RECALL UPDATE: Wegmans Nuts Recall Update As FDA Sets Risk Level For 8 States
A recall for a Wegmans nut blend issued earlier this summer has now received an official risk classification by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Details of the Recall
Minneapolis-based Flagstone Foods initiated the recall in August for Wegmans’ “Food You Feel Good About Pecan Blend” due to the presence of undeclared almonds. The blend’s listed ingredients included pecans, cashews, pistachios, canola and/or peanut and/or cottonseed oil, and salt.
Affected Products and Distribution
The recall, which began on August 23, 2024, impacted 16-ounce versions of the product distributed across Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. The affected products carry a use-by date of March 27, 2024, and have the UPC code 0-77890-31040-3. Customers who purchased the product can return it to the customer service desk at their local Wegmans store for a full refund.
FDA Issues Class II Risk Classification
The FDA has now classified the recall as “Class II,” indicating that use or exposure to the product “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.” There are three levels of recall classifications in total.
Wegmans’ Presence in the Affected Regions
Wegmans operates over 110 stores across Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
Almonds and Food Allergies
Almonds are considered one of the nine “major food allergens” as defined by legislation, and cross-contamination with allergens can trigger anaphylaxis in individuals with severe allergies. Other major allergens include milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish (such as crab, lobster, and shrimp), tree nuts (including almonds, walnuts, and pecans), peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame.
Understanding Anaphylaxis and Allergy Symptoms
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction requiring immediate medical attention, which can cause constricted airways, a significant drop in blood pressure, shock, and potential suffocation due to throat swelling. Other serious allergic symptoms include hives, flushed skin, rashes, tingling or itching in the mouth, swelling of the face, tongue, or lips, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, coughing, wheezing, dizziness, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, around 6.2 percent of U.S. adults have at least one food allergy.
