CONTAMINATED fruit has led to a recall in 19 states across the country over an ingredient that could be fatal.
Turkana Food Inc. has announced a recall involving 352 cases of Floria Dried Apricots, as stated in a news release from the US Food and Drug Administration on Thursday.
The recall is due to the presence of sulfites, which are “chemicals used as preservatives” to help prevent spoilage in foods, beverages, and medications, as explained by the Cleveland Clinic.
The sulfites are used to prevent browning and discoloration in food and drinks.
For centuries, winemakers have used sulfites to presure the color and flavor of wines.
Sulfites can also occur naturally in some foods.
The necessity for the recall arose following a routine inspection conducted by the New York State Department of Agriculture, which discovered that sulfites were present in the product even though they were not “declared on the product’s label,” according to the FDA.
An investigation “to correct the issue with the manufacturer” is underway by Turkana Food Inc., meanwhile, production and distribution of the product has been ceased by the FDA.
Customers who bought the recalled product are being warned not to eat it and return it to the place of purchase for a refund.
SULFITE WARNING
There have been no reported illnesses at this time, however, most people with asthma are sensitive to sulfites.
Sulfites can trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
“Symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, sneezing and skin reactions.”
In rare cases, sulfite allergies can lead to anaphylaxis with symptoms such as difficulty breathing or swallowing, fast heartbeat, dizziness, or vomiting.
Sulfite sensitivity is extremely rare, however, only occurring in about 4-5% of asthma cases.
BREYER BEWARE
More than 6,660 tubs of Breyers Chocolate Truffle Ice Cream are being pulled from shelves due to undeclared almonds.
The FDA released an alert on June 10, warning that ome cartons labeled Chocolate Truffle were mistakenly filled with Rocky Road ice cream, which contains almonds.
Turkana Inc. Product Recall
The recalled Floria Dried Apricots were distributed in the following states:
- Florida
- Kentucky
- Virginia
- New York
- New Jersey
- Tennessee
- Massachusetts
- Texas
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Michigan
- Rhode Island
- Pennsylvania
- North Carolina
- Maryland
- Ohio
- Alabama
- Missouri
- California
The product had the LOT number 440090478-15-333 on the bottom portion of the packaging, with the UPC Label 2539560010 marked on the side of the packaging and an expiration date of November 2026.
Unilever, which owns Breyers, initiated the recall on June 2 after discovering the label was inaccurate.
The tub said “may contain tree nuts,” however, the Rocky Road flavor listed almonds clearly on the lid, creating a potential danger.
“Rocky Road Ice was packaged with Chocolate Truffle Ice Cream labeled tub and a Rocky Road Ice Cream lid,” the FDA said.
“People with an almond allergy should not consume the product due to risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction,” Breyers said in a statement.
“The safety and quality of our products is our top priority,” Unilever added.
A report disclosed that “roughly 12” out of 6,668 recalled containers are believed to have been affected.
