Arlington, Texas based Evans Food Group Ltd. is recalling nearly 4,000 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) pork skins due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen. Consumers who enjoy pork skins should be aware of the recall and make sure that they do not consume potentially dangerous products. Read on for more information about this recall and why food safety guidelines are so important for people with food allergies.
Pork Skin Recall Information
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), Evans Food Group is recalling certain pork skins because they contain soy which is not declared on the packaging. The pork skins included in this recall include:
Mac’s Chicharrones Pork Skins Hot & Spicy. The pork skins are packaged in a variety pack of 10 single 1-ounce bags. The outer box packaging does not include soy as an ingredient, which could be dangerous for people who are allergic or sensitive to soy. Consumers can identify the recalled product by the following:
- Mac’s Chicharrones Pork Skins (hot & spicy)
- EST. 7293 will appear inside the USDA inspection mark.
- Lot Codes:
- 20106
- 20107
- 20113
- 20118
- 20122
- 20125
- 20128
- 20129
- Best by dates:
- 7/8/2020
- 7/29/2020
- 8/1/2020
- 8/17/2020
- 8/19/2020
These lots of pork skins were distributed to retailers across the United States. There are currently no confirmed reports of illness related to the product, but the FSIS warns consumers to be cautious when purchasing this variety of pork skins.
What to Do if You Have a Recalled Product
If you have a food product in your home that is subject to a recall, you should not consume it. Even if it looks or smells fine, you should err on the side of caution with any recalled product. Instead, the FSIS says that consumers can return recalled products to their place of purchase. You may be eligible for a refund of the product cost. Alternatively, you can simply throw the item away.
If you have already consumed a product that is subject to a recall, monitor your health closely. Talk to your healthcare provider if you develop any unusual symptoms or have an allergic reaction. Let your healthcare provider know if you have consumed a product that is now recalled.
You can also report an adverse event to the FSIS through their Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System.
Information about Soy Allergies
Soy is a member of the legume family and is a common allergen. It is a common ingredient in many processed foods, including infant formula, baked goods, soup, cereal and deli meat.
Product manufacturers must list soy and other allergens on food labels to protect consumers who are sensitive or allergic. Failure to do so can be disastrous for consumers.
Soy allergies can be unpredictable. Some people experience a mild reaction, while others experience a severe enough reaction to require epinephrine injections. Generally, the symptoms of a soy allergy include:
- Abdominal cramps
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Tightness in throat
- Weak pulse
- Hives
- Blue or pale coloring of the skin
- Dizziness
- Confusion
Not everyone who is allergic to soy experiences all of these symptoms. Allergies tend to affect individuals differently.
The most severe soy allergies can anaphylaxis, which is potentially life-threatening. Anaphylaxis occurs when breathing is impaired and blood pressure suddenly drops. This causes the body to enter a state of shock. The only medication treatment for anaphylaxis is an epinephrine (adrenaline) injection.
Generally, people who have a soy allergy can manage their condition by avoiding foods that contain soy. This is, of course, difficult if the manufacturer does not have soy listed as an ingredient on the package. That is why food manufacturers must follow food safety and labeling guidelines.
What to Do When a Recall Results in Injury
If you or someone you love suffers an allergic reaction due to an undeclared ingredient like soy, you may have questions about your legal rights. What can you do? Should the manufacturer pay for your medical treatment? Aren’t there laws to protect consumers?
These are all reasonable questions. At Bad Food Recall, we can help you find answers. To find out more about consumer rights when a recall results in an illness or injury, contact us. Request a free consultation with one of our legal professionals by calling 1-877-534-5750. You can also contact us via our online form.
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