Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this week assigned a Class II risk classification to a recent recall involving nearly 1.7 million pounds of sugar products that may contain undeclared wheat contamination. Wheat is one of the FDA's nine major food allergens, and exposure could pose health risks for people with wheat allergies. Consumers and commercial buyers in eight states are being urged to check affected products, while retailers and distributors continue removing the recalled inventory from circulation.
Newsweek has reached out to the FDA, Target Corp. and United Sugar Producers and Refiners for comment. Under FDA definitions, a Class II recall involves products that could cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects if consumed or otherwise used. The agency says the likelihood of severe or long-term consequences is considered remote.
That distinction places the sugar recall below the agency's most serious Class I category, which is reserved for products that could cause serious injury or death. The recall covers approximately 1.27 million pounds of light brown sugar and about 426,500 pounds of powdered sugar. The products were distributed in consumer-sized packages and larger commercial bags supplied to businesses and food-service operations.
Minneapolis-based United Sugar Producers and Refiners launched the voluntary recall on August 19 after discovering possible wheat kernel contamination in certain sugar products. The concern stems from the fact that consumers purchasing plain brown sugar or powdered sugar would not reasonably expect wheat to be present. As a result, individuals with wheat allergies may not take precautions they otherwise would if the ingredient were disclosed on packaging.
According to FDA guidance, allergic reactions can range from relatively mild symptoms, such as itching, hives or swelling, to more severe complications. In some cases, exposure to an allergen can trigger anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention. The recall spans multiple brands and package sizes and affects products sold at the retail and wholesale levels.
Among the recalled items are: Affected products carry batch numbers ranging from MHD26223 through MHD26229, although some powdered sugar products have different lot-specific identifiers. The recalled inventory includes two-pound consumer bags sold in stores as well as commercial packages weighing 25 pounds and 50 pounds. Good & Gather products are associated with Target's private-label grocery brand, but the recall is not limited to Target stores.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
