Consumers Across 27 States Urged to Return Potentially Dangerous Products
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently elevated the recall of Prime Food Processing’s steamed bun products to a Class 1 classification, indicating the highest level of risk. This decision follows the discovery of undeclared sesame, a major allergen, in the company’s Egg Custard Steamed Buns and Egg Custard and Coconut Steamed Buns. The recall, which was initially voluntary, has now taken on increased urgency due to the potential for severe health consequences, including life-threatening allergic reactions.
Prime Food, a Brooklyn-based company, first initiated the recall on August 9, 2024. The products in question were distributed widely across 27 states in the U.S., including Arizona, California, Florida, New York, and Texas, as well as internationally in Costa Rica and Panama. The affected products belong to two specific lots, Lot #24149 and Lot #24150, both of which carry an expiration date of October 2025.
These steamed buns were mistakenly labeled, leading to the omission of sesame—a known allergen—from the packaging. Although no illnesses have been reported thus far, the FDA’s strict labeling regulations require that any product containing sesame or other major allergens must clearly list them on the packaging. The potential consequences of consuming these mislabeled products are significant, especially for individuals with sesame allergies.
Sesame is among the nine major allergens identified by the FDA, alongside others like peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, and wheat. For those allergic to sesame, even a small amount can trigger severe allergic reactions, including hives, difficulty breathing, and in extreme cases, anaphylaxis. This condition can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
The Impact of Allergen Contamination
When food products contain undeclared allergens, the consequences can be devastating. Individuals with allergies rely on accurate labeling to avoid life-threatening situations. In this case, the accidental consumption of sesame by someone with a known allergy could lead to severe reactions within minutes. Symptoms may include skin rashes, swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, and, in the most severe cases, anaphylaxis, which can result in death if not treated immediately.
The FDA’s decision to classify this recall as a Class 1, its most severe category, underscores the gravity of the situation. This classification means there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to the product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. Consumers who purchased these products are urged not to consume them and to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Legal Recourse for Affected Consumers
For those who have been harmed or could have been harmed by consuming these contaminated products, legal recourse may be available. Affected individuals may be able to file a lawsuit seeking damages, including compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses related to the incident.
Filing a lawsuit for product liability involves several key steps. First, the injured party must establish that the product was defective or mislabeled and that this defect directly caused harm. In cases involving food contamination, it is crucial to prove that the product was consumed and that it caused the adverse reaction. This process often requires medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony to establish a clear link between the product and the injury.
An attorney is essential at every stage of the process, from gathering evidence to negotiating settlements or taking the case to trial. Product liability cases can be complex, involving multiple parties, including manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. A skilled attorney can navigate these complexities, ensuring that the injured party’s rights are protected and that they receive the compensation they deserve.
Damages in a product liability lawsuit can cover a range of losses. Medical expenses, both current and future, are typically included, along with compensation for pain and suffering. In cases involving severe or permanent injury, the injured party may also be entitled to compensation for loss of earning capacity and other long-term impacts on their quality of life.
