FDA Issues Recall of Instant Coffee Brand Sold in 48 States — Details

A morning cup of coffee is meant to bring comfort, not risk. Yet for thousands of shoppers across the country, a popular instant coffee sold at one of America's largest retail chains has become the focus of a sweeping safety recall — prompted by a hidden hazard that could turn an ordinary sip into a medical emergency.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is managing a voluntary recall of Clover Valley® instant coffee sold at Dollar General stores in 48 states, urging customers to stop using the product and return it for a refund. The notice outlines the reason for the recall, identifies the affected products by lot codes, and lists the retail locations involved, along with the states where they are sold.

Why Is It Dangerous?

The recall began after a shopper reported a potential problem — the presence of glass fragments — in certain packages of the product to store staff. Consuming glass fragments poses serious hazards, including tooth damage, cuts to the mouth and throat, and possible injury to the intestines.

So far, there have been no confirmed cases of illness or injury connected to the affected coffee. The FDA advises consumers to avoid drinking any coffee that meets the recall criteria and to seek medical care if they believe they may have swallowed glass fragments.

Brand and Codes of Product That Have Been Recalled

The recalled coffee can be identified by specific lot numbers and expiration dates printed on its packaging. Customers are encouraged to check their purchases and compare them to the recall details. Guidance for returning the product and receiving a refund is available on Dollar General's official website.

The recall applies to the following instant coffee products, with lot and best-by date details located near the neck of the 8-ounce coffee container:

1. Lot: L-5163 / Best By 12/13/2026
2. Lot: L-5164 / Best By 12/13/2026
3. Lot: L-5165 / Best By 12/14/2026

Where It Is Sold

The affected coffee was distributed through Dollar General, a major U.S. retail chain operating in more than 20,500 locations across 48 states. About 75 percent of the nation's population lives within five miles of one of its stores. Established in 1939, the company markets itself as a convenient source for affordable everyday essentials, groceries, personal care items, and so much more.

Dollar General maintains a strong focus on customer accessibility, workforce growth, and community support. Its charitable arm, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, has provided over $271 million to educational programs, reaching more than 23 million people.

List of States

The recall affects the big chain stores located in the following 48 states:

1. Alabama (AL)
2. Arkansas (AR)
3. Arizona (AZ)
4. California (CA)
5. Colorado (CO)
6. Connecticut (CT)
7. Delaware (DE)
8. Florida (FL)
9. Georgia (GA)
10. Iowa (IA)
11. Idaho (ID)
12. Illinois (IL)
13. Indiana (IN)
14. Kansas (KS)
15. Kentucky (KY)
16. Louisiana (LA)
17. Massachusetts (MA)
18. Maryland (MD)
19. Maine (ME)
20. Michigan (MI)
21. Minnesota (MN)
22. Missouri (MO)
23. Mississippi (MS)
24. Montana (MT)
25. North Carolina (NC)
26. 26. North Dakota (ND)
27. Nebraska (NE)
28. New Hampshire (NH)
29. New Jersey (NJ)
30. New Mexico (NM)
31. Nevada (NV)
32. New York (NY)
33. Ohio (OH)
34. Oklahoma (OK)
35. Oregon (OR)
36. Pennsylvania (PA)
37. Rhode Island (RI)
38. South Carolina (SC)
39. South Dakota (SD)
40. Tennessee (TN)
41. Texas (TX)
42. Utah (UT)
43. Virginia (VA)
44. Vermont (VT)
45. Washington (WA)
46. Wisconsin (WI)
47. West Virginia (WV)
48. Wyoming (WY)

This latest Clover Valley recall is not an isolated case, as the FDA has recently announced similar actions for other coffee products, including a flavored ground coffee pulled from shelves in multiple states over a labeling issue. A popular ground coffee product was also recalled in 15 states by the FDA due to a labeling error.

The affected product is a 12-ounce (340g) bag of Our Family Traverse City Cherry Artificially Flavored Decaf Light Roast Ground Coffee, distributed by SpartanNash Company of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and labeled with UPC code 0 70253 11080 1.

The recall began on March 13, 2025, after it was discovered that certain batches were incorrectly labeled as decaffeinated, creating a risk that consumers might unknowingly drink caffeinated coffee. This potentially endangers those who must limit caffeine for health or dietary needs.

A total of 692 cases, each holding six 12-ounce bags, were shipped to various locations across the country, reaching store shelves and distribution centers in regions from the Midwest to the South.

The affected coffee was distributed in Illinois, Kentucky, Colorado, Iowa, Indiana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Kansas, North Carolina, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA, the manufacturer responsible for the recalled product, is headquartered in Suffolk, Virginia.

The recalls serve as a reminder that even everyday products can pose unexpected dangers, underscoring the importance of consumer vigilance and swift reporting of potential issues. As federal regulators continue to oversee the situation, customers are urged to check their homes for the affected coffee, follow the return instructions, and prioritize safety over convenience.