By Toby Meyjes

Copyright newsweek

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued its highest warning over the recall of various products due to undeclared wheat and milk.Fresh & Ready Foods LLC, based in San Fernando, California, issued a voluntary recall for the products on August 13. The FDA subsequently issued a Class I recall on September 16.Newsweek has contacted Fresh & Ready Foods for comment in an email sent outside of regular working hours.Why It MattersA Class I risk classification represents “a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death,” according to the FDA.Milk and wheat are two of the nine leading causes of food allergies identified in the U.S., along with eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, soybeans, and sesame.USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the FDA both have laws requiring that all the ingredients in a food product be listed on the food label.According to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), 33 million Americans have a least one food allergy with around 6.2 million allergic to milk and 2.4 million allergic to wheat.Allergic reactions vary in severity from mild symptoms, such as hives and lip swelling, to life-threatening complications, such as anaphylaxis, that may include fatal respiratory problems.What To KnowThe products impacted by the recall include the following:
Spanish Club Ciabatta; Keep Refrigerated, NET WT: 10.5 OZ, UPC# 6 82906 90933 7. Lots: 125214, 125216, 125217, 125218, 125219 Best By dates: 8/8/25, 8/10/25, 8/11/25, 8/12/25, 8/13/25
Tuscan Artichoke and Mozzarella Salad; Keep Refrigerated, NET WT: 8.5 OZ, UPC# 6 82906 90935 1. Lots: 125214, 125216, 125217, 125218, 125219 Best By dates: 8/8/25, 8/10/25, 8/11/25, 8/12/25, 8/13/25
Piccolo Pranzo Box; Keep Refrigerated, NET WT: 14.5 OZ, UPC#. Lots: 125214, 125216, 125217, 125218, 125219 Best By dates: 8/8/25, 8/10/25, 8/11/25, 8/12/25, 8/13/25
Chili Crunch Market Mezze; Keep Refrigerated, NET WT: 14.5 OZ, UPC#. Lots: 125214, 125216, 125217, 125218, 125219 Best By dates: 8/8/25, 8/10/25, 8/11/25, 8/12/25, 8/13/25
The recall impacted 233 units of each product. The products were distributed to 15 limited private corporate locations all in California.As of September 18, there is no information available on if there have been any illnesses associated with the recall.What People Are SayingThe FDA says on its website: “Food allergies and other types of food hypersensitivities affect millions of Americans and their families.” It added: “To protect those with food allergies and other food hypersensitivities, the FDA enforces regulations requiring companies to list ingredients on packaged foods and beverages. For certain foods or substances that cause allergies or other hypersensitivity reactions, there are more specific labeling requirements.”What Happens NextThe product recall is still ongoing.