Chocolate cake slices recalled after packaging error
Kalo Foods LLC has voluntarily recalled packages of its all-natural gluten-free KALO Chocolate Cake after discovering that incorrect products were placed in some containers. Some products labeled as chocolate cake are actually carrot cake slices that contain soy, a major allergen, which is not declared on the label.
The recall has been classified as a Class II recall by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A Class II recall is “a situation in which use of or exposure to a nonconforming product may result in temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or in which the likelihood of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”
The packages affected by the recall bear the UPC code 8 53407 00418 4. The 84 affected products were shipped only to North Carolina and Virginia.
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Food allergies occur when your body triggers an immune response to certain foods when they are eaten. The FDA has declared nine major allergens that must be listed on all food packaging: soy, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, milk, eggs, crustaceans (mollusks), fish, and sesame.
Symptoms of allergic reactions include rash, hives, itching, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, swelling of the throat and vocal cords, and coughing or wheezing.
Anaphylaxis is the most serious type of allergic reaction and is considered a medical emergency. Symptoms include throat swelling, difficulty breathing, sudden drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness. If you think you or someone else is experiencing anaphylaxis, you should call 911 immediately.
According to regulatory compliance firm Traceone, allergen contamination was responsible for nearly 40% of recalls issued by the FDA and the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) between 2020 and 2024.
Dr. Darin Detwiler, professor of food policy and corporate social responsibility at Northeastern University, said: Newsweek There are several steps to take if you think you have had a reaction to an undeclared allergen in a food product.
“First, seek medical help to treat your symptoms and ensure your health and safety. Notify the FDA and local health departments of your illness or allergic reaction. This can help prevent others from getting sick,” he said.
He advised to always “keep the packaging and any remaining product” as it “may be important to any investigation and potential legal action.”
“If the illness or allergic reaction is due to negligence or contamination, you may have grounds for a legal claim,” Detwiler continued. “Consulting with a food safety and product liability attorney can help you understand your rights and your options for seeking compensation.”
