Second Nature Brands has issued a recall of its Keto Crunch Smart Mix on Friday after discovering the product may contain undeclared cashews, pistachios and cherries, posing a potential risk to consumers with allergies.
The recall was announced on Saturday by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which warned people with allergies or severe sensitivities to these ingredients could face serious or life-threatening reactions if they consume the affected product.
Newsweek contacted Second Nature Brands via email on Sunday for comment.
Undeclared Allergens Prompt Recall
According to the Michigan-based company, the issue involves its 10-ounce packages of Keto Crunch Smart Mix that were distributed with incorrect labeling, failing to list cashews, pistachios and cherries among the ingredients.
The presence of undeclared allergens is a major food safety concern, as consumers rely on accurate labelling to avoid ingredients that could trigger allergic reactions. The FDA said the recall was initiated by the company after it was discovered the product contained ingredients not listed on the packaging.
According to FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education), tree nut allergies are among the most common food allergies affecting children and adults. The most frequently reported include walnut, almond, hazelnut, pecan, cashew and pistachio. Around 50 percent of children allergic to one tree nut are also allergic to another, and about two-thirds of those allergic to cashew or walnut may also react to pistachio or pecan. Most children do not outgrow these allergies.
Allergic reactions occur when proteins in tree nuts bind to IgE antibodies in the immune system, triggering symptoms that can range from mild to severe, FARE reports.
In the U.S., food labelling laws require clear identification of 12 different tree nuts in packaged products. Tree nuts are distinct from peanuts, which are legumes, and from seed allergens such as sesame or sunflower. Notably, only about 40 percent of children with tree nut allergies are also allergic to peanuts.
Consumers who have purchased the affected product are being urged not to consume it if they have allergies to the undeclared ingredients.
Product Details and Consumer Guidance
The recalled Keto Crunch Smart Mix was distributed through retail channels and online nationwide. The product comes in a 10-ounce pouch with UPC 077034013405. Affected pouches are marked with “Best if used by 2/12/2027” on the backside of pouch. Packages with other Best if used by dates are not affected.
While no illnesses had been reported at the time of the announcement, the company said the recall was being conducted as a precautionary measure.
The recall notice stated investigations indicate that the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company’s production and packaging processes. Consumers who purchased the affected product should not consume it and should contact Second Nature Brands for a full refund.
Consumers may contact the company by calling +1-800-651-7263 Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, Saturday-Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET or via [email protected].
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