A recall of County Road Seafood crab cakes in North Carolina and South Carolina has raised concerns over an undeclared ingredient that could cause severe allergic reactions. The packages of crab cakes, distributed for nearly two years, were found to contain eggs without the ingredient being listed on the packaging. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services notified County Road Seafood of the issue, leading to a voluntary recall. While no UPC or lot codes were listed, the affected products are 4-ounce packages containing two crab cakes. Consumers with egg allergies are advised to discard the product to avoid potential health risks.
Country Road Seafood co-owner Richard Newman confirmed that the ingredients were not properly labeled on the packaging, but did not provide further comment on the issue. While blue crab, wheat, and soy were listed as potential allergens on the packaging, the presence of eggs went undisclosed. It is unclear how the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services discovered the undeclared ingredient, and no illnesses related to the affected crab cakes had been reported at the time of the recall. However, individuals with egg allergies or sensitivities are urged to avoid consuming the product to prevent any adverse reactions, including the potentially life-threatening condition of anaphylaxis.
In a separate incident earlier this year, Stew Leonard’s, a Connecticut-based supermarket chain, issued a recall for Florentine cookies after a woman tragically died from consuming the cookies containing undeclared peanuts. The victim, identified as Órla Baxendale, a 25-year-old professional dancer from the UK, ate the cookies unaware of the peanut content, which led to her death. This incident highlights the importance of accurately labeling allergens in food products to prevent such tragedies. The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection expressed condolences to the affected family, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to food labeling regulations to protect consumers from harm.
Another recall by Irvington Seafood, based in Alabama, involved one-pound tubs of crabmeat products that may have been contaminated with Listeria, a potentially deadly bacteria. While no related illnesses were reported, FDA inspections found evidence of unsanitary conditions at the company’s food production facilities, including the presence of maggots, flies, roaches, and Listeria on preparation surfaces. Twelve out of 94 crab meat samples tested positive for Listeria, raising concerns about the safety of the product and the company’s food handling practices. Consumers are advised to be cautious and follow any recall notices to avoid potential health risks from contaminated food products.
Additionally, the impact of undeclared allergens in food products and the potential dangers they pose to individuals with allergies or sensitivities are significant concerns within the food industry. Those who have allergies to ingredients like eggs can experience severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening if not promptly treated. Proper labeling of allergens is crucial to ensure the safety of consumers, and companies must adhere to regulations to accurately disclose all ingredients in their products. The recent recalls of crab cakes and other food items underscore the importance of transparency in labeling and the need for vigilance in identifying and addressing potential food safety hazards to protect public health.
