Knorr Is Recalling Over 16,000 Pounds Of This Soup Mix
A major nationwide food recall was just announced over a product that could have potentially dangerous health consequences for anyone with a serious dairy allergy. In a notice posted by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, MSI Express Inc., a Texas-based manufacturing and packaging company, issued a massive recall of over 16,000 pounds of a popular spicy chicken soup mix.
The soup, which was produced by Unilever from January 19 to January 31 of 2022 and sold under the label "Knorr Professional Soup du Jour Red Thai Style Curry Chicken with Rice Soup Mix" is being recalled due to the presence of an undeclared allergen that could have serious consequences for the dairy-averse.
The Thai-inspired soup mix was found to contain milk, which was not declared on the food product label. The presence of milk was first discovered during a routine allergen test on the finished soup performed by the manufacturing company. After the soup tested positive for dairy, the company contacted the Food Safety and Inspection Service to raise their concerns. Although the quantity of milk contained in the soup mix hasn't been specified by Unilever, the presence of the undeclared allergen could pose a risk to anyone with a serious milk allergy.
The impacted soups were distributed throughout the U.S. and Canada
"Persons who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product," the company said on the recall website. Despite the potential allergen exposure, as of now Unilever hasn't received any known reports or complaints about allergic reactions or other adverse health effects caused by the soup mix.
According to Unilever, the bulk of the impacted soup mixes were distributed to professional food service providers across the U.S. and Canada, with very limited quantities sold directly to customers. The recalled soups were distributed from March to July of this year, and have best-by dates of January 19, 2024 (for products sold in the U.S.) and April 26, 2023 (for products sold in Canada) (via USDA). The impacted Canadian products are sold under the labels "Red Thai Curry Chicken With Rice Soup Mix" and "Melange A Soupe Poulet Au Cari Rouge Thailandais Et Riz."
Unilever urges any individual, business, or food service provider in possession of the soup mix to return the recalled product immediately for a full refund (with proof of purchase). Any customer who has consumed the product and is concerned about a potential allergic reaction is encouraged to contact a health care provider as soon as possible. Additional information and images of the recalled products can be found on the Knorr recall website.