Undeclared Allergens
The leading cause of FDA food recalls — when labels fail to warn about allergens present in the product.
What is Undeclared Allergens?
Undeclared allergens are the single most common reason for FDA food recalls. These recalls occur when a food product contains an allergen that is not listed on the ingredient label, putting consumers with food allergies at risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).
Federal law requires that food labels clearly identify the presence of any of the 9 major food allergens: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame. Undeclared allergens typically result from labeling errors, cross-contamination during manufacturing, or the use of an incorrect label on a product.
Symptoms
- Hives, itching, or skin rash
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting
- Dizziness or fainting
- Anaphylaxis (severe, whole-body reaction — medical emergency)
Onset: Allergic reactions typically occur within minutes to 2 hours of consuming the allergen. Anaphylaxis can develop rapidly and requires immediate epinephrine treatment.
Who is Most at Risk?
What Should You Do?
If you have a food allergy and possess a recalled product with an undeclared allergen, do not eat it. Return it to the store for a refund or throw it away.
If you are experiencing an allergic reaction, use your epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) immediately and call 911. Do not wait to see if symptoms improve on their own — anaphylaxis can be fatal within minutes without treatment. Even after using epinephrine, go to the emergency room for observation.
Sources
This guide is based on public health guidance from the following agencies.
Recent Undeclared Allergens Recalls
The latest recalls related to Undeclared Allergens.
Pan Pepin Recalls Para Bien Al Grano for Undeclared Sesame
Pan Pepín Recalls Para Bien Al Grano for Undeclared Sesame
Oliva LLC Recalls Baba Ghanouj and Hummus for Undeclared Sesame
J K Patisserie Recalls Baked Goods for Undeclared Soy
Queso Palmita Cheese Pie Recalled for Undeclared Milk
Nature's Own Hawaiian Bread Recalled for Undeclared Milk
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