Recall Roundup: Undeclared ingredients and lead contamination

Undeclared hazelnuts

Heron Foods has announced that it is recalling The Smileys Surprise Egg (all packs and batches with an expiry date of 30 August 2025) because it contains hazelnuts (nuts) which are not mentioned on the label. This means that the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to hazelnuts (nuts).

Heron Foods is recalling the above product from customers and has been advised to contact the relevant allergy support organisations, which will tell their members about the recall. The company has also issued a point-of-sale notice to its customers. These notices explain to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product. 

Consumers have been told that, if they have bought the above product and have an allergy to hazelnuts (nuts), to not eat it and instead return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund.

Undeclared sesame

In the US, Prime Foods Processing LLC is recalling 477 cases of two varieties of Egg Custard Steamed Buns because they may contain undeclared sesame. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to Sesame run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The items were distributed in 27 US states through Asian grocery stores between 30 May 2024 and 28 June 2024.

The products being recalled are:

• Steam Buns with Egg Custard Added – Lot Codes #24149 and #24150 (expiration in October 2025)
• Steam Buns with Egg Custard and Coconut Added – Lot Code #24149 (expiration in October 2025.

The products are frozen items packaged in bright yellow packaging. The Code Date information can be found on the bottom of the left side panel.

The mislabelling was identified internally, and no customer complaints or illnesses have been reported to date. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that six cases of Sesame Steamed Buns may have been packaged in Egg Custard Steam Bun packaging. Subsequent investigation indicates that the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company’s packaging processes, which has since been corrected.

Consumers should return the affected product to the store where they purchased it with the uneaten buns and packaging for a full refund.

Lead contamination

Also in the US, El Chilar HF, LLC has issued a recall of its “Cinnamon Ground” product (1.25oz bag) because it may contain traces of lead. Further investigation indicates that the issue could be caused by a potentially adulterated raw material from the supplier.

This follows four other US brands recalling their ground cinnamon/ cinnamon powder products due to potential contamination with elevated levels of lead in early August 2024.

The affected products are Lots #D-300 EX1024 and #F272 EX1026, contained in 127 boxes (12 bags/box).

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) collected samples in February 2024 from Lot: E-054, EX 0225 and D-181, EX 0624 El Chilar Ground Cinnamon, which tested high in lead. These additional lots of El Chilar Ground Cinnamon have been added to the original recall.

The additional lots of El Chilar brand ground cinnamon – Lots: E-054, EX 0225 and D-181, EX 0624 – have been recalled from retail and wholesale outlets. However, there is the possibility that consumers could have that product in stock at home. Consumers are urged to stop using it immediately and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

The product was distributed by La Raza LLC, which distributes to brick-and-mortar retail stores in the state of Maryland.

To date, no illnesses related to the recall have been reported.

Undeclared milk

Too Good Gourmet in the US has announced a recall of Meijer Dunking Cookies Chocolate Chip because they contain undeclared milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products.

The recalled Meijer Dunking Cookies Chocolate Chip were sold at Meijer stores in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky and Wisconsin.

The recalled Meijer Dunking Cookies Chocolate Chip were sold in a 10oz tall clear container with a blue and white label, UPC 713733712972. All Best if Used By codes are included in this recall.

Neither Too Good Gourmet or Meijer have received any customer complaints or claims of illness associated with this recall to date.

The product contains a milk allergen that was mistakenly not listed in the ingredient declaration and Contains statement. Meijer was not notified of the label inaccuracy.

Customers that have impacted products should discontinue use and return the product to the customer service desk at any Meijer store for a full refund.