Turkey Sandwiches Recalled From Multiple Grocery Chains Over Sesame Allergen
The FDA announced on April 26, 2023, that prepackaged turkey and havarti sandwiches sold at several grocery chains have been recalled because the sandwich bread contains undeclared sesame. The sandwiches were sold at Kroger stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Texas, and Louisiana, and at Dillons Food Stores in Kansas, Baker's stores in Nebraska, Gerbes Super Markets in Missouri, and Ralphs stores in California.
Allergic reactions to sesame can be serious and even life-threatening. As of January 1, 2023, the FDA has required its presence be declared clearly on food packaging under the list of ingredients, where you can find the phrases "contains wheat" or "contains tree nuts." No illnesses or reactions to the undeclared sesame have been reported, and the voluntary recall of the turkey and havarti sandwiches was initiated after an internal audit revealed that the presence of sesame in the sandwich bread hadn't been declared. Though sesame had always been an ingredient in the bread used to make these prepared sandwiches, the label hadn't been updated to include the allergen warning.
What should you do if you've purchased a recalled sandwich?
Customers with sesame allergies or sensitivity should discard the recalled turkey and havarti sandwiches or may return to the store where the sandwich was purchased for a full refund, and no receipt is required to receive one. All of the recalled sandwiches were packaged in 8.55-ounce plastic clamshell-style containers with the UPC 826766155842. The recalled sandwiches were shipped to stores beginning January 1, 2023, and sell-by dates through April 29, 2023, are included in the recall.
Food allergies can have serious consequences, and though the FDA now requires sesame to be listed as an allergen, the agency cautioned consumers to read labels carefully, as the new rule only applies to newly packaged products. This means that products with long shelf lives, packaged and shipped before the new law, may not disclose the inclusion of sesame.
If you have questions about the recalled turkey and havarti sandwiches, call 888.449.9386 Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm PST.