A cookie mix product has been recalled by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to the presence of an undeclared major allergen.
The product, The Perfect Chocolate Chunk Cookie Mix Cravings by Chrissy Teigen, was recalled after it was found to contain undeclared coconut, a tree nut, which is one of the FDA's designated major allergens. More than 20,000 units produced by California based Penguin Natural Foods Inc. were first voluntarily recalled on June 21 before being categorized as a Class II risk on June 27.
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Classifications are given to indicate the seriousness of the risk to the public when a food item is recalled. Under the FDA's definition, a Class II recall is issued in "a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote."
Newsweek has contacted Penguin Natural Foods Inc. for comment via the contact form on its website outside of normal working hours.
The product was sold in six U.S. states, most of which are in the West: Arizona, California, Colorado, New Jersey, Oregon and Washington.
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The product is packaged in a beige cardboard box with green lettering and sold in 15.76 oz (447g) units. Relevant items bear the lot code 23723, UPC code 1 96852 66561 7 and a best by date of October 25, 2024.
The FDA advises that food-based allergies are a "significant public health concern with allergic reactions varying in severity from gastrointestinal disturbances and skin irritations, to anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock and death."
Common symptoms of food allergies include rashes, hives, itching, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, swelling of the throat and vocal cords, and respiratory issues such as coughing or wheezing.
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Severe allergic reactions can result in anaphylaxis, a life-threatening emergency that must be treated in hospital. Symptoms include dramatic drop in blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness.
If someone is experiencing a severe allergic reaction they should seek medical help immediately. The FDA has cautioned 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."
There are eight other major food allergens: soybeans, fish, crustacean shellfish, wheat, milk, eggs, peanuts, and sesame. These are the most common foods known to cause allergic reactions, though they are not an exhaustive list.
The six tree nut allergies most commonly reported by children and adults are allergies to walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, pecan, cashews, and pistachios. These are all required to be clearly labelled on the product packaging.
About the writer
Aliss Higham is a Newsweek reporter based in Glasgow, Scotland. Her focus is reporting on issues across the U.S., including ... Read more
