News Feature | February 6, 2014

ConAgra Recalls Mislabeled Healthy Choice Soup

Source: Food Online

By Laurel Maloy, contributing writer, Food Online

Misbranding and undeclared allergens lead to a recall of nearly 55,000 pounds of soup across 23 states

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced a voluntary recall, on February 4, by ConAgra Foods of Milton, PA. Almost 55,000 pounds, approximately 5,200 cases, of Healthy Choice Chicken Noodle Soup products were mislabeled. Labeled erroneously as “Healthy Choice Chicken with Rice”, the major concern for ConAgra is the wheat and egg allergens not declared on the label.  

The discovery was brought to the attention of ConAgra by consumers who opened the 14-ounce microwaveable bowls of Chicken with Rice, only to find chicken noodle soup instead. There have been no reported cases of allergic reactions as a result.

The product has the Best By Date: JUN092015, with the UPC: 50100 17170. The label will read “Healthy Choice Chicken with Rice” and will be in 14-ounce (397g.) microwaveable bowls. Produced on December 16, 2013, the mislabeled product was distributed to retail establishments in the following states: AL, CA, CT, FL, GA, IN, IA, ME, MD, MA, MN, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, TN, VT, VA, WA, and WI.

The top eight major food allergens, according to the FDA, are milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans. Federal law requires these ingredients be identified by clearly stating the source of the known allergen in one of two ways:

  • In parentheses following the name of the ingredient, i.e.: “flour (wheat),” or “lecithin (soy). In the case of fish or shellfish, the actual name of the species is declared.
  • Immediately following or alongside the list of ingredients, a statement with the word “Contains”, i.e.: “Contains Wheat, Milk, and Soy.”

The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA) applies to all foods whose labeling is regulated by the FDA, whether domestic or imported. However, relabeling was not required for products labeled prior to January 1, 2006. Anyone with known food allergies should closely check all labeling prior to consuming anything that may have been purchased before that date.

For those who are not aware they have a food allergy, the symptoms can appear almost immediately or within two hours after consuming the allergen. Allergic reactions may include some or all of the following symptoms:

  • Hives
  • Coughing or wheezing
  • Rash or flushed skin
  • Severe itching
  • Tingling or itching in the mouth
  • Swelling of the face, tongue, lips or throat
  • Vomiting and/or diarrhea
  • Painful abdominal cramps
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Loss of consciousness

This particular recall is of major concern to those with food allergies to wheat and eggs. Those who have gluten sensitivity, intolerance, or Celiac disease should also avoid this product. If you suspect you are having an allergic reaction, seek medical attention.

ConAgra warns that any consumers who have purchased this product should not consume it if they have a known allergy to wheat or eggs or have gluten sensitivity. You can contact ConAgra at 800-289-6014 for replacement of the product. The recall applies only to this particular product; no other Healthy Choice products or canned soups are affected. 

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