A widely recognized food manufacturer has issued a recall of its gluten-free tortilla strips due to potential wheat contamination, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Friday. The product, marketed as gluten-free, poses risks to consumers with wheat allergies or sensitivities.
Details of the Recall
Sugar Foods Corporation, a company specializing in snack products and condiments, recalled its Santa Fe-style tortilla strips sold under the Fresh Gourmet brand. The recall affects packages with expiration dates up to June 20, 2025. These packages may inadvertently contain crispy onions, another Fresh Gourmet product, which includes wheat as an ingredient.
The issue was discovered on November 19 when a customer reported that certain tortilla strip packages contained crispy onions. Since wheat is not declared as an ingredient in the mislabeled tortilla strip packages, consumers with wheat allergies or sensitivities face the risk of severe or even life-threatening reactions if the product is consumed.
According to Sugar Foods, no illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported so far. However, as a precaution, the company has initiated a recall for the affected products.
Distribution and States Affected
The mislabeled products were distributed between September 30 and November 11 in 22 states, including:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Michigan
- New Jersey
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Texas
- Virginia
Consumers who purchased Fresh Gourmet’s Santa Fe-style tortilla strips are advised to check the expiration date and avoid consuming the product if it falls within the recalled batch.
Customer Assistance
Sugar Foods urges consumers to contact its customer care department for further assistance. Customers can inquire via phone or email for details regarding the recall or to report additional concerns.
Recent Food Safety Incidents
This recall adds to a growing list of food safety incidents in recent months. Unlike the current issue, many recent recalls have been linked to bacterial contamination.
For instance, an E. coli outbreak tied to organic carrots recently caused the death of one person in California. Additionally, a listeria outbreak linked to ready-to-eat meat and poultry products from Yu-Shang Foods resulted in one infant fatality and the hospitalization of nine others across four states.
While no illnesses have been associated with the Fresh Gourmet tortilla strips, food safety experts emphasize the importance of accurate labeling, especially for consumers with dietary restrictions or allergies.
Importance of Proper Labeling
The incident highlights the critical role of correct packaging and labeling in food safety. With gluten-free and allergen-friendly products gaining popularity, manufacturers face growing responsibility to ensure accuracy in their product labeling to prevent health risks for sensitive consumers.
Sugar Foods’ swift action and ongoing communication with the FDA demonstrate the importance of vigilance in addressing such errors to maintain public trust and prevent harm.
