Massive Egg Recall Hits Nine States Due to Mislabeling and Allergen Concerns

A significant recall has been issued for over 4,000 pounds of liquid egg products across nine states due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has flagged these products as a health hazard, urging restaurants and institutions to dispose of or return the affected items immediately.

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Key Takeaways

Over 4,000 pounds of liquid egg products recalled
Misbranding and undeclared milk allergen identified
Affected states: Alabama, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Ohio, South Carolina, and Utah
No reported allergic reactions so far
Products should be discarded or returned

Details of the Recall

On June 30, the USDA announced a recall from Michael Foods Inc., based in Gaylord, Minnesota. The recall involves approximately 4,620 pounds of liquid egg products that were misbranded and contained undeclared milk, a known allergen. The specific product in question is the 32-ounce paperboard carton labeled “FAIR MEADOW Foundations WHOLE EGGS with CITRIC ACID,” with a use-by date of “16 SEP 24” and lot code 4162G.

Affected Products

The recalled products were produced on June 11, 2024, and are packaged within corrugated cases labeled as Scrambled Egg Blend, which also bear the same use-by date and lot code. These products have the establishment number “EST. G1455” inside the USDA mark and were shipped to restaurant institutions in the following states:

Alabama
Idaho
Louisiana
Minnesota
Nebraska
New Mexico
Ohio
South Carolina
Utah

Discovery and Action

The mislabeling was discovered during an inventory evaluation when it was found that an excess of the company’s Breakfast Blend Scrambled Eggs had been mistakenly packaged as Whole Eggs with Citric Acid. The Breakfast Blend Scrambled Eggs contain milk, which was not declared on the Whole Eggs with Citric Acid packaging.

Health Concerns

While no allergic reactions have been reported so far, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is concerned that these products may still be in restaurant or institutional refrigerators. The FSIS advises that these products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase and not served to consumers.

Manufacturer’s Response

Michael Foods Inc. has voluntarily recalled the products and is cooperating with the USDA to ensure that all affected items are removed from circulation. The company is known for manufacturing and distributing various food products, including refrigerated egg and potato products. They describe themselves as the nation’s largest processor of value-added eggs.

Allergen Information

Milk is one of the nine major allergens recognized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that must be listed on food labels. Accidental exposure to milk can cause reactions ranging from mild symptoms like hives and vomiting to severe, life-threatening conditions such as anaphylaxis.

Final Thoughts

Consumers and restaurant operators are urged to check their inventory for the affected products and take immediate action to prevent any potential health risks. While grocery store liquid eggs are not affected by this recall, it is always advisable to read labels carefully to avoid any allergen-related issues.