Supermarket chain Wegmans has issued a voluntary recall for its Kalo GF Carrot Cake, which has been mislabeled as Gluten Free Chocolate Cake. The mislabeling error has led to the presence of an undeclared major allergen: soy.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cautioned that individuals with a soy allergy face the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product. Soy is among the nine major allergens that must be disclosed on all food packaging in the U.S., regardless of where the product is manufactured.
Details of the Recalled Product:
- Product Name: Kalo GF Carrot Cake (mislabeled as Gluten Free Chocolate Cake)
- UPC Code: 8-53407-00418-4
- Affected Wegmans Locations: Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington D.C.
Consumer Instructions:
Consumers who have purchased the mislabeled cake can return it to the customer service desk at any Wegmans location for a full refund. For further inquiries or concerns, consumers can contact Wegmans Food Markets at 1-855-934-3663, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Importance of Allergen Disclosure:
The FDA mandates that nine major allergensβsoy, wheat, milk, tree nuts, peanuts, eggs, crustaceans (shellfish), fish, and sesameβbe clearly listed on all food labels. Millions of Americans suffer from food allergies, which can range beyond these nine, but the FDA’s labeling requirement is designed to help individuals avoid products that could trigger allergic reactions.
Symptoms of Food Allergies:
Food allergies can manifest through a variety of symptoms, not all of which need to be present simultaneously. Common symptoms include:
- Itching
- Rashes or hives
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Abdominal cramping
- Swelling of the throat and vocal cords
- Coughing or wheezing
In severe cases, an allergic reaction can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening emergency characterized by throat swelling, difficulty breathing, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness. Immediate medical attention is required for anyone experiencing anaphylaxis.
Background on Food Recalls:
Undeclared allergens are a frequent cause of food recalls in the U.S. For example, in June, chocolate chunk cookies were recalled due to an undeclared allergen. Similarly, this week saw the recall of corn pancakes because they contained milk that was not mentioned on the product label.
Consumers are encouraged to stay informed about food recalls and to check product labels carefully to avoid potential allergens. The FDA continues to monitor and enforce regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of the public.
For more information about food safety and recalls, visit the FDA’s website or contact your local health department.
Rubby Cordelia is a finance journalist for WVPrepBB.com, bringing expertise and clarity to her reporting on financial news. With a passion for demystifying complex economic issues, Rubby delivers insightful analysis and up-to-date information on the latest market trends, financial policies, and economic developments. Her work on WVPrepBB.com is essential reading for anyone looking to stay informed about the ever-changing world of finance.
