Salad Recall in Five States Over Allergen Fears

According to News Week, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reported a recall of thousands of seafood salads due to fears they may contain undeclared allergens. More than 1,600 units of Hannaford Seafood Salad, produced by Elevation Foods, have been pulled from store shelves in five states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and New York. This recall follows a mislabeling incident that could pose serious health risks to consumers with soy allergies.

Details of the Affected Products

The recalled seafood salad products were mislabeled, potentially containing soy, which can trigger severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The specific product affected is:

The products were distributed between October 25 and 29, with use-by dates of November 13 and 14. Consumers can find the use-by date printed on the lid of the container.

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Cause of the Recall

The recall was triggered after the FDA discovered that the label printer for Hannaford Seafood Salad had mistakenly provided Elevation Foods with incorrect labels intended for an upcoming formulation change. These labels did not accurately reflect the contents of the product, leading to potential allergen exposure for consumers.

Health Risks and Consumer Guidance

No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled seafood salads. However, the FDA warns that consumers with a soy allergy are at risk of serious or even life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume the affected products. Symptoms of a soy allergy can range from mild to severe, including vomiting, wheezing, stomach issues, swelling of the tongue and lips, hives, difficulty breathing, and dizziness.

In extreme cases, a soy allergy can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition that can impede breathing and cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. This condition can be treated with an epinephrine injection (EpiPen), which counteracts the symptoms and helps restore normal blood flow and respiratory function.

Action for Consumers

The FDA advises consumers who purchased the affected seafood salad to refrain from consuming the product. They should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. If you have severe allergies, it is crucial to always carry your epinephrine injection with you for emergency situations.