Another major food recall has been issued, this time for almost 140,000 Jolly Rancher popsicles that could have a major allergen in them that wasn’t expressly written on the packaging.
Unilever was forced to recall about 137,000 of its single-serve Popsicle Jolly Rancher Frozen Confection Pops because it was discovered that the product contains milk.
Milk is considered to be one of the nine major allergens, and it wasn’t declared on the Jolly Rancher popsicle’s product label.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning to anyone who has an allergy or sensitivity to milk that they might be at “risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.”
While the products have been on sale across the country, the recall only affects the products that were marked for individual sale.
The FDA issued a news release on Wednesday that said these popsicles are typically sold through places “such as ice cream trucks, concession stands and grab-and-go freezers.”
It’s assumed, then, that the versions of these popsicles that might be sold in larger packages at grocery stores and the like were labeled correctly.
All of the products in question were sold between February 1 and August 15 of this year. They all have the UPC code 077567003720 on them.
Consumers can gain more information about the recall by visiting the dedicated website that was created specifically for the recalled product. On that site, popisclerecall.com, is a Frequently Asked Questions section as well as steps that people need to take to be reimbursed for any affected product they have purchased.
The FDA confirmed that there have been two allergic reactions reported that are in connection with the Jolly Rancher popsicles in question.
Milk is just one of the nine major allergens that the FDA has designated. The others are sesame, fish, shellfish, egg, soy, wheat, peanuts and tree nuts.
According to federal law, all of these allergens must be labeled clearly on all products to prevent possible allergic reactions.
If an allergic reaction were to happen, some people could become seriously ill or even die.
Food-based allergies, according to the FDA, are a “significant public health concern with allergic reactions varying in severity from gastrointestinal disturbances and skin irritations, to anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock and death.”
Some of the typical symptoms that a reaction is happening include hives, rashes and itching on the skin; upset stomachs as well as diarrhea, cramping and vomiting; swelling of the vocal cords and throat; and even some respiratory concerns such as wheezing or coughing.
People who have serious allergic reactions may experience difficulty breathing, a drop in their blood pressure and a loss of consciousness.
Michelle Anstey, who works for the National Sanitation Foundation, commented:
“If you become ill or have an allergic reaction after consuming a food product, you have the right to report the incident to your local health authority. Some consumers can seek recourse if they experience a reaction due to undeclared allergens or misleading food labels.”
