Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
Back to profile17 entries
2026
Whole Foods Market recalls jalapeno-containing products over salmonella risk
Recall announced
Whole Foods Market recalled products containing jalapenos from its produce and prepared food departments, including dips, salsas and guacamole sold in Wisconsin, due to potential salmonella contamination. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced the recall on Friday.
Whole Foods Market is recalling products containing jalapenos from its produce and prepared food departments, including dips, salsas and guacamole sold in Wisconsin, due to potential salmonella contamination, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced Friday.
Company response
Recall — Whole Foods Market
Source excerpt
The products include dips, salsas and guacamole sold in Wisconsin.
2026
Jalapeño recall expands to downstream products
Recall announced
Following a recall by Coast Citrus Distributors of fresh jalapeños from Sinaloa, Mexico, downstream recalls are being conducted for recalled jalapeños and products containing them. Whole Foods Market recalled salsa, guacamole, pico de gallo and prepared products containing jalapeños sold online and in stores across multiple states, and Taylor Fresh Foods recalled multiple products containing recalled jalapeños distributed to retail distribution centers in numerous states. Stores that received recalled products include Hannaford, Kroger, Stop and Shop, Target, Trader Joe's, Walmart, and Whole Foods. Taylor Fresh Foods is no longer sourcing products from this farmer and will fill orders from alternative suppliers. FSIS also issued a public health alert for meat and poultry products containing FDA-regulated jalapeños that may be contaminated with Salmonella.
Company response
Recall — Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market recall (8/12)
Recall — Taylor Fresh Foods
Taylor Fresh Foods recall (8/9)
Remediation — Taylor Fresh Foods
Source excerpt
As a result of the recall by Coast Citrus Distributors, downstream recalls are being conducted for recalled jalapeños and products containing recalled jalapeños.
2026
Whole Foods Market recalls prepared foods containing jalapeños amid salmonella outbreak
Recall announced
Whole Foods Market recalled more than 40 prepared food items containing fresh jalapeños, including dips, salsas and guacamole, amid a salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeños imported from Mexico by Coast Citrus Distributors. The recalled products were sold online and in stores in 12 states. Customers were advised to discard the products and seek refunds with receipts.
Company response
Recall — Taylor Farms
這家總部位於加州的食品供應商9日表示，在接獲分銷商Coast Citrus通知、得知該公司正在召回新鮮墨西哥辣椒後，決定自願召包括莎莎醬（salsas）及牛油果醬（guacamole）在內的產品。
Remediation — Taylor Farms
公司在聲明中表示，公司已停止向墨西哥錫那羅亞州（Sinaloa）一名被認定為此次沙門氏菌疫情潛在源頭的農戶採購產品。
Source excerpt
由於擔心產品可能受到沙門氏菌污染，食品公司Taylor Farms正在全美大約20個州召回部分含墨西哥辣椒（jalapeños）的預製食品，涉及零售店包括沃爾瑪（Walmart）、Kroger及Whole Foods等。
當局對此次沙門氏菌疫情的調查發現，包括墨西哥燒烤連鎖餐廳Chipotle和墨西哥風味連鎖餐廳Qdoba在內的多家餐廳，都曾收到由Coast Citrus進口的墨西哥辣椒。
公司在聲明中表示，公司已停止向墨西哥錫那羅亞州（Sinaloa）一名被認定為此次沙門氏菌疫情潛在源頭的農戶採購產品。
2021
Frozen shrimp recall retailer list expanded
Recall announced
Federal authorities’ nationwide recall of frozen shrimp products linked to a salmonella outbreak was expanded to include Target and Whole Foods as retailers carrying the products.
Source excerpt
The Food and Drug Administration made the announcement Friday (August 13), but has since added Target and Whole Foods as retailers that carry the product to the list.
Federal authorities say more than two dozen shrimp products sold nationwide are being recalled in a salmonella outbreak
2021
365 Everyday Value Whey Protein Powder recall
Recall announced
Arizona Nutritional Supplements voluntarily recalled certain 13.9-oz. containers of 365 Everyday Value Whey Protein Powder Natural Vanilla Flavor after some were mistakenly packaged with soy protein powder, creating a risk from undeclared soy allergen. The products were sold at Whole Foods Market locations across the U.S.; no illnesses had been reported.
Company response
Recall — Arizona Nutritional Supplements
its manufacturer, Arizona Nutritional Supplements, decided to issue the recall, and this was done voluntarily.
Source excerpt
Then again, it was clarified that there is no report of illnesses yet due to the recalled item.
The issue is the undeclared soy, so its manufacturer, Arizona Nutritional Supplements, decided to issue the recall, and this was done voluntarily.
The said item was sold to Whole Foods Market across the U.S.
2020
Whole Foods workers stage mass sick out over safety demands
Public backlash
In late March 2020, Whole Foods Market employees across the country took part in a mass sick out to press for stronger worker protections. According to the source report, participants demanded paid leave for employees who isolate or self-quarantine and guaranteed hazard pay. The action was described as a nationwide participation by the company's workers. The source did not specify the number of participants, the duration of the action, or any response from the company. The event is recorded as a labor action centered on safety demands during the coronavirus pandemic.
Whole Foods employees across the country participated in a mass sick out to demand better worker protections, including paid leave for employees who isolate or self-quarantine and guaranteed hazard pay.
Source excerpt
Whole Foods employees across the country are going on strike to demand better worker protections amid the coronavirus pandemic.
On Tuesday, workers at the Amazon-owned grocery store chain participated in a so-called "mass sick out." They want paid leave for employees who isolate or self-quarantine, guaranteed hazard pay, free coronavirus testing, and other resources.
The strike, organized by Whole Worker’s national organizing committee, is being called a “global sick out.” At Amazon-owned Whole Foods, the group’s demands include guaranteed double hazard pay, paid sick leave for employees who self-quarantine, reinstatement of health coverage for seasonal and part-time workers, and the immediate shutdown of locations where workers have tested positive for coronavirus with continued pay for employees.
2020
Whole Foods employees protest pandemic working conditions
Public backlash
On March 31, 2020, some Whole Foods employees collectively called in sick, seeking more protective equipment and higher pay from Amazon. The article also reports worker protests over continuing work at an Amazon warehouse where COVID-19 cases had been identified, and alleges that workers were not informed and that no disinfection had occurred.
Company response
Clarification — 亚马逊
对此亚马逊表示，公司将会加强消毒措施，关闭餐饮区，检测员工的体温。如果部分仓库出现了新冠肺炎确诊病例，亚马逊也会继续运营。
Clarification — 全食超市
面对全食员工的抗议，全食超市声称，公司在4月时将一线员工的时薪增加了2美元，并且提高了加班费；所有因为新冠疫情而隔离或确诊的员工，有资格享受两周带薪假，这一政策针对亚马逊旗下所有公司的员工颁布。
Source excerpt
更令他们愤怒的是，仓库经理并没有告知工人们有人得病这一情况，甚至在没有任何消毒措施的情况下，还希望工人们继续工作。
面对全食员工的抗议，全食超市声称，公司在4月时将一线员工的时薪增加了2美元，并且提高了加班费；所有因为新冠疫情而隔离或确诊的员工，有资格享受两周带薪假，这一政策针对亚马逊旗下所有公司的员工颁布。
对此亚马逊表示，公司将会加强消毒措施，关闭餐饮区，检测员工的体温。如果部分仓库出现了新冠肺炎确诊病例，亚马逊也会继续运营。
2020
Winter Gardens recalls Whole Foods Market Vodka Sauce over undeclared milk
Recall announced
Winter Gardens Quality Foods recalled Whole Foods Market Vodka Sauce with lot code 20057 because the product contained undeclared milk after an incorrect label was applied. The affected product was sold in listed US states; no illnesses had been reported.
Source excerpt
The recall involves Whole Foods Market Vodka Sauce with lot code 20057, which is printed on the lid.
Winter Gardens Quality Foods of New Oxford, Pennsylvania, is recalling one of its products because of undeclared milk in the product.
The affected product was sold in refrigerated aisles at Whole Foods Market stores in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island on or after March 2, 2020.
2020
Protest at Philadelphia Whole Foods over BLM attire policy
Public backlash
Protesters gathered outside a Philadelphia Whole Foods Market after workers alleged they were sent home for wearing Black Lives Matter pins and facemasks. Whole Foods said its longstanding dress code prohibited clothing with visible slogans, messages, logos or advertising not related to the company.
Company response
Clarification — Whole Foods Market
The supermarket, located on 10th and South Streets, issued a statement on Sunday night that reinforced the company's "longstanding" dress code.
Source excerpt
All Team Members must comply with our longstanding company dress code, which prohibits clothing with visible slogans, messages, logos or advertising that are not company-related,
The supermarket, located on 10th and South Streets, issued a statement on Sunday night that reinforced the company's "longstanding" dress code.
2020
Whole Foods workers walk out at Portland store over anti-racism button dispute
Public backlash
Workers walked out at a Whole Foods store in Portland after employee Dylan Woodruff said he had to resign for refusing to remove a button reading “racism has no place here.” Whole Foods said its clothing policy prohibits visible slogans that are not company-related and said Woodruff had resigned; it accepted his resignation early and paid him through his previously agreed end date.
Source excerpt
Woodruff had already submitted his formal resignation, but Whole Foods accepted his resignation early and is paying him through the previously set end date, a Whole Foods spokesperson told FOX Business.
A Whole Foods worker walkout took place at a Portland store on Sunday afternoon after an employee said he had to resign for refusing to take off a button that said "racism has no place here."
2020
Whole Foods CEO faces backlash over obesity and COVID-19 comments
Public backlash
Whole Foods CEO John Mackey faced public criticism after connecting obesity with coronavirus deaths and saying that poor food choices were mostly due to ignorance. The article cites headlines criticizing his remarks.
Source excerpt
In today’s edition of Speaking Truth Is No Longer Allowed, Whole Foods CEO John Mackey is under attack for daring to connect poor eating habits to coronavirus fatalities and terrible life choices.
Here are just a few notable examples: “Outrage as Whole Foods CEO Says Ignorance and Poor Choices Cause Obesity” “Whole Foods CEO slammed as ‘fascist piece of s**t’ for fat-shaming world amid Covid-19”
2019
Whole Foods Market voluntarily recalls vegetable products after Listeria concern
Recall announced
Mann Packing issued a recall because its vegetable products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. In response, Whole Foods Market voluntarily recalled multiple products from its stores in the United States. According to the supplied report, no illnesses had been reported at the time. The recall was a voluntary action by the grocer following the supplier's recall notice.
Company response
Recall — Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market is voluntarily recalling multiple products from its stores in the United States.
Source excerpt
Mann Packing issued the recall because the vegetables may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
In response to Mann Packing Co., Inc's recall of vegetable products, Whole Foods Market is voluntarily recalling multiple products from its stores in the United States.
2019
Whole Foods Market recalls products over possible Listeria contamination
Recall announced
Whole Foods Market voluntarily recalled multiple products from its US stores following a recall by Mann Packing Co., Inc. of vegetable products that may have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The affected products were sold from October 10 through November 4, 2019. At the time of the announcement, no illnesses had been reported.
Company response
Refund or compensation — Whole Foods Market
Customers who purchased this product at Whole Foods Market can bring a valid receipt into stores for a full refund.
Source excerpt
Company Announcement Date: November 06, 2019
In response to Mann Packing Co., Inc’s recall of vegetable products, Whole Foods Market is voluntarily recalling multiple products from its stores in the United States.
Mann Packing issued the recall because the vegetables may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
2019
Archi’s Acres owners sue Whole Foods
Lawsuit filed
Colin and Karen Archipley filed a federal lawsuit against Whole Foods, alleging fraud and breach of contract after the company stopped ordering basil from their farm. The filing, reported on December 27, 2019, centers on the allegation that Whole Foods ceased purchasing basil from the Archipleys' farm. The lawsuit asserts claims of fraud and breach of contract against the retailer.
Company response
Denial — Whole Foods
Whole Foods stated that while it cannot comment on pending litigation, it is critical to clarify that no Team Members have been terminated for wearing Black Lives Matter face masks or apparel.
Source excerpt
According to the lawsuit, Whole Foods promised to purchase $573,000 a year of basil from the Archipleys.
Colin and Karen Archipley, owners of Archi’s Acres filed their lawsuit in federal court against the organic food supermarket chain for fraud, and breach of contract.
Sherry DeCrow and her husband, John Hadar, of Lafayette, Colorado, today filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado against Whole Foods Market Rocky Mountain/Southwest, L.P. and The Little Wicomico Oyster Company, LLC of Northumberland County, Virginia.
2019
Whole Foods Market recalls sandwich creme products over undeclared allergens
Recall announced
Whole Foods Market voluntarily recalled certain 365 Everyday Value sandwich creme products because they may contain undeclared milk or coconut. The affected products were removed from store shelves, and customers could return them for a full refund.
Company response
Recall — Whole Foods Market
All affected product has been removed from store shelves
Refund or compensation — Whole Foods Market
Customers who bought the products can bring a valid receipt into stores for a full refund.
Source excerpt
Whole Foods Market is voluntarily recalling certain types of its sandwich creme products because they may contain undeclared milk or tree nuts.
Customers who bought the products can bring a valid receipt into stores for a full refund.
All affected product has been removed from store shelves
2019
Whole Foods Fresno store exposed customer financial information
Issue disclosure
A video showed a clerk at Whole Foods’ Fig Garden outlet entering a customer's address, phone number, credit card number and security codes on a screen visible to other customers. Whole Foods said the video showed a violation of its customer information privacy and said it was taking measures to address the issue.
Company response
Remediation — Whole Foods
We are taking appropriate measures to address the issue.
Source excerpt
J. Colin Petersen, president of a Fresno-based information technology firm JIT Outsource, recorded a Whole Foods clerk entering a customer's information — including address, phone number, credit card number and security codes — in plain sight in the middle of a busy pre-Thanksgiving Day store.
Local Whole Foods managers declined to comment, referring the Times-Delta/Advance-Register to corporate offices, which released a statement saying the video showed a violation of the company's customer information privacy.
Petersen was picking up some last-minute Thanksgiving items on Wednesday, Nov. 27 when he noticed a clerk working on the store's "holiday table" entering customer's financial information from over the phone.
2007
Wild Oats antitrust litigation and anonymous message-board posts
The FTC challenged Whole Foods' proposed Wild Oats acquisition, arguing that the companies were close competitors in a premium natural and organic supermarket market. John Mackey's anonymous online comments about the dispute also prompted regulatory attention; the SEC cleared him of the reported charges in 2008.