Queso Recall Impacts Two States With ‘Life-Threatening’ Warning

What’s New

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning to consumers in New York and North Carolina, saying one type of queso, from Jose Madrid Salsa, sold in the two states contained undeclared ingredients that could be “life-threatening” to people allergic to them.

The FDA posted a notice on its website warning that 13-ounce jars of Jose Madrid “Chipotle Con Queso Salsa” were recalled because the food dyes Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 were not listed on an ingredients label.

What It Matters

“Individuals who are allergic or sensitive to Yellow 5 or Yellow 6 run the risk of minor to serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product,” the recall notice said.

What To Know

The recalled salsa was sold at the following specific holiday events held last month in New York and North Carolina:

• “Christmas in the Country” in Hamburg, New York, from November 7 to November 10.
• “Syracuse Holiday Shoppes” in Syracuse, New York, from November 8 to November 10.
• “Greensboro Holiday Market” in Greensboro, North Carolina, from November 15 to November 17.

The affected jars are all labeled with the UPC number “093662452935” and have lot codes stamped on top of the jars beginning in “6012201” and ending with “102327,” “103027” or “111227.”

Newsweek reached out to Jose Madrid Salsa for comment via email on Friday evening.

What People Are Saying

“The problem was discovered during a routine inspection of the production facility by the Ohio Department of Agriculture acting on behalf of the FDA,” the recall notice said. “Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company’s production and packaging processes.”

Allergies to food dyes are rare and the mistake on the salsa label is unlikely to affect most consumers. However, those who are allergic could go into anaphylaxis, which is sometimes fatal, if they consume food that includes the dyes.

Anaphylaxis requires prompt medical attention; its symptoms include throat swelling, difficulty breathing, a sudden drop in blood pressure and loss of consciousness. Other symptoms of serious allergic reactions include rashes, hives, itching, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramping.

About six percent of U.S. adults and eight percent of children have at least one food allergy, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Yellow 5 and 6 are two of only a handful of synthetic food dyes that are currently approved by the FDA. Yellows 1, 2, 3 and 4 were banned in 1959 for causing issues like “intestinal lesions at high doses” and potential heart damage.

While health experts generally consider Yellow 5 and 6 to be safe in amounts used in food, the dyes are banned in some places over concerns that they may cause health issues like hyperactivity in children.

Earlier this year, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill that banned both of the yellow colorings and four other synthetic food dyes.

What Happens Next

Jose Madrid Salsa asked those with allergies or sensitivities to the included food dyes to refrain from consuming the salsa. No illnesses associated with the recall have been reported.