a nationwide recall was issued for “Rural King” and “Wabash Valley Farms” bacon-flavored popcorn seasonings due to the presence of an undeclared soy ingredient. Soy is a known allergen that can cause life-threatening reactions for people who are sensitive to it. TS Food Packaging, the company responsible for the seasonings, initiated the recall after discovering the issue.
Why the Recall Matters
Soy is one of the major food allergens recognized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Millions of people in the U.S. suffer from soy allergies, which can cause reactions ranging from mild to severe, and in some cases, even life-threatening. The FDA lists milk, eggs, sesame, fish, tree nuts, crustacean shellfish, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans as the most common allergens that need to be carefully managed.
Because soy is present in many processed foods, individuals with soy allergies must be vigilant when reading product labels. Cross-contamination can also occur during manufacturing processes, making it essential to avoid products that may contain undeclared soy.
Details of the Recall
The affected products are Rural King and Wabash Valley Farms bacon-flavored popcorn seasonings. These were sold nationwide through retail stores and e-commerce platforms like Amazon. The recalled products were packaged in 4.2-ounce plastic jars and 1-ounce sample gift packets with the following lot numbers:
-
4.2-ounce plastic jars: 17324s, 27824s, and 30324s.
-
1-ounce sample gift packets: 16524SP, 16624SP, 23424SP, 26324SP, 26424SP, 26724SP, 20624S, and 20724S.
The recall was triggered after a quality verification showed that a supplier had substituted a soy-containing ingredient without informing TS Food Packaging. This mistake was discovered through an investigation that revealed a gap in the substitution review process. Corrective actions have been implemented to prevent a similar issue in the future.
No Reported Illnesses Yet
At this time, no illnesses have been reported as a result of consuming the recalled popcorn seasonings. However, consumers with soy allergies are urged to avoid using the affected products. If you have purchased any of these seasonings, it is recommended that you contact TS Food Packaging for instructions on how to return or dispose of them.
What Happens When Soy Triggers an Allergy?
A soy allergy can lead to a wide range of symptoms, from mild to severe. These symptoms include:
-
Skin reactions, such as hives or eczema
-
Gastrointestinal issues, like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
-
Respiratory symptoms, such as wheezing or difficulty breathing
In severe cases, exposure to soy can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Anaphylaxis can cause the swelling of the throat, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and difficulty breathing. It is essential for people with soy allergies to always check ingredient labels and be cautious about potential cross-contamination.
