FDA Classifies Potato Salad Recall as Class I Due to Undeclared Allergens

According to News Week, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified the risk level of a recalled potato salad product as Class I, indicating the most severe category of risk. This classification was issued following the recall of a batch of Lemonland Food Corp’s Potato Salad, which was taken off shelves on September 11 due to undeclared soybean oil and egg.

Importance of Declaring Ingredients

Undeclared ingredients pose significant risks for individuals with food intolerances or allergies, making it crucial for consumers to be informed about what products to avoid. The FDA’s Class I designation signifies a situation “in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”

FDA Classifications Explained

To provide context, the FDA defines its classification system as follows:

• Class I: There is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.
• Class II: The 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.
• Class III: The use of or exposure to a violative product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.

Details of the Recall

Approximately 120 packages of the affected potato salad were recalled voluntarily by the Washington State-based Lemonland Food Corp. The product, packaged in plastic clamshell containers, weighs 0.56 lbs each and was distributed in Washington State. The H-Mart label lists the ingredients as “Potato, Mayonnaise, Sugar, Vegetable,” with an expiry date of September 8 this year.

Allergic Reactions to Undeclared Ingredients

For individuals with soy allergies, consuming undeclared soybean oil can lead to symptoms ranging from mild rashes and hives to severe anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening, according to Anaphylaxis U.K. Reactions can occur immediately or may be delayed, appearing hours or even days after ingestion. Similarly, egg allergies can cause symptoms such as rashes and stomach pains, and, in rare cases, can also result in anaphylaxis.

Also read: Lemonade Recall Alert: FDA Evaluates Health Risks for Consumers

Other Recent Class I Recalls

In addition to the potato salad recall, the FDA also issued a Class I recall for a batch of cookies earlier this month. More than 10,000 packages of cookies were recalled after being found to contain an undeclared allergen.

Enjoy Premium Coconut Cookies Recall

Hawaii-based KTM Services recalled 9,734 packages of 5.3 oz. Enjoy Premium Coconut Cookies and 1,275 packages of 17.7 oz. due to the presence of milk, a major allergen that was not declared on the product label.

Conclusion

The recalls underscore the importance of accurate labeling and consumer awareness regarding food allergens. Newsweek has reached out to Lemonland Food Corp for further information on whether any illnesses have been reported related to the potato salad recall.