Quaker Oats has announced a recall of 10,000 boxes of pancake mix, citing a labeling error that may pose serious risks to consumers with milk allergies.
Key Takeaways
- The Quaker Oats Company is recalling pancake and waffle mixes due to undeclared milk, as per the FDA announcement.
- The affected product is Pearl Milling Company Original Pancake and Waffle Mix in two-pound boxes, sold in 11 states.
- The UPC code is 30000 65040; boxes have a best-by date of September 13, 2025.
- No allergic reactions have been reported, but consumers with milk allergies should discard the product.
- The FDA and Quaker Oats are emphasizing the importance of accurate labeling to prevent health hazards.
Overview of the Recall
The Quaker Oats Company is actively recalling specific batches of its Pearl Milling Company Original Pancake and Waffle Mix due to an undeclared allergen: milk. This oversight in labeling affects around 10,000 boxes distributed across 11 states including Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Utah, and Wisconsin.
The affected mixes carry the UPC code 30000 65040 and have a best-by date of September 13, 2025. Quaker Oats has not reported any adverse allergic reactions linked to the product yet, but remains vigilant to safeguard consumer health.
Consumer Safety Measures
The FDA has stressed the importance of food allergen awareness, emphasizing that reactions can vary from mild to life-threatening. In light of this, the Quaker Oats Company urges consumers with milk allergies or sensitivities to dispose of the pancake mix to prevent any potential health risks.
“If consumers have an allergy or sensitivity to milk, they should not consume the product and discard it immediately. Quaker has informed the FDA of this action. Consumers with the product described above can contact Quaker Consumer Relations at 1-800-407-2247 (9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. CST, Monday–Friday).” – The Quaker Oats Company
Consumers seeking further information are encouraged to contact Quaker Consumer Relations for guidance. The FDA has also circulated details about the recall and suggested actions via its social media channels to maximize public awareness.
Importance of Rigorous Food Labeling
This incident underscores the critical necessity for food manufacturers to implement rigorous checks and quality control measures. Accurate food labeling is not only a standard of industry compliance but also a fundamental aspect of consumer trust and safety. Without it, families cannot accurately assess the safety of the products they bring into their homes.
“Food allergies and other types of food hypersensitivities affect millions of Americans and their families. Food allergies occur when the body’s immune system reacts to certain proteins in food. Food allergic reactions vary in severity from mild symptoms involving hives and lip swelling to severe, life-threatening symptoms, often called anaphylaxis, that may involve fatal respiratory problems and shock.” – The FDA
While it is fortunate that no allergic reactions have been reported yet, the incident serves as a vital reminder of the importance of vigilance and compliance in the food production industry. Consumer health remains the top priority, and further oversight and improvements are crucial to preventing similar oversights from occurring in the future.
Sources
1. Pancake and Waffle Mix Recall Sparks Warning in 11 States
2. Quaker Oats recalls 10,000 boxes of Pearl Milling Company pancake mix for milk allergy risk
