Lunch Kits Recalled After Supplied Ingredient Was Subject to Cross Contact with Allergen

"The USDA FSIS is issuing a public health alert for Never Any! brand ready-to-eat (RTE) ham and cheese lunch kits containing chocolate chip cookies that may contain peanut, a known allergen, which is not declared on the finished product label. A recall was not requested because the products are believed to no longer be available for purchase.  The problem was discovered when the producing establishment was notified by their chocolate chip cookie supplier that the chocolate chip cookies may contain peanut residue, a known allergen, which is not declared on the label. "  The product was made in Canada by Maple Leaf Foods and was distributed by Aldi retail chain. 

This is an issue which is getting more attention - an ingredient supplier's allergen control program. In this case, the supplier of the chocolate chip cookie item allowed allergen cross contact with peanuts. While this is a USDA product, the FDA covers this as part of the Preventive Control regulation under Supply Chain Preventive Control.  In the upcoming update to the FSPCA training curriculum that covers this regulation, there will be added attention to this issue.

 

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-never-any-brand-ready-eat-ham-and-cheese-lunch-kits
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Never Any! Brand Ready-To-Eat Ham and Cheese Lunch Kits Due to Misbranding and an Undeclared Allergen

FSIS Announcement

WASHINGTON, July 19, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for Never Any! brand ready-to-eat (RTE) ham and cheese lunch kits containing chocolate chip cookies that may contain peanut, a known allergen, which is not declared on the finished product label. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers with an allergy to peanut are aware that this product should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the products are believed to no longer be available for purchase.

The ham and cheese lunch kits with the chocolate chip cookies were produced between June 27, 2023, and July 5, 2023. The following products are subject to the public health alert [view labels]:
2.9-oz. plastic tray packages containing “NEVER ANY! UNCURED HAM & CHEESE LUNCH KIT” with a Use By date of “SEPT 18 2023”.

The products subject to the public health alert bear establishment number “645” inside the Canadian mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations nationwide.

The problem was discovered when the producing establishment was notified by their chocolate chip cookie supplier that the chocolate chip cookies may contain peanut residue, a known allergen, which is not declared on the label. The producing establishment then notified FSIS that the cookies were used in products distributed to the United States.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ refrigerators. Consumers with a peanut allergy who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

Consumers with questions about the public health alert can contact Maple Leaf Foods Inc. at 1-877-526-4520. Members of the media who have questions can contact Maple Leaf Foods Inc. at media.hotline@mapleleaf.com.

Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or live chat via Ask USDA from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Consumers can also browse food safety messages at Ask USDA or send a question via email to MPHotline@usda.gov. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.