Milk and sesame are both recognised as common allergens that can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Published Aug 26, 2024 | 7:00 AM ⚊ Updated Nov 26, 2024 | 2:25 PM
(Image: US FDA)
Organic products, including popular snacks among Indian consumers, are being recalled from the United States following intervention by the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA).
Nine products from Tamil Nadu’s Tiruchi-based Bliss Tree, exported to the U.S, have been recalled due to the presence of undeclared milk and/or sesame seeds.
“The presence of undeclared milk and/or sesame was discovered during the FDA’s review of the product labels. People with allergies or severe sensitivity to milk and sesame run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products, which were not listed as ingredients on the label,” stated the USFDA on 23 August.
These products were imported into the U.S. by New Jersey-based Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar Overseas LLC. According to the US FDA, the recalled products—Ragi Butter Murukku, Millet Butter Murukku, Millet Butter Ribbon Pakoda, Moringa Butter Murukku, Curry Leaves Butter Murukku, and Millet Butter Karasev—contained undeclared milk, while the Millet Butter Murukku (200g) also contained sesame, which is an allergen.
Milk and sesame are both recognised as common allergens that can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The packaging indicates that the food was manufactured by Sri Velavan Agro, based in Tiruchi.
On its website, Sri Velavan Agro, the manufacturer of Bliss Tree products, claims to be “known for its high-quality natural health food products. The ideology of this company is to bring back the lost glories of food heritage and to make individuals lead a solid, infection-free, and cheerful life. The company follows high ethical standards in nurturing purity throughout the process from ‘Farm to Fork.’”
Meanwhile, the USFDA stated, “The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the milk/sesame-containing products were distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of milk/sesame. A subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company’s packaging processes. Production and distribution of the product have been suspended until the FDA and the company are certain that the problem has been corrected.”
Bikano, a well-known name in the Indian food market, recently had one of its products recalled in the United States after it was found to potentially contain bacteria that cause food poisoning.
Thal Golden Spices Inc., based in Hayward, California, recalled 640 packs of “Bikano Moong Dal 350g” due to potential contamination with Salmonella, according to a recall order issued by the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) on 4 August.
“Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, the frail or elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhoea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain,” the US FDA stated.
The agency further noted that, in rare cases, infection with *Salmonella* can lead to the bacteria entering the bloodstream, resulting in more severe conditions such as arterial infections (e.g., infected aneurysms), endocarditis, and arthritis. The US FDA also mentioned that the product was distributed in California through retail stores but emphasised that no illnesses have been reported to date.
Thal Golden Spices Inc. recently discovered an oversight in the distribution process of one of its products. The company revealed that the product was released without proper lab results, an issue that came to light during a routine FDA inspection. Inspectors identified discrepancies in the batch numbers that were supposed to be destroyed. “We are actively addressing this situation to ensure compliance and rectify the error,” the company stated.
The USFDA has advised consumers who purchased Bikano Moong Dal 350g with a best-before date of 25 June 2025 to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. *Salmonella* is a type of bacteria that commonly causes foodborne illness, known as salmonellosis, and is one of the most common causes of diarrhoea worldwide. The bacteria are typically found in raw or undercooked poultry, eggs, meat, unpasteurized milk or juice, contaminated water, and sometimes on fruits and vegetables.
Symptoms of Salmonellosis:
Symptoms usually appear six hours to six days after infection and may include:
– Diarrhoea (which may be bloody)
– Fever
– Abdominal cramps
– Nausea
– Vomiting
– Headache
(Edited by Neena)
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