On August 11, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a nationwide recall of Clover Valley Instant Coffee sold at Dollar General. The recall was initiated after a customer reported discovering glass fragments in the product.
Which Products Are Affected?
Three specific lots of the 8-ounce Clover Valley Instant Coffee are part of the recall:
- Lot L-5163 – Best By December 13, 2026
- Lot L-5164 – Best By December 13, 2026
- Lot L-5165 – Best By December 14, 2026
These can be identified by their UPC code: 876941004069, printed on the jar’s label or neck. The products were distributed between July 9 and July 21, 2025, and were available in Dollar General stores in 48 U.S. states—all except Hawaii and Alaska.
Why Is This Critical?
Ingesting glass shards, even small ones, poses serious health risks—ranging from mouth and throat cuts to dental damage or internal injury. Although no illnesses or injuries have been reported so far, the FDA classifies this as a significant hazard, warranting immediate consumer action.
What Should Consumers Do?
If you have purchased any of the affected coffee:
- Discard the product immediately—do not consume it.
- Contact Dollar General for a full refund:
- Email: customercare@dollargeneral.com
- Call: 1-888-309-9030 (available 6 a.m.–1 a.m. CST, daily)
The company is actively investigating the source of contamination and has issued apologies for any inconvenience.
Broader Context: Why Food Recalls Matter
Recalls like these highlight the importance of strict quality control in food production. The FDA classifies recalls based on the risk severity—Class I being the highest risk, and Class III the lowest. While this is a serious issue due to glass contamination, it remains a voluntary recall by the company in collaboration with the FDA.
Final Thoughts
No one expects to find glass in their coffee, and while thankfully no injuries have been reported, this recall emphasizes the need for vigilance—from manufacturers and consumers alike. Checking product labels and lot numbers may feel tedious, but it can safeguard against potential harm. If you’d like, I can help you compose a complaint to the retailer, suggest alternative safe instant coffees, or guide you through checking other products in your pantry for similar recalls.
Lessons for Consumers and Brands
For shoppers, this recall is a reminder to stay informed about product safety alerts. Signing up for FDA recall notifications or checking the FoodSafety.gov database can help catch issues before a product is consumed. It’s also worth noting that companies that act quickly and transparently in such situations tend to maintain stronger consumer trust—even after a crisis. For manufacturers and retailers, the lesson is equally clear: rigorous inspection protocols, supplier vetting, and responsive communication are non-negotiable. Even a single contamination incident can carry significant financial, legal, and reputational costs. In this case, Dollar General’s swift public notice and the option for full refunds show an attempt to prioritize customer safety. Still, this incident may prompt many shoppers to reconsider where and how they purchase everyday products like coffee—especially when trust in food safety is at stake. Ultimately, vigilance protects both our health and peace of mind.
