A spice kit is being recalled nationwide after it was found to contain undeclared allergens, according to an announcement by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Pennsylvania-based Con Yeager Spice Company is voluntarily recalling its Trail Bologna Meat Processing Kits due to the presence of undeclared allergens, namely wheat and soy. The recall was initiated after a customer discovered that their box of Hickory Jerky Kits contained Trail Bologna Meat Processing Kits. Hickory Jerky kit contents were inadvertently packaged inside of Trail Bologna Meat Processing kit pouches, the FDA announcement said.
Wheat and soybeans are two of the nine major allergens designated by the FDA. The other seven major food allergens are milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, and sesame.
All must be declared on all food packaging, except in limited circumstances, with the government agency saying that consumption by those with the allergy "run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction."
"People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy and wheat run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if this product is consumed," the FDA said in its October 21 release.
Impacted products come in 17.88 oz pouches bearing a UPC code of 797442404137 and the lot number B241851006. They also have a best-by date of February 2, 2027. The products were available to buy at retail stores nationwide and via the company website.
Con Yeager has suspended production while the cause of the matter is investigated. No illnesses have yet been reported in relation to the recall. Newsweek has contacted Con Yeager for comment via email outside of regular working hours.
The FDA says that food-allergy reactions can lead to symptoms such as hives, rashes, swelling, vomiting and/or diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and coughing or wheezing.
Signs of a serious allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, can include swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness. The FDA adds that "symptoms of anaphylaxis may start out as relatively mild but, if not treated promptly, symptoms can become life-threatening in a short amount of time."
Anyone who believes they are having a serious allergic reaction should contact their health-care provider immediately or dial 911.
If you do fall ill due to an undeclared allergen, there are several steps you can take, said Dr. Darin Detwiler, professor of food policy and corporate social responsibility at Northeastern University.
"First and foremost, get medical help to address your symptoms and ensure your health and safety," Detwiler told Newsweek. "Notify the FDA and local health departments about your illness or allergic reaction," which he said can help others prevent falling ill.
He added you should keep hold of the packaging and any remaining product, "as this can be important for any investigation and potential legal action."
Consumers with questions can contact the Con Yeager Spice Company at 724-202-6513, 8 a.m. through 4:15 p.m. ET, from Monday to Friday.
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