The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a warning about potentially dangerous undeclared allergens in a pork skin snack product. The recall announcement stated that packages of “BONNEVAL’S BBQ Pork Skins” contained wheat and soy, which can trigger anaphylaxis in allergic individuals. Bonneval Foods, LLC distributed the snacks in Louisiana, and they were packaged in plastic bags with the establishment number “EST. 2249” inside a USDA inspection mark on the label. The ingredient Worcestershire powder, which contains wheat and soy, was not mentioned on the label. Consumers were advised to discard the products and seek medical attention if needed.
While no illnesses related to the mislabeling had been reported, FSIS expressed concern that some products may still be in consumers’ pantries. Consumers were urged not to consume the affected products and to either discard them or return them to the place of purchase. The presence of allergens was discovered during routine FSIS in-plant verification activities, although details about when the discovery was made, when the products were sold, and the potential number of units sold without the proper labeling were unclear at the time of the announcement. FSIS was contacted for further comment by Newsweek.
Undeclared allergens in food products can have severe consequences for individuals with sensitivities. Last year, a Connecticut-based supermarket chain, Stew Leonard’s, recalled Florentine cookies after a woman died from consuming them without realizing they contained peanuts. The victim, identified as Órla Baxendale, a British national pursuing a dance career in New York City, tragically lost her life due to the undisclosed allergen. The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner called the incident a heartbreaking tragedy that should have never occurred. Undeclared wheat in food items also poses a serious risk for individuals with celiac disease, an autoimmune condition that makes them hypersensitive to gluten found in wheat and some other grains.
The presence of undeclared allergens in food products is a serious public health concern, as it can lead to severe reactions and even fatalities in some cases. In the case of the recalled pork skin snacks, the mislabeling of ingredients like wheat and soy could trigger anaphylaxis in allergic individuals. Consumers were advised to take precautions and dispose of the products if they had purchased them. FSIS emphasized the importance of proper labeling to prevent such incidents and protect the health and safety of consumers. Undeclared allergens have been linked to tragic incidents in the past, underscoring the need for strict regulations and oversight in the food industry to ensure accurate labeling and prevent harm to consumers.
The impact of undeclared allergens in food products extends beyond immediate health risks, affecting individuals with allergies, sensitivities, and autoimmune conditions. In the case of the recalled pork skin snacks, the inclusion of wheat and soy without proper labeling put consumers at risk of serious allergic reactions. The recall serves as a reminder of the importance of accurate ingredient labeling and transparency in the food industry to protect vulnerable populations. Measures to prevent mislabeling and ensure product safety are essential to safeguard public health and prevent avoidable tragedies. Consumers are advised to stay informed about recalls and take necessary precautions when purchasing and consuming food products to protect themselves and their families.
