Did Potatoes with Mustard Sauce Trigger a Severe Allergic Reaction?

 Posted on October 18, 2022 in Foodborne illness

You would think you could trust the packaging labels at your local grocery store, but incorrect labeling of products happens more often than we would like. Each year some 90,000 people end up in the emergency room after suffering a severe allergic reaction to food due to improper labeling. The most recent recall involves packaged potatoes that you microwave. Food allergies are an increasing public health concern in the United States, and food labels are often the only line of defense.

Dutch Red Potatoes with Dijon Mustard Sauce

World Variety Produce Inc. recalled Melissa’s Dutch Red Potatoes with Dijon Mustard Sauce. The product contains eggs, but they are not listed on the food label. Federal law requires known allergens such as eggs, peanuts, and other ingredients to be printed on food labels when it is in or a part of the product. In this case, the sauce includes a cream that is tossed over the potatoes when it is ready to cook.

People with an allergy or severe sensitivity to eggs are at risk of developing a life-threatening allergic reaction if they eat the potatoes and sauce. Anaphylaxis is a sudden and severe allergic reaction that may cause death. 

Severe Allergic Reaction

A food allergy occurs when the body’s immune response is triggered by certain foods. Normally, the immune system protects people from germs, but for people with food allergies, it mistakenly responds to food as if it were harmful.

If you are allergic to eggs, the symptoms range from mild to severe and they can come within minutes of eating foods containing eggs or hours later. You may develop hives, feel wheezing, nasal congestion, and experience vomiting. But the most severe reaction is anaphylaxis. It requires emergency room intervention and epinephrine injection. Here are some of the symptoms:

• Swollen throat or a lump in your throat that makes it difficult to breathe

• Abdominal pain and cramping

• Rapid pulse

• Shock and a severe drop in blood pressure that makes you feel dizzy or lose consciousness

The product was sold in the states of Arizona, California, Florida, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and Washington.

Unfortunately, sometimes food is labeled egg free but it can be hidden in foods such as baked goods, frostings, pasta, meatballs, and other foods. There is no cure for food allergies. 

Contact Our Illinois Food Allergy Injury Lawyers

If you have experienced an allergic reaction to the packaged potatoes or any other food as a result of improper labeling, call 312-981-0409 for a free consultation. At Newland & Newland, LLP we will take the necessary steps to try to recover compensation after a preventable food allergy reaction. One of our Illinois allergic reaction injury attorneys is here to help.

Sources:

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/world-variety-produce-inc-voluntarily-recalls-select-lots-melissas-dutch-red-potatoes-dijon-mustard

https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition/food-allergies

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/egg-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372115

https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/foodallergies/index.htm