Stop What You’re Doing and Check if Your Ding Dong Is Moldy

The maker of Ding Dongs, which owns Hostess Brands, has issued a withdrawal notice in the U.S. over concerns the product could be contaminated by mold.

“Our root cause investigation confirmed a mechanical issue with a piece of equipment created conditions that could support the development of mold in the product prior to the expiration date,” J. M. Smucker said in an announcement sent to retailers that was also posted online.

“This mechanical issue was present for a limited period and resolved in a timely manner. As a result, only five lot codes are affected,” the withdrawal notice continued.

Withdrawals are voluntary actions by a given company and aren’t technically considered a recall. But it’s still something to take seriously if you believe you might have Ding Dongs sitting in your cupboards.

Product information for the recalled Ding Dongs:

• 8-88109-01002 – Hostess chocolate Ding Dong single serve – 2 count
• 8-88109-11061 – Hostess chocolate Ding Dong – 10 count
• 8-88109-11092 – Hostess chocolate Ding Dong family pack – 16 count

The expiration dates for the recalled Ding Dongs include:

• August 30, 2025
• August 31, 2025
• September 1, 2025
• September 2, 2025
• September 3, 2025

Anyone who finds these Ding Dongs in their home is encouraged not to consume them. Consumers are being encouraged to return the snacks to wherever they were purchased for a refund or replacement.

The company is stressing that no other items manufactured by the J.M. Smucker Co. are impacted by this issue. Customers with questions about the Ding Dongs are encouraged to contact Hostess Brands at 1-800-483-7253.

You can also visit the Hostess Brands website, which has a form that asks about what kind of product you bought. But whatever you do, it’s probably best not to risk getting sick, even if you open the Ding Dongs and don’t see visual evidence of mold.

News broke Tuesday that the CDC has quietly scaled back its surveillance of food-borne illnesses, according to NBC News. It really feels like Americans are on their own when it comes to food safety in the U.S., as the Trump regime dismantles this country’s public health infrastructure.

Our shrimp is radioactive, our energy drinks are booze, and our beef is laced with E. coli. And now our Ding Dongs might have mold. What a time to be an American.