FDA Flags Hidden Allergen in Popular Butter
Summary: The U.S. FDA has recalled over 64,800 pounds of butter by Bunge North America Inc. due to undeclared milk allergens, posing serious health risks for consumers with dairy allergies. The recall has been classified as Class II, signalling significant yet reversible health consequences.
FDA Recalls Over 64,000 Pounds of Butter
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recalled 64,800 pounds of butter nationwide after finding that it poses a high health risk.
Undeclared Milk Raises Allergen Risk Level
It was found that one of the ingredients of one of Bunge North America Inc.’s butter products, i.e. milk, was unlisted on the food packaging, thereby raising the risk classification to a Class II risk, i.e. the second highest warning level.
Milk Is a Major Allergen Under U.S. Law
According to the FDA, all manufacturers are required to declare the name of the food source of a major food allergen on their products. The U.S. safety laws state that milk is one of the nine food allergens, followed by
- Eggs
- Fish
- Crustacean shellfish
- Tree nuts
- Peanuts
- Wheat
- Soybeans
- Sesame seeds
No Adverse Effects Reported So Far
There is no information from the FDA regarding any adverse effects on account of the recall.
Affected Products Distributed Widely
According to a report (July 14), the FDA shared that more than 1,800 cases of the NH European Style Butter Blend (Lot code no.5064036503) were distributed across 12 centres in the U.S. and one case in the Dominican Republic.
What Does a Class II Recall Mean?
A Class II recall is “a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote”, as per the FDA website.
About the Manufacturer
Bunge North America Inc., a company, is based in Chesterfield, Missouri, has an agribusiness and is a food ingredient company which also produces corn, wheat, rice, soybeans and feed peas, among other items. Nexstar’s NewsNation is awaiting a response from the company.
Inputs from various media sources.
