USDA Issues Alert for Beef and Pork Products Due to Undeclared Sesame Allergen

The review revealed the use of sesame oil in the products without sesame being declared as an ingredient on the labels. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, along with eggs, milk, fish, wheat, soybeans, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, and peanuts.

A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase, the alert stated. However, FSIS noted concern that some items may remain in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. The agency urged consumers who have purchased these products not to consume them and to discard them or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.

Implications Food recalls and alerts have occurred in the past year for reasons including misbranding, undeclared allergens, potential bacteria, and foodborne illness risks.

Millions of Americans experience food sensitivities or allergies annually, which can lead to serious health reactions upon exposure to undeclared allergens. This alert affects consumers in four states who may have purchased the products at specific retail locations, potentially requiring them to check labels and dispose of items to avoid health risks.

The FSIS provided images of the product labels in the alert to assist customers in identifying the affected items.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with these products as of the alert's issuance. Future monitoring by FSIS may include additional label reviews at the production facility to ensure compliance with allergen declaration requirements.