After discovering that some of the packages were not correctly labeled, Kalo Foods LLC issued a voluntary recall on its Natural KALO Chocolate Cake Gluten Free. This move has been classified as a Class II risk by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), where the administration highlights a potential health risk for customers with allergies. Learn about the overview of the recall, the risk involved, and what you need to do as a customer if you have purchased the affected products.
Packaging Mix-Up: Carrot Cake in Chocolate Cake Containers
This recall was because some containers labeled as chocolate cake also contained slices of carrot cake. This mislabelling is a concern because carrots also contain soy, which is a major allergen not declared on the label. If individuals who have soy allergies consume these misleading products, this could lead to adverse health reactions, which could range from mild symptoms to severe allergy reactions.
FDA Class II Recall: Understanding the Risk
This recall is classified as a Class II, which means that the use or exposure to these mislabeled products could have a temporary or medically reversible effect on the health of their customers, according to the FDA. While there is a chance of a serious health situation that is considered remote, this recall is still very significant for customers with specific allergies.
This affected package of All Natural KALO Chocolate Cake gluten-free has UPC 8 53407 00418 4. With all 84 products being distributed to retail locations in North Carolina and Virginia, in other words, consumers in these states should be vigilant.
Food Allergies: A Serious Health Concern
Food allergies may occur when an individual’s body’s immune system is reactive to certain foods as harmful, triggering an allergic response. Furthermore, the FDA has required that nine major allergens be declared on all food packaging, which includes:
- Soy
- tree nuts
- Peanuts
- Wheat
- Milk
- Eggs
- crustaceans (shellfish)
- Fish
- Sesame
Keynote: Soy is described as one of the major allergens, and its presence in an undeclared form could be dangerous for those with this allergy. Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction can vary, this could include:
- Rashes
- Hives
- Itching
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- abdominal cramping
- swelling of the throat and vocal cords
- coughing or wheezing
- In the most severe cases, individuals could be experiencing anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Anaphylaxis symptoms include throat swelling
- difficulty breathing
- a sudden drop in blood pressure
- loss of consciousness.
What to Do If You’ve Purchased the Recalled Product
If you know you have these allergies and you have purchased the recalled All Natural KALO Chocolate Cake Gluten Free, the FDA advises you to stop consuming the product immediately. You should also return the product to the place of purchase and request a full refund. Even if you do not have a soy allergy, you must dispose of the product to avoid potential health risks for others in your household.
The Bigger Picture: Allergen Contamination in Food Products
One thing you should note is that in the food industry, allergen contamination is a significant concern. According to reports from the regulatory compliance company Traceone, nearly 40 percent of recalls issued by the FDA and the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) between 2020 and 2024 were a result of undeclared allergens. This statistic highlights the essentiality of accurate labeling as well as the potential dangers of allergen exposure.
Dr. Darin Detwiler, who is a professor of food policy and corporate social responsibility at Northeastern University, has emphasized that consumers should take action if they suspect they’ve reacted to an undeclared allergen in a food product. This also includes seeking medical attention and reporting the incident to the FDA.
