving issues such as contamination, damaged packaging, and undeclared allergens.
The FDA continues to emphasize the importance of oversight and routine product testing.
While allergens like milk, peanuts, and shellfish often dominate the headlines, heavy metals are an invisible and equally dangerous concern.
Also read: Double recall alert: FDA flags health risks in popular seafood items
Tips for protecting yourself and your loved ones
Also read: This supplement recall just got more serious—here’s what changed
A call for stronger accountability
Events like this highlight the need for ongoing vigilance from both regulators and food manufacturers.
While recalls help prevent widespread harm, many consumers may not hear about them unless they’re actively paying attention.
Staying informed is one of the best ways to keep your kitchen safe.
Read next: Recall notice for a favorite cereal—did you buy the affected batch?
We’d love to hear your tips, questions, or concerns. Have you dealt with a food recall before? How do you keep your pantry organized and safe? Sharing your experiences can help others stay on top of these important issues.
But if you’ve got any canned pears on the shelf, now’s a good time to take a closer look.
A nationwide recall has been issued for a well-known brand of canned fruit due to possible contamination with two toxic heavy metals: lead and cadmium.
While no illnesses have been reported yet, health officials are urging consumers to take the warning seriously.
Here’s what you need to know to keep your household safe and informed.
Canned fruit recall raises concerns over food safety and heavy metal contamination. Image Source: YouTube / @eatsbyrachel.
What product is being recalled?
W.W. Industrial Group is recalling 15-ounce cans of Parashore brand pear slices in juice after elevated levels of lead and cadmium were found during testing.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the affected cans were distributed through grocery outlet stores in California and across other parts of the United States.
The specific product to watch for includes:
- UPC #704817164237
- Lot number: 3700/01172 6122J
- Production date: 02/19/2024
- Best by: 2/19/2027
Also read: Nationwide recall for a popular deodorant—could yours be among them?
Why this recall matters
Lead and cadmium are both harmful heavy metals that can enter the food supply through contaminated soil, industrial runoff, or manufacturing processes.
Even low levels of lead exposure are known to affect brain development in children and can contribute to long-term learning and behavioral issues.
In adults, it can raise blood pressure and affect kidney function.
Cadmium, meanwhile, builds up in the body over time and can lead to kidney damage and weakened bones.
The FDA notes that manufacturers are legally required to monitor and minimize these risks, but contamination can still occur.
Also read: Unexpected hazard found in popular yogurt—recall issued over plastic contamination
How the contamination was found
The heavy metal contamination was detected through testing by the Maryland Department of Health as part of the FDA’s Laboratory Flexible Funding Model program.
W.W. Industrial Group is cooperating with federal authorities and has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the issue.
Also read: Nationwide fish recall raises botulism concerns—what you need to know
What should you do if you have this product?
If you find a can of Parashore pear slices that matches the recall information:
- Do not eat it. Even if it looks and smells normal, the contamination risk is serious.
- Throw it away or return it to the store where you purchased it for a full refund.
- Questions? You can call W.W. Industrial Group at 516-676-9188, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time.
Recalled Parashore pear slices were sold in 15-ounce cans with specific UPC and lot numbers. Image Source: FDA.
Also read: Dark chocolate almond recall expanded—here’s what you need to know
A reminder to stay food-safe
This recall is one of several in 2025 involving issues such as contamination, damaged packaging, and undeclared allergens.
The FDA continues to emphasize the importance of oversight and routine product testing.
While allergens like milk, peanuts, and shellfish often dominate the headlines, heavy metals are an invisible and equally dangerous concern.
Parashore brand pear slices have been pulled from shelves due to potential lead and cadmium contamination. Image Source: FDA.
Also read: Double recall alert: FDA flags health risks in popular seafood items
Tips for protecting yourself and your loved ones
- Check labels carefully. Keep track of lot numbers and best-by dates.
- Rotate pantry items so older goods are used first.
- Sign up for recall alerts from the FDA or bookmark their website.
- Be alert to symptoms like nausea, stomach pain, or fatigue after eating canned foods, and contact a healthcare provider if you’re concerned.
Also read: This supplement recall just got more serious—here’s what changed
A call for stronger accountability
Events like this highlight the need for ongoing vigilance from both regulators and food manufacturers.
While recalls help prevent widespread harm, many consumers may not hear about them unless they’re actively paying attention.
Staying informed is one of the best ways to keep your kitchen safe.
Read next: Recall notice for a favorite cereal—did you buy the affected batch?
We’d love to hear your tips, questions, or concerns. Have you dealt with a food recall before? How do you keep your pantry organized and safe? Sharing your experiences can help others stay on top of these important issues.
