Dollar General Instant Coffee Recall: Health Risks Prompt Nationwide Action

Dollar General has initiated a nationwide recall of its Clover Valley Instant Coffee, encompassing distribution in 48 states due to potential glass contamination. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced this recall following reports from a customer who discovered glass fragments in the product. The recall impacts three specific lots of the 8-ounce coffee, identified by lot numbers L-5163, L-5164, and L-5165, with best-by dates ranging from December 13, 2026, to December 14, 2026. These products can also be recognized through their package UPC of 876941004069.

This significant recall pertains to coffee sold between July 9 and July 21, 2025, across multiple states including Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Notably, the recall does not extend to Alaska and Hawaii.

Consuming products contaminated with glass can lead to severe health consequences, including damage to teeth, lacerations of the mouth and throat, or even perforation of the intestine. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries associated with the recalled coffee as of the announcement. Dollar General is actively investigating the source of the glass contamination and has expressed its apologies for any inconvenience caused to consumers.

Customers who have purchased the affected Clover Valley Instant Coffee are advised to check their product for the specified lot numbers and best-by dates located around the neck of the jars. If confirmed to be part of the recall, customers should discard the coffee immediately and refrain from any consumption. To facilitate the return process, Dollar General offers a full refund to consumers. Refunds can be requested by contacting the company directly via email at customercare@dollargeneral.com or by phone at 1-888-309-9030, with customer service available daily from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. CST.

This recall underscores the vigilance required in monitoring food safety and emphasizes the importance of immediate action upon identifying potential health hazards. Dollar General, in cooperation with the FDA, continues to probe the circumstances leading to the contamination to prevent future occurrences. Customers are encouraged to communicate any concerns regarding health and safety directly to the company as part of its ongoing commitment to ensuring consumer wellness.

Analysts predict that recalls such as this may lead to heightened scrutiny and regulatory measures within the food and beverage distribution sector, influencing both corporate protocols and consumer behaviors. As investigations proceed, the focus remains on mitigating risks associated with product safety to uphold public health standards.

For further inquiries or clarifications on this recall, customers and business stakeholders can reach out to Dollar General's customer service team as part of the company's pledge to transparency and responsive consumer care.