Individuals who suffer from peanut allergy should stay away from certain bean burgers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that MorningStar Farms has voluntarily recalled some varieties of its bean burgers due to mislabeling.
The recall is a precautionary measure because the affected products may contain peanuts that are not mentioned in the products' ingredient statements.
"MorningStar Farms is issuing a voluntary and precautionary recall of certain code dates of Spicy Black Bean Burgers and Chipotle Black Bean Burgers because they may contain undeclared peanut," the FDA said in a statement.
The company learned from a third-party supplier that Spicy Black Bean Burgers and Chipotle Black Bean Burgers have a spice ingredient that may contain peanut. Individuals who are allergic or have severe sensitivity to peanuts are at risk of a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the affected products. Those who do not have peanut allergy, however, can safely consume these products.
The products affected by the recall include the following:
The recalled products were distributed across the U.S. not just in retail stores but also through foodservice channels. On Sunday, Grocery store chain Giant Food announced that it is taking affected products off its shelves and that customers who have bought the recalled products should throw them away. Those who still have their purchase receipt may also claim a full refund.
Stop & Shop supermarkets also announced it is recalling the affected products. Customers can likewise ask for a full refund as long as they bring their purchase receipts with them.
Individuals who are allergic to peanut and consumed peanut-containing food products may exhibit symptoms of food allergy in as short as within a few minutes to as long as two hours after eating. Allergic reactions include swelling of the lips, itchy sensation in the face or parts of the face, vomiting, rash and dizziness.
Consumers who need further information on the recall are advised to contact MorningStar Farms at 800-962-0120.
Although many people do not have any problem consuming foods with peanuts, this could pose serious problems to certain individuals who suffer from peanut allergy.
In December last year, Chandler Swink, a student at Oakland University who had a severe peanut allergy, suffered serious allergic reactions after visiting a friend's apartment, where somebody prepared some peanut butter cookies. He died when he was taken off life support after spending a week in allergy-induced coma.
