Several states have issued a recall for a particular snack due to the presence of undeclared allergies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that Naturipe was recalling their “Berry Buddies, Berries & Pancakes”, snack packs sold in 13 different states, because they failed to disclose the presence of egg and wheat, two major allergens.
What Allergy Patients Should Know About This Recall
FDA warned that people with celiac, wheat and egg allergies could experience severe allergic reactions when they consume the mislabeled snack packs of pancakes and berries. Allergy reactions range in severity from mild discomfort up to potentially fatal anaphylaxis. This recall may be significant but it is also important to know that no allergic reactions or illnesses have yet been linked to this product.
Snack Pack Recall Details
Snack packs containing mini pancakes, fresh berries, Canadian maple syrup, are included in the 60-gram “Berry Buddies, Berries & Pancakes”. This snack pack was sold in Kroger and Meijer stores across several states. This recall affected the following states: Arkansas, Michigan Ohio, Tennessee Virginia, Minnesota Kentucky Indiana Illinois Missouri Mississippi West Virginia and Wisconsin.
The FDA recall notice states that consumers can recognize the product by the pink and violet plastic packaging as well as the number 1097901 printed at the top. These snack packs are usually found in the produce section or the deli of grocery stores. They have an expiration date or “use before” of February 25th, 2025.
A thorough investigation revealed that this mislabeling was the result of a label changeover failure during production. As a result, wheat and eggs were omitted from the product’s ingredient list. Naturipe took corrective measures to resolve the issue.
FDA stresses that accurate labeling is important, in particular for the nine most common food allergens: sesame (soybeans), fish, milk and tree nuts as well, along with peanuts and crustacean-shellfish. The vast majority of severe allergic reactions are caused by these allergens.
After the Recall, Expert Advice and Insights
FDA Public Recall alert warns of: Consumers with wheat allergies or eggs allergy, or sensitivities, are encouraged to not consume the product. It is important that they dispose of it immediately or take it back to the retailer where the item was purchased.
Eran Mezrahi CEO of Source86 blog, an industry leader in the food sector, stressed: “Accurate labeling of foods goes beyond regulatory compliance. This is an important aspect for consumer safety. Omitting allergens on a label could have serious consequences for people with food allergies. “This recall is a reminder to food producers to improve their labeling procedures, to enhance quality control, and to ensure all products are correctly labeled in order to protect the public’s health.”
Food allergy information is further clarified on the FDA website. Food allergies, and other types of hypersensitivity to food affect millions of Americans and their families. When the immune system mistakesnly perceives certain proteins in food as dangerous, a food allergy is caused. Allergies to foods can present in different degrees of severity. From mild symptoms like hives or lip swelling, to more severe symptoms that can lead to death, anaphylaxis.
How to Answer Questions
Customers with additional questions and concerns about the recall should contact Naturipe Value Added Fresh LLC by phone at 1-239-598-6045, or email them at [email protected].
