Republican group blames Trump-era budget cuts for glass-contaminated fruit bars recall

Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream issued a recall for the 2.5-ounce strawberry, watermelon, grape, tangerine and black cherry varieties of Outshine Fruit Bars, citing the possible presence of glass pieces. The Lincoln Project, a group of Republicans opposed to Donald J. Trump, posted on X that the recall underscores how the president’s deep cuts to the Food and Drug Administration have eroded consumer safety. The organization referenced a prior incident in which contaminated lettuce from a Mexican supplier caused a multi-state outbreak of explosive diarrhea, which they also attributed to the same budgetary reductions.

Experts highlighted that both events could have been avoided with robust inspection programs. The recall, which involved nationwide distribution in six-pack boxes, has intensified calls from both parties for a thorough congressional investigation into the full impact of the FDA funding cuts. Critics argue that without adequate resources for routine factory checks and border testing, the nation’s food safety net is effectively compromised.