A recent announcement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed that over 11,000 chocolate cookies are being recalled due to the presence of an undisclosed allergen.
Sheetz has issued a voluntary recall of its Shweetz Bakery-To-Go brand Peanut Butter Brownie Cheezecake Mashup Cookie product after discovering that it contains peanuts, which are among the top nine allergens identified by the FDA. Individuals with a peanut allergy face a severe risk of a life-threatening reaction if they consume the product.
The affected product is individually wrapped in clear film marked with lot code C051624126301 and UPC 759465005029. These cookies were distributed only in five states: Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia, totaling 11,070 units subject to recall.
Peanuts, along with wheat, soybeans, tree nuts, eggs, crustaceans (shellfish), fish, and sesame, are among the top nine allergens that must be declared on food packaging, except in certain cases.
Food allergies arise when the body’s immune system reacts to specific foods. According to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), roughly 1 in 10 American adults and 1 in 13 children have a peanut allergy.
Symptoms of a food allergy may include itching, rashes, hives, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, throat and vocal cord swelling, and coughing or wheezing.
In severe instances, food allergies can lead to fatal anaphylaxis, where the immune system responds strongly to the allergen. Signs of anaphylaxis comprise difficulty breathing, chest pain, throat swelling, sudden drop in blood pressure, lightheadedness, and loss of consciousness.
FARE highlights that teenagers and young adults with food allergies are at a high risk of fatal food-induced anaphylaxis. Immediate action, such as calling 911 for emergency assistance, is necessary if anaphylaxis is suspected.
The FDA often issues recalls for incorrectly labeled products. Recently, Hannaford supermarket recalled chicken cutlets due to undeclared milk presence. In July, numerous bread loaves were recalled for containing sesame, not listed on the packaging.