A pancake product has been recalled and given the highest risk classification after it was found to contain a major allergen.
Villa Nueva Interservices LLC in Florida has voluntarily recalled its "Arepas LA Mejor" 25-ounce bags of Arepa de Choclo/Chocolo (chocolate sweet corn pancakes) after batches were found to contain milk, which was not declared on the product packaging. Milk is considered a major allergen and must be labeled on food products distributed in the U.S.
The Food and Drug Administration has warned that those with a milk allergy "run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products."
The recall has now received a Class I categorization, the highest risk level, which is issued when there is a "reasonable probability" that the use of, or exposure to, a product could "cause serious adverse health consequences or death."
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The packages were distributed in retail stores in south Florida only. Affected items bear a UPC Code of 8 37654 78238, the recall announcement said. The product comes in clear plastic packaging, with a bright yellow label that says "Arepas LA Mejor" on the front.
The FDA said the manufacturer had updated its product labeling, meaning other items should not be affected. Anyone who has bought the affected product should either throw it away or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Milk is one of the nine major allergens designated by the FDA. The others are wheat, soybeans, tree nuts, peanuts, egg, crustaceans (shellfish), fish and sesame. The government agency warns that those with allergies to these foods "run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction" if they consume them, and the allergens must be declared on all food packaging.
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There are a variety of symptoms that can present during allergic reactions caused by food. These include itching, rashes, hives, vomiting and/or diarrhea, abdominal cramping, swelling of the throat and vocal cords, and coughing or wheezing. Not all the symptoms have to be present, as some allergies cause different responses.
When a more serious allergic reaction takes place, it can result in anaphylaxis, a life-threatening medical condition in which the body's immune system overreacts to the presence of the allergen in the body.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis include throat swelling, difficulty breathing, a sudden drop in blood pressure and loss of consciousness. Anyone who believes they or another person is suffering from anaphylaxis should call 911 immediately.
No injuries or illnesses have been reported so far in relation to the corn pancake product, the recall announcement said. Consumers with concerns or questions about the product should call 561-480-0132 Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET.
The FDA issues frequent recalls over products that have been mislabeled and contain major allergens. Earlier this month, liquid egg products were recalled following the discovery of undeclared milk, affecting nine U.S. states. In June, a range of savory snacks were recalled as they did not declare wheat on the packaging.
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Aliss Higham is a Newsweek reporter based in Glasgow, Scotland. Her focus is reporting on issues across the U.S., including ... Read more
