RECALL UPDATE: Salad public health alert issued over allergic reaction fears

According to News Week, U.S. officials have issued a public health alert concerning a batch of chicken salads produced by Hans Kissle Co. LLC, which were found to contain the incorrect product and undeclared allergens.

Mislabelled Product Details

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the product labeled as “Cranberry Chicken Salad” may actually contain “Classic Chicken Salad,” which includes wheat. The affected batch was produced on September 20, 2024, and has a use-by date of October 25. Consumers can identify the product by the establishment number P-7573 printed on its lid. This batch was distributed to retailers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and New York.

Advisory for Consumers with Wheat Allergies

FSIS has specifically warned consumers with wheat allergies to avoid this product. They clarified that a recall has not been initiated because the affected product is no longer available for purchase. Despite this, FSIS expressed concern that some of the mislabelled chicken salad may still be in consumers’ refrigerators.

In a statement, the agency urged, “Consumers who have purchased these products are advised not to consume them. These products should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase.”

Discovery of the Issue

The mislabelling was identified after a customer reported that packages labeled as Cranberry Chicken Salad contained Classic Chicken Salad instead. Fortunately, there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions linked to the consumption of these products. However, FSIS encourages anyone concerned about potential illness to consult their health provider.

Understanding Wheat Allergies

Wheat allergies are among the most common food allergies, affecting up to 1.3 percent of the global population, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Common symptoms include hives, rashes, nausea, and various gastrointestinal issues. In severe cases, exposure to wheat can lead to anaphylaxis.

Importance of Emergency Preparedness

Anaphylaxis can be treated with an epinephrine injection, commonly known as an EpiPen. Epinephrine is a naturally occurring molecule in the body, known as adrenaline, which plays a vital role in regulating muscle contraction and relaxation, as well as blood flow. This hormone is crucial in reversing the dangerous symptoms associated with anaphylaxis.

For those with severe allergies, it is essential to carry an epinephrine injection at all times to ensure prompt treatment in case of an allergic reaction.