Allergy Alert: Seasoned Seaweed Products Recalled Over Safety Fears
According to News Week, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Friday that Korean seasoned seaweed is being recalled due to a packaging error that failed to declare the presence of sesame, a major allergen. This oversight poses a risk of allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.
Details of the Recall
The seaweed, produced by Wismettac Asian Foods Inc. in Santa Fe, California, was sold under the Shirakiku brand to stores and restaurants across seven U.S. states. Sesame is one of the top 10 common allergens and can trigger severe allergic reactions, including symptoms like vomiting, itchy hives, shortness of breath, dizziness, and tingling in the mouth. In extreme cases, it can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical intervention.
Symptoms of Anaphylaxis
In cases of anaphylaxis, individuals may experience severe swelling of the throat or face, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, and potentially death. It is critical for those having an anaphylactic reaction to use an adrenaline injector (such as an EpiPen) and to call 911 for emergency assistance.
Incorrect Packaging and Product Information
The recall is specifically linked to Wismettac’s Korean seasoned seaweed, which contains sesame not listed on some product labels due to an error in packaging materials. The seaweed was sold in 3.52 oz packages in illustrated plastic bags, each containing five inner packets. Although the inner packets are correctly labeled, the outer bag contains incorrect information regarding allergens.
The affected products have the correct product code—074410516031—on the back right side of the outer package, but they also display an incorrect code: 074410495534.
Distribution and Recall Timeline
The recalled Korean seasoned seaweed was distributed to several states, including California, Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, Washington, New York, and Nevada, until October 8. Wismettac announced the recall on October 10, with the FDA following up the next day.
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Consumers who have purchased these seaweed products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Other Recent FDA Recalls
On October 11, the FDA announced a series of other recalls, including Enoki King mushrooms, Los Andes Foods sweet corn pancakes, and Bistro 28 Don Pacho meal kits. The sweet corn pancakes were recalled due to undeclared wheat from a similar labeling mishap. In contrast, the mushrooms and meal kits were possibly contaminated with listeria bacteria, which can lead to serious infections known as listeriosis.
The meal kits were part of a larger recall involving nearly 10 million pounds of meat by BrucePac due to listeria contamination, as the meal kits utilized BrucePac chicken.
Conclusion
The recall of Wismettac’s Korean seasoned seaweed underscores the importance of accurate food labeling to prevent serious allergic reactions. Consumers with sesame allergies should be vigilant and return any affected products for a full refund.
