Approximately 32 million Americans, both adults and children, are affected by food allergies, prompting many companies to improve their offerings of allergen-free products. One notable area of concern has emerged in gluten-free bakery items, which are now more accessible, especially for the three million Americans with celiac disease. However, a recent recall affecting one popular gluten-free bakery has raised alarms regarding undeclared food allergens.
On Friday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a recall of 16 products from New Grains Gluten Free Bakery, based in Spanish Fork, Utah. These products may unintentionally contain undeclared allergens such as eggs, soy, and milk, posing serious health risks to individuals with allergies or severe sensitivities.
The bakery initiated the recall on May 8, 2023, after discovering the potential presence of these allergens in their offerings. The affected items were distributed to retail stores throughout Utah between April 7 and April 21. The products in question feature the label “gluten-free” and may come in various colors, including red, purple, orange, blue, green, or pink.
While specific product quantities and locations were not detailed in the FDA report, a preliminary online search indicates availability at retailers like Walmart and Amazon. The recalled products include a range of items such as bread loaves, bagels, cookies, and croutons.
Here is a summary of the specific recalled items along with their noted allergens:
– Artisan White Bread (Contains: Egg)
– Artisan Multigrain Bread (Contains: Egg)
– Artisan Sourdough Bread (Contains: Egg)
– Artisan Cinnamon Raisin Bread (Contains: Egg)
– Blueberry Bagels (Contains: Egg)
– Cinnamon Raisin Bagels (Contains: Egg)
– Plain Bagels (Contains: Egg)
– Multigrain Bagels (Contains: Egg)
– Artisan Sourdough Ciabatta Rolls (Contains: Egg)
– Chocolate Chip Cookie (Contains: Egg, Milk, Soy)
– Frosted Sugar Cookie (Contains: Egg, Milk, Soy)
– Coconut Macaroon Cookie (Contains: Egg, Milk, Soy)
– Brownie Chocolate Chip Cookie (Contains: Egg, Milk, Soy)
– Artisan Seasoned Croutons (Contains: Egg, Milk)
The cookies were packaged in regular clear plastic bags, while bread and croutons were in vacuum-sealed plastic. Thankfully, at the time of the recall, there have been no reported illnesses associated with these products.
Consumers are advised not to consume the recalled items and to return them to the stores where they were purchased for a full refund. This situation highlights the ongoing need for caution and transparency in food labeling, especially for those with food allergies, reinforcing the importance of staying informed about food allergens in the products we consume.