Barbecue Sauce Recall As Warning Issued to Customers

A recall of Monkey Spit barbecue sauces has been announced by Monkey Spit, LLC, due to undeclared milk, wheat, and soy allergens.

The Nipomo, California-based company and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the recall on Friday.

Newsweek contacted Monkey Spit, LLC, via email for comment.

Why It Matters

Millions of people in the U.S. have food allergies or food sensitivities, which can range from mild reactions to potentially life-threatening symptoms. According to the FDA, the nine major food allergens are milk, eggs, sesame, fish, tree nuts, Crustacean shellfish, peanuts, wheat and soybeans.

Milk, wheat, and soy, the three undeclared allergens in the barbecue sauce, can lead to severe or life-threatening reactions such as anaphylaxis, which involves difficulty breathing and a drop in blood pressure. Accurate product labeling is crucial for preventing accidental exposure.

What To Know

The recall affects three types of 12-ounce BBQ sauces: Monkey Mop BBQ Sauce (undeclared milk, best by 11/07/2026); Swamp Mob BBQ Sauce (undeclared soy, best by 12/13/2025); and Atomic Mop BBQ Sauce (undeclared milk and wheat, best by 03/19/2026).

The FDA has issued images of the product packaging:

The products were distributed in local stores on the central coast of California and through the company’s website. Consumers are urged to return the items to the point of purchase for a full refund.

The recall follows an FDA inspection that revealed undeclared allergens on the product labels.

Monkey Spit attributes the issue to a temporary breakdown in its packaging processes. No illnesses have been reported.

Production of the affected sauces has been suspended pending FDA and company confirmation that the issue has been resolved.

Consumers are advised to dispose of or return any affected products. Consumers with questions may contact Monkey Spit at 1-714-514-8445 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST, or via email at karen@monkeyspithotsauce.com.

What People Are Saying

Michelle Anstey, manager of regulatory affairs for North America at the National Sanitation Foundation, previously told Newsweek: “If you become ill or have an allergic reaction after consuming a food product, you have the right to report the incident to your local health authority.

“Some consumers can seek recourse if they experience a reaction due to undeclared allergens or misleading food labels.”

What Happens Next

The FDA and Monkey Spit, LLC, will continue to investigate and ensure proper labeling before resuming production.

The FDA advises that, if you have a known food allergy and start having symptoms of an allergic reaction, stop eating the food immediately, evaluate the need for emergency treatment, and seek medical attention.