DOH NEWS RELEASE: DOH ALERTS PUBLIC ABOUT TRU FRU FREEZE DRIED FRUIT PRODUCTS DUE TO METAL HAZARD – Hawaii.gov

Report on Public Health Alert: Recall of Tru Fru Freeze Dried Fruit Products

1.0 Executive Summary

On October 2, 2025, the Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) Food and Drug Branch issued a public health alert concerning the recall of Tru Fru brand Freeze Dried fruit products. The recall, initiated by the third-party manufacturer Georgia Nut Company (GNC), is due to the potential presence of metal fragments. The affected products were distributed nationwide, including in Hawaiʻi, through major retailers. This action directly addresses public health and safety, aligning with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by safeguarding consumer well-being and promoting responsible production practices.

2.0 Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

2.1 SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

This recall is a critical measure to ensure public health and safety. By proactively removing contaminated products from the market, the DOH mitigates the risk of serious injury and upholds the fundamental right to good health.

• Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination. This recall action directly prevents potential illnesses and injuries from food contamination.

2.2 SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

The incident highlights a failure in production quality control and underscores the importance of sustainable and safe manufacturing processes. The recall serves as a corrective action that reinforces corporate accountability and the need for transparent supply chains.

• Target 12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature. Public alerts like this empower consumers to make safe and informed choices.

2.3 SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

The DOH’s role in disseminating this information and coordinating with retailers demonstrates the effectiveness of public institutions in protecting citizens. This regulatory oversight is essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring food safety standards are met.

• Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels. The DOH’s immediate and transparent communication exemplifies the function of a strong public health institution.

3.0 Detailed Recall Information

3.1 Affected Products

The recall applies to specific Tru Fru brand products distributed in Hawaiʻi through retailers such as Target, Whole Foods, and Walmart. The DOH is actively working with these stores to remove the products from sale. The specific items are identified below:

• Tru Fru Freeze Dried Strawberries in Dark & White Chocolate
  • Size: 3.4 oz / UPC: 850048358270 / Manufacturing Codes (First 4 Digits): 517B, 517C, 517D, 517E, 517F, 518D, 518E, 518F, 519A, 519B, 524A, 524B, 524C, 529C, 529D, 529E, 530C, 530D, 530E, 531A, 531B, 531C, 531D, 531E, 532A, 532B
  • Size: 1.7 oz / UPC: 850048358331 / Manufacturing Codes (First 4 Digits): 514A, 514B, 514C, 514D, 525A, 525B, 525C, 526B, 526C, 526D, 526E, 526F, 521C, 521D, 521E, 522B, 522C, 522D, 522E, 524D, 524E, 525A, 525B, 525C, 525D, 525E, 526A
  • Size: 13 oz / UPC: 850048358379 / Manufacturing Codes (First 4 Digits): 515A, 516B, 516C
• Tru Fru Freeze Dried Strawberries & Crème
  • Size: 3.4 oz / UPC: 850048358249 / Manufacturing Codes (First 4 Digits): 520B, 520C, 520D, 520E, 520F, 521A, 524C, 524D, 524E

4.0 Public Health Advisory and Recommendations

4.1 Potential Health Risks

The consumption of food products containing hard or sharp foreign objects, such as metal, can lead to severe traumatic injuries. These include lacerations and perforations of the mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines, as well as damage to teeth and gums. To date, no injuries or illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall.

4.2 Consumer Guidance

The Department of Health advises consumers to take the following steps:

1. Verify if any purchased Tru Fru products match the recalled item descriptions, sizes, UPCs, and manufacturing codes.
2. Do not consume the recalled products.
3. Dispose of the products immediately.
4. Contact a healthcare provider if there is a concern about a potential injury or illness. In case of an emergency, call 911.

5.0 Contact and Support Information

Consumers who have purchased the affected products may seek further information or reimbursement.

• For questions or support: Call 888-293-7748 or email [email protected]
• For reimbursement: Visit https://www.rqa-inc.com/client/trufru/index.html

Analysis of the Article in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on the recall of Tru Fru Freeze Dried Fruit Products due to a metal hazard directly addresses and connects to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The primary focus of the article is a public health alert issued by the Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH). The recall is a preventative measure to protect consumers from potential physical harm. The article explicitly states that the metal hazard “may cause traumatic injury including laceration and perforation of tissues of the mouth, tongue, throat, stomach and intestine as well as damage to the teeth and gums.” This directly aligns with the goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: The issue originates from a failure in the production process, where a product was contaminated with metal. The recall action by the manufacturer and the subsequent alert by the DOH are mechanisms to ensure consumer safety and address irresponsible production. It highlights the importance of quality control in supply chains to prevent harmful products from reaching consumers. The article also touches upon the management of the recalled products, advising consumers to “dispose of the product and not consume it,” which relates to waste management within the consumption cycle.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the following specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 3.9: “By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.”
   • Explanation: The recall is a direct response to food contamination by a hazardous foreign object (metal). The entire purpose of the DOH alert is to prevent illnesses and injuries that could result from consuming the contaminated product. By removing the product from sale and warning the public, the action aims to reduce the number of potential illnesses and injuries from this specific source of contamination.
2. Target 12.4: “By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle… and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.”
   • Explanation: Although the 2020 deadline has passed, the principle remains relevant. The recall process is a form of waste management for a product deemed unsafe. The article’s advice for consumers to “dispose of the product” is a crucial step in managing this waste to prevent its consumption and subsequent adverse impacts on human health.
3. Target 12.8: “By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.”
   • Explanation: The news release from the DOH is a clear example of providing the public with “relevant information” to make safe consumption choices. The article details the specific products, package sizes, UPCs, and manufacturing codes to help consumers identify the hazardous items. It also provides contact information for questions and a link for reimbursement, empowering consumers with the necessary information and awareness to protect their health.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions or implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Indicator for Target 3.9: The article explicitly states, “There have been no reported cases of injury or illness to date.” This implies the existence of a monitoring system for such incidents.
  • Implied Indicator: Number of reported cases of injury or illness resulting from the consumption of contaminated food products. A low or zero number following a recall indicates successful prevention and contributes to the overall reduction of illnesses from contamination.
• Indicator for Target 12.4: The recall itself is an action taken to manage a hazardous product.
  • Implied Indicator: Number of food product recalls issued due to contamination or safety hazards. This indicator reflects the responsiveness of regulatory bodies and companies in managing products that pose a risk to human health. The article’s statement that the “FDB is working with these stores to ensure that the recalled product is no longer available for sale” points to the effectiveness of the recall implementation.
• Indicator for Target 12.8: The entire news release serves as an indicator of public information dissemination.
  • Implied Indicator: Number and reach of public health and consumer safety alerts issued by government agencies. The detailed nature of the alert, including product photos, UPC codes, and contact information, demonstrates a comprehensive approach to consumer awareness.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: governor.hawaii.gov