Seasoned Seaweed Recalled Over Allergy Fears

Korean seasoned seaweed is being recalled after a packaging mix-up led to sesame not being declared on the label, risking allergic reactions in some people, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Friday.

The seaweed was produced by Wismettac Asian Foods Inc., based in Santa Fe, California, and sold under the brand name Shirakiku to stores and restaurants across seven U.S. states.

Sesame is one of the top 10 most common allergens and can cause severe or fatal allergic reactions in people affected by it, with symptoms such as vomiting, itchy hives, shortness of breath, dizziness, tingles in the mouth, and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis.

In the case of anaphylaxis, individuals may experience swelling of the throat or face, difficulty breathing, unconsciousness, and even death. If someone is having an anaphylactic reaction, they should be injected with adrenaline—such as with an Epi-Pen—and 911 should be called.

Wismettac’s Korean seasoned seaweed contains sesame, but this was not declared on some products after incorrect packaging material was used by mistake, according to the FDA.

The seaweed was sold in 3.52oz packages in an illustrated plastic bag, containing five inner packets. Each inner packet is correctly labeled, but the outer bag displays incorrect information, the FDA has explained.

The packets have been labeled with correct product codes—074410516031—located on the back right side of the outer package, and incorrect product codes too: 074410495534.

The recalled Korean seasoned seaweed was distributed to California, Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, Washington, New York and Nevada until Tuesday, October 8.

Wismettac announced the recall on Thursday, October 10, and the FDA followed suit the next day.

Consumers who have purchased the seaweed products are being asked to return them to their place of purchase for a full refund.

Newsweek has approached Wismettac for comment via email.

The FDA announced a string of recalls on Friday, October 11, including Enoki King mushroom, Los Andes Foods sweet corn pancakes, and Bistro 28, Don Pacho meal kits.

The sweet corn pancakes were recalled due to undeclared wheat after a similar labeling mishap, whereas the mushroom and meal kits were possibly contaminated with listeria bacteria that could cause serious listeriosis infections.

The meal kits were linked with a wider recall of nearly 10 million pounds of meat by BrucePac, due to listeria contamination, as the meal kits used BrucePac chicken.

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