Safety concerns and undeclared allergens

Potential burn risk

In the UK, Tesco is recalling all its own brand Tesco Plant Chef 2 Meat-Free Burgers with Melting Middle (240g) because the centre of the burgers may maintain a high temperature once cooked.

This means the melting middle could potentially cause a burn risk to consumers when biting into the burger.

If consumers have bought the above product, they are advised not to eat it and, instead, to return it to any of their stores for a full refund (a receipt is not required) or to contact their customer service team.

Undeclared fish

Also in the UK, Japan Centre Group Ltd is recalling its Ikari Sauce (Non-Oil Soy Sauce & Yuzu Dressing, 200g) because fish is not mentioned on the label. This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to fish.

The products being recalled have the following best-before dates: 07 September 2024, 06 October 2024, 11 November 2024, 15 December 2024, and 18 January 2025.

Japan Centre Group Ltd is recalling the above product from customers and has contacted the relevant allergy support organisations, who will inform their members about the recall. The company has also issued a point-of-sale notice to its customers, explaining why the product is being recalled and advising them on what to do if they have bought it.

The advice being shared with customers is that if they have purchased the above product, they should not eat it and instead return it to the store from which they bought it to receive a full refund.

Undeclared peanuts, almonds and pecans

In the US, Flagstone Foods, LLC, manufacturer of Emerald Nuts, is issuing a voluntary recall of its 6.5oz Emerald Kettle Glazed Walnuts (lot 2EE06284 with the best before date 28 June 2025) because the packages contain undeclared peanuts, almonds, and pecans.

The product was distributed to Publix locations in Florida, Alabama, and Georgia.

People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts, almonds, and pecans run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume or are exposed to the product from the impacted lot number and best before date.

This recall was initiated after consumers reported finding peanuts, almonds, and pecans within packages labelled Emerald Kettle Glazed Walnuts. An investigation identified that a limited number of incorrectly labelled packages were produced during the manufacturing process.

Flagstone Foods has not received any reports of illness or injury to date.

Consumers who have purchased Emerald Kettle Glazed Walnuts with the identification information listed above are asked not to open the product and to discard or return it to a Publix store for a full refund.

Lead contamination

Also in the US, Gutierrez Distributor is recalling El Servidor Corp brand ground cinnamon (1.5oz) because it may be contaminated with elevated levels of lead.

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

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this issue.

El Servidor Corp ground cinnamon was distributed to retail stores in New York starting on 14 January 2024.

The recall was the result of a sample analysis conducted by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSAGM) that revealed the product contained elevated levels of lead. The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product as the FDA and the company continue their investigation into what caused the problem.

Consumers are advised to discontinue use of the product immediately and are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Undeclared milk

Unilever in the US is recalling approximately 137,000 cases of Popsicle Jolly Rancher Frozen Confection Pop products (single-serve offerings) because the products may contain milk, which is not listed as an ingredient on the label.

Persons who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

The only impacted products are Popsicle Jolly Rancher Frozen Confection Pop single-serve products which are marked for individual sale.

The recalled products contain the UPC 077567003720 and have one of the following lot codes:

• MAY1725KY4
• MAY1825KY4
• MAY1925KY4
• JAN3026KY4
• JAN3126KY4
• FEB0126KY4
• MAR1226KY4
• MAR1326KY4
• MAR1426KY4
• MAR1526KY4
• MAR1626KY4

There have been two reported allergic reactions in connection with the use of this product. No other Unilever or Popsicle products are affected by this recall.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled product have been advised not to eat it and to visit www.PopsicleRecall.com.

Potential mould growth

The latest US recall comes from Authentik Fudge, which is recalling 840 units of its chocolate fudge with nuts product (branded Montreal Fudge and distributed at TJ Maxx and Marshall stores nationwide) due to possible mould contamination.

The company initiated the recall after a consumer complained about some mould pieces inside their purchased box. Additionally, the company found some sealed products at the manufacturing location that showed early signs of mould.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this issue.

The recalled product is labelled MONTREAL FUDGE Chocolate Fudge with Nuts (5.6oz) and contains the following lot numbers on the back of the box:

• Lot 0241500805 with an expiration date of 2025/MR/01
• Lot 0241690105 with an expiration date of 2025/MR/17
• Lot 0241690205 with an expiration date of 2025/MR/17

Consumers who have purchased these affected products are urged to destroy them or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.