Chicken Caesar Salad Distributed In Multiple States Recalled Due To Undeclared Allergens

A certain ready-to-eat chicken Caesar salad, distributed in several states, is recalled. The product contains three undeclared allergens.

The Dole Fresh Takes Classic Chicken Caesar Salad recall was prompted by a customer complaint about the “incorrect” ingredient statement on the bottom of the bowl, according to the alert on the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) website. from the US Department of Agriculture

Specifically, the problem with the product is that it actually contains three known allergens: anchovies, egg and wheat. These three, which are among the eight most common types of food that can cause an allergic reaction, were not declared on the label.

So far there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions related to consumption of the affected products, but Safeway Fresh Food is recalling the ready-to-eat salads that were produced on April 19.

The recall affects about 717 pounds of Dole Fresh Takes Classic Chicken Caesar Salad that comes in 13.6-ounce plastic bowls. They have an expiration date of 05/05/2022, a lot code of S109000 1 on the label, and establishment number EST. 40283 on the USDA mark of inspection. Photos of the packaging and labels can be found here.

The affected products were shipped to Maryland and Virginia, and then redistributed to retailers in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia, the FSIS said.

Those who have purchased an affected product are advised not to eat them. Instead, they should throw it away or return it to where they bought it.

food allergies

Food allergic reactions occur when the body’s immune system “overreacts” to a particular food or substance, explained the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (ACAAI). This is because the substance is identified as a danger to the body, so it displays a protective response.

As mentioned, fish, wheat, and eggs are among the eight types of food that trigger 90% of all reactions. The others are milk and milk products, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, and soybeans. Sesame will also be added as the 9th most common food allergen starting January 1, 2023.

Although some allergic reactions to foods are mild, it does not mean that all subsequent reactions will be the same. At another time, what was once a mild reaction can be more serious, with the most serious reaction being anaphylaxis, which can even be fatal.

As such, it is best for people with food allergies to be very careful when checking the labels of the foods they eat. It’s also a good idea to always have an epinephrine auto-injector nearby, in case of a more severe reaction.

In the image: representative image of a salad. Photo: Pixabay