Copyright Newsweek
A recall of more than 14,000 packs of died apricots from stores in 19 states has been given officials' highest consumer alert warning. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) categorized the recall of 200-gram packs of Floria Dried Apricots as a Class I, meaning there is a "reasonable probability" consuming the food will cause "serious adverse health consequences or death." New Jersey-based company Turkana Food Inc. voluntarily recalled the apricots on April 29 over concerns they contained undeclared sulfites. The recall was publicly announced on June 12, before the FDA issued the classification on October 17. The products were distributed in Alabama, California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. Newsweek reached out to Turkana Food via email on Monday. Why It Matters Sulfites are commonly used as preservatives in dried fruits and other foods but must be declared on product labels as required by U.S. law due to the severe reactions they can cause in sensitive individuals. Foods and drinks sold in the United States are legally required to declare its presence on the label if the concentration is higher than 10 parts per million. Sulfites pose a particular danger to people with asthma. About 1 in 12 Americans suffer from asthma, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What To Know The recalled product packaging features LOT# 440090478-15-333 and expiration date 11/2026, both of which can be found on the bottom portion of the package, and the UPC Label 2539560010, shown on a sticker on the top side. "The recall was the result of a routine sampling performed by the New York State Department of Agriculture and markets which revealed that the finished products contained Sulfites that were not listed on the product labelling," a recall announcement on June 12 said. No reported illnesses have been confirmed as of that date, it added. Consumers should not eat the product and can return it to the place of purchase for a full refund, the announcement said. Those who have experienced an allergic reaction after consuming the product should seek medical attention immediately. Food recalls are classified I, II, or III by the FDA to indicate the relative degree of health hazard. The levels are: Class I: There is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. Class II: Use of, or exposure to, a product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences with a remote probability of serious adverse health consequences. Class III: Use of, or exposure to, a product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences. What People Are Saying A recall announcement published by the FDA on June 12 said: "The company has ceased production and distribution of the products as FDA and the company continue their investigation to correct the issue with the manufacturer." What Happens Next Consumers with questions have been advised to contact Turkana Foods Inc. at 908-810-8800 from Monday to Friday, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET. The recall is ongoing.
