In fresh reports, a huge recall of Fresh Gourmet Tortilla Strips occurs due to wheat allergens not being declared. This can be very hazardous in the case of people with allergic tendencies and sensitivity toward wheat. A number of states involved in the recall have issued alerts to consumers and health officials.
Summary of the recall
Of this, Sugar Foods Corporation has initiated a voluntary recall of Fresh Gourmet Tortilla Strips Santa Fe Style on November 22, 2024. These are in 3.5-ounce pouches and have a best-by date of June 20, 2025. This recall was due to several consumers finding crispy onion strips inside the pouch instead of the tortilla strips.
These crispy onions contain wheat, which does not feature in the ingredient list of the tortilla strips pack and hence a severe threat to wheat-allergic people.
Affected states and distribution timeline
The contamination issue has extended to tortilla strips that were distributed to 22 states between September 30 and November 11, 2024. Affected states include:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Maryland
- Maine
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- North Carolina
- New Jersey
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
Consumers in these states who have purchased the affected products can look for the UPC code 7 87359 17504 6 to see if they have the recalled products.
Health risks from wheat allergens
Wheat allergies, on the other hand, may trigger severe allergic reactions, including life-threatening anaphylaxis. Other symptoms include skin hives, troubled breathing, swelling of the throat, or other forms of gastrointestinal distress. Sugar Foods made it very clear to consumers that individuals who have wheat allergies or severe sensitivities are at serious risk once they ingest these contaminated tortilla strips.
Although this is a serious situation, as of now, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall. As a precautionary measure, however, Sugar Foods is requesting consumers return any potentially affected product to the place of purchase for a full refund or to safely discard.
Consumer guidance and firm response
Sugar Foods has a consumer care department to address questions about this recall. Consumers may contact the company at 888-708-2222 or in writing or by calling the business during business hours for further information. The company also launched an invitation for any person that might have bought these tortilla strips to take immediate action in returning the product for refund or disposal of the product.
FDA involvement underlines that the main need of a regulatory framework and proper surveillance exist in the field of food safety in order to avoid such accidents of allergens. It forms a part of an extended trend where frequent recalls due to contamination concerns reflect persistence of challenges in the management of food safety.
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