Frozen Chicken Meal Recalled Due to Mislabeling

 Posted on December 28, 2022 in Food borne illness

Food allergies are a growing health concern in the United States and often food labels are people’s only line of defense. But when food is not labeled properly it can have some serious health consequences. Each year some 90,000 people end up in the emergency room after having a severe food allergy. The most recent recall is for Crispy Chicken with Almonds sold exclusively at Walmart because it may contain shrimp.

Widespread Distribution

Mountain View Packaging issued the recall for the frozen entrée due to the potential risk for consumers that may have shellfish allergies. Those with a high sensitivity to shellfish can experience a life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product. The frozen dishes were labeled as InnovAsian Crispy Chicken with Almonds. They were distributed to retailers in 29 states, including Illinois. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service says the company took the frozen dish from shelves but it is concerned that people may still have the product in their freezers. 

Under Federal Law Shellfish is a Food Allergen

Under the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act passed by Congress, eight food allergens are directly linked to 90 percent of food allergies and severe allergic reactions in the country. The immune system mistakenly responds to certain foods as if they were harmful. Shellfish is one of those known food allergens. If you are allergic to shellfish, you may develop hives or wheeze, or have more serious symptoms.  As a result, federal law requires that all packaging be clearly labeled and that the presence of any of the following allergens in food products be declared. Additional food allergens include the following: 

• Fish

• Milk

• Eggs

• Tree nuts

• Peanuts

• Wheat

• Soybeans

If you have an allergy or severe sensitivity to shellfish you are at risk of developing a life-threatening allergic reaction if you eat this frozen dish, including anaphylaxis. That can come on suddenly and in severe cases lead to death. This is considered to be the most severe reaction which requires rushing someone to the emergency room and getting an epinephrine injection if you do not already carry one with you.

Contact an Illinois Food Allergy Lawyer

If you have suffered a severe allergic reaction after eating the recalled frozen chicken entrée you need an Illinois food allergy attorney to help you seek compensation for your injuries. At Newland & Newland, LLP, we understand that consuming even a trace amount of an allergen can send someone into shock. Call 312-981-0409 for a free consultation.

Source:

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