Copyright Newsweek
A recall of cheesecake by a New York-based food market across three states and Washington, D.C., has been given the Food and Drug Administration's highest risk warning. Wegmans Food Markets issued a voluntary recall of six varieties of cheesecake on September 26 because of undeclared pecans. On October 20, the FDA announced a Class I recall, the highest of three classifications. Newsweek reached out to Wegmans for comment in an email sent outside of regular working hours. Why It Matters A Class I recall is defined by the FDA as "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." Tree nut allergies, including those to pecans, are among the nine major life-threatening food allergens in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that almost 6 percent of U.S. adults and children have a food allergy. Accidental consumption of even a small amount of a tree nut allergen can lead to anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal reaction, in those with allergies. What To Know The FDA said the recall involves 521 units of the following products: Wegmans Large Ultimate Plain Cheesecake, Net Wt. 50 oz. Item #37889 Sell By 9/24-10/01 Product Purchased between 9/19 and 9/26 UPC Codes: 0-77890-37889-2 OR 03788 Wegmans Large Ultimate Cherry Topped Cheesecake, Net Wt. 58 oz. Item #38135 Sell By 9/24 - 10/01 Purchased between 9/19 and 9/26 UPC Codes: 0-77890-38135-9 OR 038135- Wegmans Large Ultimate Blueberry Topped Cheesecake, Net Wt. 58 oz.. Item #38136 Sell By 9/24 - 10/01 Product purchase between 9/19 and 9/26 UPC Codes: 0-77890-38136-6 OR 038136 Wegmans Large Ultimate Strawberry Topped Cheesecake, Net Wt. 58 oz. Item #51474 Sell By 9/24 - 10/01 Purchased between 9/19 and 9/26 UPC Codes: 0-77890-51474-0 OR 051474- Wegmans Brulee Cheesecake Large, Net Wt. 51 oz. Item #54015 Sell By 9/24 - 10/01 Purchased between 9/19 and 9/26 UPC Codes: 0-77890-54015-2 or 054015 Large Ultimate Fresh Fruit Topped Cheesecake, Net Wt. 55 oz. Item #38152 Sell By 9/24 - 10/01 purchased between 9/19 and 9/26 UPC Codes: 0-77890-38152-6 OR 038152 The products were distributed across Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina and Washington, D.C. What People Are Saying Food Allergy Research Education (FARE) says on its website: "Tree nut allergies are among the most common food allergies in both children and adults. The six tree nut allergies most commonly reported by children and adults are allergies to walnut, almond, hazelnut, pecan, cashew and pistachio." What Happens Next The recall is still ongoing, according to the FDA.
