More Than 4,600 Pounds of Liquid Eggs Recalled from Nine States

Michael Foods Inc. has issued an urgent recall for approximately 4,620 pounds of liquid egg products due to misbranding and the presence of undeclared milk, a known allergen. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall on Sunday, highlighting the importance of accurate labelling for consumer safety.

Discovery of the Issue

The issue was discovered during a routine carton inventory evaluation conducted by Michael Foods Inc. According to the FSIS, the company noticed that a limited number of "Whole Egg with Citric Acid" cartons were unaccounted for, while there was an excess of "Breakfast Blend Scrambled Egg" cartons in inventory. This discrepancy led to the realization that the unaccounted "Whole Egg with Citric Acid" cartons had been mistakenly used during a single production run of "Breakfast Blend Scrambled Eggs." The Breakfast Blend formulation contains milk, a dairy ingredient, which was not declared on the "Whole Egg with Citric Acid" label, leading to the misbranding issue.

Detailed Product Information

The recalled products were produced on June 11, 2024. The affected items are packaged in 32-ounce paperboard cartons labeled "FAIR MEADOW Foundations WHOLE EGGS with CITRIC ACID." These cartons have a use-by date of September 16, 2024 ("16 SEP 24" on the carton) and the lot code 4162G. Notably, these cartons are packaged within a corrugated case labeled "Scrambled Egg Blend" with the same use-by date and lot code. The recalled liquid eggs also bear the establishment number "EST. G1455" inside the USDA mark of inspection, providing a clear identifier for consumers and distributors.

Distribution and Impact

The FSIS reported that the recalled products were shipped to restaurant consignees for institutional use across nine states: Alabama, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Ohio, South Carolina, and Utah. This broad distribution raises concerns about the potential reach of the misbranded products. The agency expressed particular worry that some of the recalled liquid eggs may still be stored in institutional or restaurant refrigerators. Consequently, the FSIS has urged all establishments not to serve these products. Instead, they should be disposed of or returned to the place of purchase to ensure consumer safety.

Health Risks and Precautions

Undeclared allergens in food products pose significant health risks, particularly to individuals with specific allergies. Milk, the undeclared allergen in this recall, can cause severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Symptoms can range from mild (such as hives or gastrointestinal discomfort) to severe (such as anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention). The FSIS and Michael Foods Inc. are taking this recall seriously to prevent any adverse health outcomes.

Consumer Safety and Contact Information

As of the time of publication, no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to the consumption of these products have been reported. However, the FSIS and Michael Foods Inc. are closely monitoring the situation. The company has not yet provided additional comments but has set up contact points for concerned consumers.

Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Kristina Larsen, Director of Customer Service at Michael Foods Inc., at 952-258-4903 or via email at [email protected]. For general food safety questions, consumers can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send an email to [email protected].

Importance of Accurate Food Labeling

This recall underscores the critical importance of accurate food labelling, especially concerning allergens. Food manufacturers are required by law to list all ingredients and potential allergens on product labels to protect consumers. Mislabeling not only violates these regulations but also puts consumers at risk. The FSIS routinely monitors and enforces these regulations to ensure food safety and protect public health.

Steps Moving Forward

In the wake of this recall, Michael Foods Inc. will likely review its internal processes and quality control measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Ensuring that all products are correctly labelled is essential for maintaining consumer trust and safety. The FSIS will continue to oversee and enforce food safety standards, conducting inspections and evaluations to uphold these critical regulations.

Conclusion

The recall of more than 4,600 pounds of liquid egg products highlights the importance of vigilance in food safety practices. While no adverse reactions have been reported, the potential risk posed by undeclared allergens is significant. Consumers and establishments are urged to check their inventories and take appropriate action to avoid health risks. The FSIS and Michael Foods Inc. remain committed to addressing this issue and ensuring the safety and well-being of consumers.