Target recalls exceed 500,000 products over allergen contamination and burn risk

Target is recalling more than 500,000 products over safety hazards and undeclared allergens, marking three major recalls in September across technology and food categories. The actions involve Anker power banks, Good & Gather Southwest-Style Burrito Bowls and Gooder Foods vegan pasta, underscoring ongoing safety concerns for a retailer that relies on quick corrective actions when issues surface.

About 480,000 Anker Power Banks are being recalled due to overheating lithium-ion batteries, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said. The models A1647, A1652, A1257, A1681 and A1689 were manufactured in China and sold at Target stores nationwide for about $30 to $50. The recall comes after 33 fires and explosions were reported, with four burn injuries and property damage linked to the devices. Recalled lithium-ion batteries must be disposed of through municipal household hazardous waste collection centers, given the higher risk they pose. Anker is offering full refunds or gift cards across its product lines. To qualify for a refund, consumers must submit a photo of the recalled power bank showing the model number, serial number, the purchaser’s name, the date of the photograph, and the word “recalled” written on the device in permanent marker. Anker will provide instructions on how to return or dispose of the power banks.

Target’s other recalls concern food products. The retailer issued a voluntary recall for around 57,000 Good & Gather Southwest-Style Burrito Bowl Blend (12-ounce packages in red “steam in a bag” packaging with a Best Used By date of August 24, 2026). The affected lot codes include 5055-1 and L5055-2 through L5055-6. One Frozen, the burrito bowl’s manufacturer, said the error involved undeclared shellfish (shrimp), a potential risk to customers with shellfish allergies. The products were distributed to Target stores nationwide beginning in April, and there have been no reports of illnesses tied to the recall at this time. Consumers who have purchased the product are advised to dispose of it and seek a refund via Target guest relations.

In a separate action, Gooder Foods, Inc. is voluntarily recalling five lots of Vegan Is Believin’ Plant Based White Cheddar with Spirals and three lots of Here Comes Truffle Creamy Truffle Flavored Cheddar and Shells after detecting undeclared milk and cashew ingredients. The FDA noted that up to 50 million Americans are lactose intolerant and about 6.1 million have a milk allergy, underscoring the potential risk of mislabeled dairy ingredients. The recalled vegan pasta was distributed to stores nationwide from April through August 2025, with best-by dates ranging from July 7 to July 15, 2026. The 5.25-ounce package of the vegan pasta carries UPC 850031990074, while the 6-ounce truffle pasta carries UPC 850031990159. The FDA documented six reported reactions linked to the truffle pasta and two reactions connected to the vegan pasta, with no deaths reported. Consumers are urged to return the products to the place of purchase for a refund and to contact the FDA and Gooder Foods with any reaction reports.

The recalls illustrate the tangible costs of product safety problems. Direct expenses include retrieving items, transportation and disposal, but the financial impact can also include lost sales, damage to brand reputation and possible legal fees. Target maintains a comprehensive recall list on its Product Safety & Recalls page, but the company does not publicly publish an annual total for recalls. The current set of September actions follows a broader pattern in which retailers face safety incidents across multiple product categories, from electronics to dairy-free foods, that require swift corrective actions and clear consumer guidance.

From a market perspective, the waves of recalls at a major retailer like Target highlight the ongoing risk management challenges in consumer goods. For investors and analysts, the incidents underscore how product-safety failures can affect consumer trust, alter inventory strategies, and influence demand for certain categories. Industry observers note that recalls can ripple through a company’s stock performance, supplier relationships and liability considerations, particularly when a retailer’s supply chain involves wide distribution and products manufactured overseas. While recalls address immediate safety concerns, the longer-term financial impact often hinges on the speed and effectiveness of remediation, the transparency of communications with customers, and the firm’s ability to restore confidence in its product safety standards.

In nutrition and consumer health spheres, manufacturers and regulators emphasize clear labeling as a critical line of defense against adverse reactions. The FDA, CPSC and other agencies routinely urge consumers with allergies or dietary restrictions to heed recall notices, verify ingredient lists and promptly seek medical attention if symptoms occur. For Target shoppers, the latest recalls serve as a reminder to review pantry staples and household electronics for undeclared ingredients and potential hazards, and to pursue refunds or replacements where applicable.