Dollar General Recalls Coffee Sold in 48 States Over Glass Contamination Concern

In a striking development for coffee drinkers across the U.S., Dollar General has issued a recall for its Clover Valley Instant Coffee sold between July 9 and July 21, 2025.

The recall spans 48 states and affects specific eight-ounce canisters of the popular brand. The action followed a customer report of glass fragments found in the product, prompting swift action from both the retailer and the Food and Drug Administration.

Identifying the Affected Coffee

Only three specific production lots are implicated in the recall: L-5163, L-5164, and L-5165.

The jars carry the UPC code 876941004069 and have best-by dates of December 13 or 14, 2026. Consumers can find these details near the neck of each canister, making it essential to check stored coffee immediately.

The Coffee Risks Are Real—But No Injuries Yet

A spokesperson from the FDA warned that ingesting glass fragments can cause serious harm, including damage to teeth, cuts in the mouth or throat, and even intestinal perforation.

Thankfully, no injuries or illnesses have been reported so far, but the recall serves as a stark reminder of the dangers hidden in everyday products.

What You Should Do Now

Dollar General advises stopping use immediately if you’ve purchased the affected coffee. The safest route is to discard or return the product.

Customers are eligible for a full refund of the purchase price—including any taxes. To claim it, reach out to Dollar General via email or phone. The company also expressed regret over the inconvenience and is actively investigating how the contamination occurred.

Broader Context: When Food Safety Hits Close to Home

While recalls are often precautionary, this incident follows a wave of recent food safety alerts. Earlier this month, other products—including bakery items and cookies—were pulled from shelves due to risks like foreign material contamination.

Recall experts say multiple factors—production line issues, packaging failures, or shipping damage—can increase risk. For consumers, vigilance and quick response remain key.

Lessons for Consumers and Retailers Alike

This recall demonstrates how quickly a household staple can turn risky. Retailers and brands rely on early alerts—often from vigilant customers—to act fast.

For shoppers, checking lot numbers and taking advantage of refunds is vital. For Dollar General, this incident underscores the need for tight quality control, particularly when dealing with mass-distributed private-label goods.

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