A public health alert has been issued over products labelled as frozen chicken curry empanadas sold in Walmart stores.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the alert on Wednesday, after four consumers complained that boxes labeled "Bettergoods Traditionally Crafted Chicken Curry Empanadas" actually contained apple cinnamon empanadas.
The apple cinnamon empanadas were made with milk, an allergen not displayed on the chicken curry empanadas packaging.
The mislabeled products were made by Rajbhog Foods, Inc., based in New Jersey, and sold in Walmart stores throughout the U.S.
The health alert has been issued because of the risk to consumers with milk allergies, but a recall has not been issued because these products are no longer being sold.
Newsweek has approached Rajbhog Foods for comment via email and Walmart for comment via an online form.
The frozen empanadas were produced on November 14, packaged from November 20 to 21, and have best-by dates of May 21 to 22, 2026. The boxes have the establishment number "EST. P33967" on them.
There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to these products, but FSIS has said it is concerned that the empanadas may be in some consumers' freezers.
It has urged consumers not to eat these products, but to throw away or return them to their place of purchase.
"Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a health care provider," the public health alert said.
Cow's milk allergies are one of the most common allergies among babies and young children but can affect adults too.
Adults with milk allergies are more likely to experience severe allergic reactions to milk than children.
An allergic reaction to milk is an immune response to casein and whey proteins in milk, that can occur within minutes of consuming milk or milk products, or after several days.
Some people with allergic reactions to milk only experience mild symptoms, such as an itchy mouth, a runny nose and sneezing.
However, symptoms can also include a red itchy rash, swelling of the lips or face, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
In severe cases, an individuals may have an anaphylactic reaction, which is a medical emergency and can be fatal.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis include swelling of the tongue or throat, difficult or noisy breathing, dizziness and loss of consciousness. In the event of anaphylaxis, 911 should be called and adrenaline (epinephrine) administered, such as with an EpiPen.
Some people have a milk intolerance, which may result in digestive symptoms such as gas, abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhea after consuming dairy.
Another health alert was recently issued over a frozen raw beef product that may be contaminated with plastic and metal.
Meanwhile, five recalls have been issued for products sold in Target and two recalls have been issued for products sold in Walmart.
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