Recalled mashed potatoes sold at a popular Missouri supermarket chain could unwittingly expose consumers to a deadly allergic reaction.
Why It Matters
About 6 percent of U.S. adults and 8 percent of children have at least one food allergy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Consuming food that was recalled due to undeclared allergens can result in a variety of unpleasant reactions for those with a related allergy, including the potentially deadly condition of anaphylaxis.
What To Know
A recall notice shared to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website on Tuesday warned customers of St. Louis-based Dierbergs Markets that some 16-ounce packages of "Premium Home-Style Mashed Potatoes" were recalled due to the undeclared presence of wheat.
The affected packages, which were sold at over two dozen stores, are marked with a label ID number of 92, the UPC number 231220006538 and a "sell by" date of January 9, 2025. The company said that all of the recalled items had been taken off store shelves as of Friday.
"Dierbergs Markets is working closely with the Food & Drug Administration," the recall notice states. "No other Dierbergs Branded products are affected by this recall."
Customers who purchased the mashed potatoes were asked to return them to their point of purchase for a full refund. Those with additional questions can contact the company at 1-636-532-8884 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time Monday to Friday.
Newsweek reached out for comment to Dierbergs Markets via online contact form on Tuesday night.
Wheat is considered one of nine "major food allergens" by the FDA. The other eight are milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, sesame and soybeans.
Anaphylaxis, the most severe type of allergic reaction, requires prompt medical attention; its symptoms include throat swelling, difficulty breathing, a sudden drop in blood pressure and loss of consciousness. Other symptoms of serious allergic reactions include rashes, hives, itching, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramping.
In addition to allergy concerns, wheat poses a serious medical risk for those with celiac disease, an autoimmune condition that leaves those affected with hypersensitivity to the gluten found in wheat and some other grains.
What People Are Saying
Last year, a recall was issued for Florentine cookies sold by Northeastern supermarket chain Stew Leonard's following the death of a woman who ate the cookies without realizing they contained undeclared peanuts.
"This is a heartbreaking tragedy that should never have happened," Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli said in a statement at the time. "Our condolences go out to the family affected by this incident."
What Happens Next
As the affected packages of mashed potatoes have all been removed from store shelves, it is unlikely that any further action will be taken regarding the recall. It is unclear whether there were any adverse reactions tied to the recall.
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