Trader Joe's Salad Recalled in 18 States by FDA
Heads up, fellow grocery shoppers: there’s a Trader Joe’s recall making the rounds, and if you're a fan of their Sesame Miso Salad with Salmon, this one’s for you.
The salad has been recalled across 18 states due to an undeclared milk allergen, triggering a food safety alert from the FDA. And not just any warning – this one’s been slapped with a Class I recall, which is the agency’s most serious level.
Trader Joe’s Faces Class I Recall Across 18 States Over Allergen Risk
The product in question is the 10.25-ounce Sesame Miso Salad with Salmon, sold with use-by dates of April 28 and 29.
According to the FDA, around 500 packages were accidentally packed with a topping packet of Parmesan cheese crumbles instead of the usual crispy onions. That cheese contains milk, something not mentioned anywhere on the label.
For anyone with a milk allergy, this kind of slip-up can be dangerous. While no illnesses have been reported, the potential for severe or even life-threatening allergic reactions prompted the FDA to issue a Class I recall. This means there’s a real risk to health if someone with a milk allergy eats the product.
Where Was It Sold?
The recalled salads were sold in these 18 states:
Alabama
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Nebraska
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Wisconsin
That’s a pretty wide footprint. So, if you’re in any of those states and recently picked up a Sesame Miso Salad with Salmon, please double-check your fridge.
Who’s Behind the Recall?
The product was made by Taylor Fresh Foods, a company based in Illinois. They initiated the recall on April 26, after discovering the packaging error during a routine quality check. The FDA made it official on May 8 with the FDA Class I recall announcement.
Taylor Fresh Foods said:
“The topping packet may potentially contain an undeclared milk allergen. The product may contain milk that is not declared on the label.”
They’ve also confirmed that this is an isolated issue. No other products or brands are affected.
Why It Matters
Milk is one of the top nine food allergens required by law to be clearly labeled. That’s because even small amounts can cause serious symptoms, especially in kids.
According to experts, while many children outgrow milk allergies, nearly 2% of adults still experience reactions, ranging from hives and vomiting to full-blown anaphylaxis.
So, even though the packaging mishap might seem minor, the health risks are significant enough for swift action.
What Should You Do?
If you bought this salad and have a milk allergy, or are cooking for someone who does, don’t take any chances. You can toss the salad or return it to Trader Joe’s for a full refund.
For questions, Taylor Fresh Foods is also available at (855) 455-0098, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.
Final Word on the Trader Joe’s Recall
While it’s reassuring that no illnesses have been reported so far, this Trader Joe’s recall is a good reminder of how critical accurate labeling is.
If you're someone with food allergies, it pays to stay tuned into these alerts, especially when they involve popular ready-to-eat items like this one. You can sign up to receive emails from the FDA here. Thankfully, Trader Joe’s and Taylor Fresh Foods acted quickly, and now it’s just a matter of checking your fridge and playing it safe.