Peach Oat bars recalled due to undeclared coconut in the US

Subject:

Peach Oat bars recalled due to undeclared coconut in the US

Products Recalled:

Bobo’s Peach Oat bars are available with lot code 3J27111 and a best-before date of 23/7/24. These wrapped bars are also available in cartons with lot codes 3J21111 or 3K01111 and best-by dates of 7/17/2024 and 7/28/2024, respectively. The bars are 3oz and come in either a single bar or a box of 12.

Problem:

• Bobo’s peach oat bars contain coconuts which was not mentioned on the product label.
• The product recall began after it was revealed that coconut-containing products were delivered in packaging that did not reveal the presence of coconut on the ingredient list.
• People who are allergic to tree nuts or have a significant sensitivity to coconut run the risk of having major or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume such products. However, no illnesses have been reported to date.
• Consumers who purchased the affected lot are instructed to return it to the place of purchase for an exchange or a full refund if they are allergic to coconuts. Affected products should be discarded and not consumed [1].

Scientific Evidence:

• Coconut allergy can be relatively rare but compared to other tree nut allergy. Individuals allergic to tree nut may or may not have an allergic reaction to consumption of coconut.
• Very few cases of allergic reaction have been reported due to coconut consumption. Symptoms of coconut allergy include severe stomach aches, itching, swelling, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and anaphylaxis [2].

Product Image:

What Regulations Clarify?

• The law requires that food labels specify the source of all major food allergens used in the development of food products.
• This criterion is met if an ingredient’s common or typical name already specifies the allergen’s food source name (for example, buttermilk).
• The law also mandates that the type of tree nut (such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts) and the species of fish (such as bass, flounder, or cod) and crustacean shellfish (such as crab, lobster, or shrimp) be disclosed. The allergen’s food source must be mentioned on the food product label at least once in one of two ways.
• A major food allergen’s food source must be identified in the following ways:

1. Following the name of the ingredient in parentheses.

Examples include “lecithin (soy),” “wheat flour,” and “whey (milk).”

—OR —

1. In a “contains” declaration, just after or next to the list of ingredients.

“Contains wheat, milk, and soy,” for example [3].