The FDA has recalled thousands of brownies made and sold by convenience store giant 7-Eleven, reporting that they contain a potentially deadly ingredient.
7-Eleven’s pre-packaged fudge brownies contained walnuts, which did not appear on the wrapper.
The recall applies to more than 2,000 products distributed to stores in Southern California. Walnut allergies can range from mild to life-threatening, causing the throat to swell and obstructing breathing. An estimated three million Americans – about one percent of the population – are allergic to walnuts.
The FDA has not confirmed any allergic reactions tied to the brownies, which officials said should be thrown away.
The recalled brownies were delivered to 7-Eleven stores in southern California on Sept 8 and 9, and had a sell-by date of Sept 11
The recall applies to the supplier Innovation Bakers of Fullerton, California, which distributed 2,081 packaged brownies across 7-Elevens across Southern California.
They come in 3.5-ounce packs stamped with Lot Code: Best By Wednesday 0911.
It’s unclear how many stores in the region were shipped the now-recalled brownies on Sept 8th and 9th, and 7-Eleven has not responded to a request for more information.
Walnuts fall under the umbrella of tree nuts, an allergy that affects around one percent of the US population.
A mild allergy creates itchiness in the mouth and on the tongue. Depending on which protein in the walnut a person is allergic to, the reaction can cause severe throat swelling, hives, and anaphylactic shock.
The packaging did not disclose that the product contained walnuts, to which roughly three million Americans are allergic
Walnuts were the culprit behind a recall in June of FGF Brands Inc’s Aldi Bakeshop Chocolate Chip Muffins.
FGF Brands Inc recalled the product due to an ‘undeclared walnut allergen.’
The FDA investigated and concluded that the error was caused by a breakdown in the company’s production and packing processes.
Nut allergies, including tree nuts, kill around 150 to 200 Americans every year. Most of those deaths are caused by peanut allergies.
Other types of tree nuts include pecans, hazelnuts, cashews, pistachios, almonds, pine nuts, and Brazil nuts.
And last month, testing by health officials revealed that Terrafina Golden Raisins, sold in retail stores across the state, contained undeclared sulfites. It prompted an urgent recall of 10oz clear square plastic containers of the raisins in the 10oz size made by New Jersey-based Sunco and Frenchie.
Sulfites are in hundreds of household items, including red wines, ketchup, frozen French fries, and cereals, which deter mold and keep products fresh.
Patients with mild reactions to sulfites may experience red and itchy skin, rashes, and hives. In more severe instances, anaphylaxis can occur, causing wheezing and difficulty breathing.
