Golden Raisins Recalled Due to Allergy Alert
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the voluntary recall of Golden Raisin due to concerns for undeclared sulfites.
People who have allergies to sulfites run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products, which is what led Nirwana Foods of Carteret, New Jersey, to recall the 28-ounce pouches, according to a July 18 FDA advisory.
Sulfites are preservatives that can be either naturally occurring or added.
“The recall was initiated after routine sampling by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory personnel revealed that the sulfites containing product Golden Raisin 28Oz Pouch distributed in the packages that did not reveal the presence of sulfites,” the FDA said.
The FDA states on its website that undeclared added sulfites can often be found in dried fruits, canned fruits, vegetables, shrimp, lobster, and baked goods.
Some can cause allergic reactions, particularly in those who suffer from asthma. Sulfites that are not required to be listed on packaging are naturally occurring in onions, garlic, and cabbage.
The recalled fruit snack is yellow in coloring and was distributed at the Maharaja Super Market retail store in New York and Villager Farmers Market stores located in both New York and New Jersey.
No illnesses or allergic reactions involving this product have been reported to date, according to the FDA.
The FDA urged consumers who purchased Golden Raisin pouches to return them for a full refund.
The item was packaged in clear plastic and marked with lot number 24/351-2410 on the top and an Oct. 31 expiration date stamped on the label. The UPC code is 712321993144.
Nirwana describes golden raisins on its website as “incredibly rich in nutrients and twice as delicious as the regular ones.”
“It is an excellent choice for snacking or even adding to the cereal. Our golden raisins lend a natural sweetness to dishes and also adds a delightful texture to bakery treats such as cookies and cakes. Raisins contain high amounts of iron, fiber, and antioxidants that are beneficial for health. It may help with digestion, iron levels, and bone health.”
Company leaders did not respond to requests for comment by the time this report was published.
Food recalls have been on the rise in recent years.
A Trace One study found U.S. food recalls increased by 15 percent in the past five years.
Undeclared allergens accounted for nearly 40 percent of all recalls, bacterial contamination accounted for 21.1 percent, foreign object contamination accounted for 11.6 percent, and lead contamination accounted for 1.7 percent, according to the study.
