According to News Week, More than 10,000 packages of Enjoy Premium Coconut Cookies have been recalled after it was discovered that they contain an undeclared allergen. The recall, initiated by Hawaii-based KTM Services, affects both the 5.3-ounce and 17.7-ounce packages of cookies due to the presence of milk, a major allergen that was not declared on the product label.
FDA Classifies Recall as Class I
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified the recall as Class I, indicating the highest level of risk. This classification 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.”
Affected Product Details
According to the FDA, the impacted products have best-by dates ranging from September 12, 2024, to August 8, 2024. The cookies were sold in retail stores across Hawaii, Guam, and Las Vegas, Nevada, as well as online. Specifically, the recall involves 9,734 units of the 5.3 oz. Coconut Cookies and 1,275 packages of the 17.7 oz. Coconut Cookies.
Importance of Allergen Declaration
Milk is one of nine major allergens designated by the FDA, along with soybeans, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and sesame. All allergens must be clearly declared on food packaging, as consumption by those with allergies poses a risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions.
Symptoms of Allergic Reactions
According to the FDA, food allergy reactions can lead to various symptoms, including hives, rashes, swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and coughing or wheezing. More severe reactions, known as anaphylaxis, can include swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness. The FDA warns that “symptoms of anaphylaxis may start out as relatively mild but, if not treated promptly, can become life-threatening in a short amount of time.”
What to Do in Case of an Allergic Reaction
Anyone who suspects they are having a serious allergic reaction should contact their healthcare provider immediately or dial 911. According to the original recall statement issued by the FDA on September 19, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the KTM Services product.
Also read: Frozen Pasta Recall: Listeria Risk Triggers Warning in 8 States
Steps to Take if You Experience Symptoms
If you fall ill due to an undeclared allergen, there are several important steps you can take. Dr. Darin Detwiler, a professor of food policy and corporate social responsibility at Northeastern University, advises the following:
- Seek Medical Help: First and foremost, get medical assistance to address your symptoms and ensure your health and safety.
- Notify Authorities: Inform the FDA and local health departments about your illness or allergic reaction, as this can help prevent others from getting sick.
- Retain Evidence: Keep the packaging and any remaining product, as these can be important for any investigation and potential legal action.
Conclusion
The recall of Enjoy Premium Coconut Cookies underscores the critical importance of proper labeling and allergen declaration in food products. Newsweek has reached out to KTM Services for comment outside of regular working hours.
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