Veggie Burgers Recalled Because Labeling Missing Soy Ingredient

A NJ company is recalling veggie burgers because of an allergen labeling issue.  The product label did not list soy in the ingredient listing even though the product had always been made with soy in it.  I thought that this was odd that they could miss soy on the label.  Looking at the company website, they have a number of different products with varying ingredients.  Label review at receipt of the packaging is probably one of the critical steps that was missed.  That, and review of the label when it was developed and whenever modified.  When the label hits the floor, it should be right, but label review at that point would have helped as well.  

A little more label paranoia could have prevented this.  We see too often that companies do not put in sufficient controls for labeling - in development of labels and when modifying labels, at label receipt, and when applying labels.  Why?  Perhaps label review is not viewed as that important so we allocate insufficient resources to the task?  Or we count on our purchasing people to get it right (or even marketing / sales people...yikes)?


FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm449691.htm
Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods Issues Allergy Alert for Gluten Free California Veggie Burger Due to Undeclared Soy

Contact: Consumer: 201-703-1300
Media: Austin Blythe, Maxwell PR 503-231-3086
Email: austin@maxwellpr.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — June 3, 2015 — ELMWOOD PARK, NJ. — Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods is recalling 950 retail cases of the Gluten Free California Veggie Burger because it may contain undeclared soy. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy run the risk of serious or life threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product. Dr. Praeger’s Gluten Free California Veggie Burger has contained soybeans since its introduction in 2007 and is safe for consumption by those who do not have soy allergies.

The recalled products were distributed to select distributors in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington, with further distribution to retail stores in nearby states.

The product is distinguishable as the California Veggie Burger with a red Gluten Free banner below the word “burger”. Each box is marked with UPC code 080868000602, lot code F15BC and an expiration date of 5/12/17.

Concern for the safety and satisfaction of its customers is a priority for Dr. Praeger’s. This action is being taken out of an abundance of caution to inform consumers with soy allergies to avoid eating this batch of Gluten Free California Veggie Burgers. This is the only item impacted, and there have been no reports of illness or injury.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the soy containing product was packaged in boxes that did not reveal the presence of soy. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company’s packaging processes, which has been addressed.

Consumers who have purchased this product with sensitivities to soy are urged to discard or return to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, consumers can call Allison Meyer, Director of Marketing, at (201) 703-1300 between Monday and Friday from 8:00AM - 5:00PM US EST.

About Dr. Praeger’s

Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods was founded in 1994 by two practicing cardiothoracic surgeons. The doctors set out on a simple mission – to help people see nutritious food in a tasty new way. Today, the family owned and operated Elmwood Park, N.J. company has grown into a leader in the all-natural, vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and kosher frozen food categories, and is the exclusive veggie burger provider for White Castle. The company's wide ranging line of products includes veggie burgers, home-style veggie pancakes, sustainable seafood items, Kid's Littles, and more. For more information, visit www.drpraegers.com