Cumin Products Recall - Since December, the Food and Drug Administration has been warning all retailers and consumers on selling and consuming of all products containing cumin spices.
It has been found that there were traces of peanuts were detected in cumin that could pose danger to people with peanut allergy.
The massive cumin products recall is considered as unusual, but as WebMD reported, undeclared allergens are the primary cause of food recalls in the United States. Undeclared allergens can pose danger and even death to people who have certain allergic reactions to certain compounds.
"The FDA is continuing to identify companies that received shipments of the ground cumin that contained undeclared peanuts and work with them to remove these products from the market," the FDA said in a statement. "While this investigation is underway, the FDA wants consumers who are highly allergic or sensitive to peanuts to consider taking precautions with any product - not just those that have been recalled - that contains ground cumin. The FDA will continue to update the list of recalled products."
" Food Allergy Research and Education declares that there are 15 million Americans who have food allergies. There are 1 in 13 children where eight foods including peanuts, milk, tree nuts, wheat, shellfish, fish and soy constitutes the 90 percent of the allergens.
According to CBS News, there were atleast seven cases related to the cumin products recall. Some of the cumin products recalled was used in Indian dishes and Tex-Mex. The agency didn't reveal how peanuts were added into the spice cumin products.
In connection with cumin products recall, the FDA released guidelines on what consumers with severe peanut allergies and their caregivers must do:
The agency states to read and check the list of recalled products such as cumin products recall and avoid all these. Exclude buying any ground cumin, seasoning mixes and other cooking ingredients.
Be cautious that is a product contains 'spices' it may or may not have cumin. To be sure, contact the manufacturer if there is presence of cumin powder.
When planning to shop for food, check the ingredients carefully. People who have high allergy to peanuts must review any product that contains cumin.
Always seek for medical attention when symptoms of allergy occur including swelling of the lips, shortness of breath, tongue or throat, or hives. Stop consuming the product.
In case allergic reactions are manifested, contact the local FDA consumer complaint coordinator.
Since December, several companies have cumin products recall. Adams Foods recalled cumin products on Dec.26. It was followed with Whole Foods on Feb.9 and recently, Goya Foods have recalled their black beans and black bean soup.
