RECALL UPDAATE : FDA Raises Bread Recall to Highest Risk Level Over Undeclared Allergen
According to Newsweek , A range of bread products has been recalled due to the presence of an undeclared allergen, with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifying the recall as a Class I risk, the highest level of recall. The affected products, produced by Indiana-based Perfection Bakeries under the Aunt Millie’s Bakehouse brand, were initially recalled in September for containing sesame, a major allergen not listed on the packaging.
The recall includes the following Aunt Millie’s Bakehouse products:
- Hawaiian Hamburger Buns
- White Pullman Bread
- 100% Whole Wheat Pullman Bread
- Whole Grain Dinner Rolls
- Texas Toast
- Whole Grain White Hot Dog Buns
These products, which have a best-by date of September 13, 2024, or earlier, were sold in 12 states: Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin.
Sesame is one of the nine major food allergens in the U.S., along with soybeans, fish, shellfish, wheat, milk, eggs, peanuts, and tree nuts. Undeclared allergens can lead to serious health risks, including anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness.
The FDA warns that allergic reactions can range from mild symptoms like gastrointestinal distress and skin irritation to severe, potentially fatal conditions. If you have consumed any of the affected products and experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, it’s crucial to seek medical help right away.
Consumers who believe they have been impacted by this recall should notify the FDA and local health authorities. Retaining the packaging and remaining product can aid in investigations and potential legal actions.
Research from regulatory compliance company Traceone indicates that allergen contamination is one of the leading causes of food recalls, accounting for nearly 40% of all recalls issued by the FDA and the Food Safety and Inspection Service between 2020 and 2024.
