Before you take that next bite, you might want to double check. This recall could affect you!
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Before you unwrap your next prepackaged lunch, you might want to read this.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently issued its highest risk warning for a recall that could impact your health—and your next bite.
The GrayVine is here to break down the details of this critical recall and what it means for you, especially if you're among the many Americans managing food allergies.
The Recall Rundown
Cromer Food Services, a South Carolina-based company, has voluntarily recalled nearly 12,000 chicken salad sandwiches.
The reason? An FDA inspection revealed that these sandwiches failed to list milk as an ingredient on their packaging.
This oversight is particularly dangerous for those with milk allergies, as exposure could lead to serious health consequences.
The sandwiches in question are the chicken salad on white bread variety, packaged in 4.3-ounce servings. They were distributed with UPCs 31166 and 13172 and have use-by dates ranging from January 3 to April 2, 2025.
But milk isn't the only allergen present—these sandwiches also contain eggs, wheat, and soy.
With a total of 11,772 units involved in the recall, the FDA has classified this as a Class I recall—the most severe classification, indicating a reasonable probability that consuming the product could result in serious adverse health consequences or even death.
The affected products were distributed between December 26, 2024, and March 24, 2025, in Georgia and South Carolina, and were primarily sold in Micro Markets and Vending Machines.
As of March 27, no illnesses have been reported, but the recall is ongoing as a precautionary measure.
Understanding the Risks
The FDA lists milk as one of the top nine food allergens, which together are responsible for the majority of food-related allergic reactions in the United States. These allergens must be clearly labeled on products to inform consumers of their presence.
Food allergy symptoms can range from skin irritations like hives to gastrointestinal issues and even respiratory problems.
In the most severe cases, an individual may experience anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention.
Experts Weigh In
Dr. Sebastian Lighvani, director of New York Allergy & Asthma PLLC, has highlighted the alarming frequency of emergency room visits due to accidental ingestion of allergens, with anaphylaxis rates in the US increasing dramatically over the years.
Also read: Is your favorite candy cancerous? 8 states hit by shocking FDA recall
Clinton Mathias, an associate professor at the University of Connecticut, notes that cow's milk allergy is prevalent among infants and children, and while many outgrow it, it remains a common allergy in adults. Symptoms can vary widely, from mild to severe.
Source: FARE / Youtube.
Next Steps for Consumers
If you have any of the recalled sandwiches, you're advised to either throw them away or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
Cromer Food Services has provided a contact number for customers seeking more information: 1-800-922-3174.
Read next: Public health at risk? FDA suspends key safety checks after layoffs
Have you or a loved one been affected by a food recall? Do you have tips for managing food allergies or navigating the grocery aisles with safety in mind? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below!
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently issued its highest risk warning for a recall that could impact your health—and your next bite.
The GrayVine is here to break down the details of this critical recall and what it means for you, especially if you're among the many Americans managing food allergies.
The Recall Rundown
Cromer Food Services, a South Carolina-based company, has voluntarily recalled nearly 12,000 chicken salad sandwiches.
The reason? An FDA inspection revealed that these sandwiches failed to list milk as an ingredient on their packaging.
This oversight is particularly dangerous for those with milk allergies, as exposure could lead to serious health consequences.
The sandwiches in question are the chicken salad on white bread variety, packaged in 4.3-ounce servings. They were distributed with UPCs 31166 and 13172 and have use-by dates ranging from January 3 to April 2, 2025.
The FDA has issued a Class I recall for Cromer Food Services' prepackaged chicken salad sandwiches due to undeclared milk, which is a serious allergen. Image source: FDA.
But milk isn't the only allergen present—these sandwiches also contain eggs, wheat, and soy.
With a total of 11,772 units involved in the recall, the FDA has classified this as a Class I recall—the most severe classification, indicating a reasonable probability that consuming the product could result in serious adverse health consequences or even death.
The affected products were distributed between December 26, 2024, and March 24, 2025, in Georgia and South Carolina, and were primarily sold in Micro Markets and Vending Machines.
As of March 27, no illnesses have been reported, but the recall is ongoing as a precautionary measure.
Understanding the Risks
The FDA lists milk as one of the top nine food allergens, which together are responsible for the majority of food-related allergic reactions in the United States. These allergens must be clearly labeled on products to inform consumers of their presence.
Food allergy symptoms can range from skin irritations like hives to gastrointestinal issues and even respiratory problems.
In the most severe cases, an individual may experience anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention.
Experts Weigh In
Dr. Sebastian Lighvani, director of New York Allergy & Asthma PLLC, has highlighted the alarming frequency of emergency room visits due to accidental ingestion of allergens, with anaphylaxis rates in the US increasing dramatically over the years.
Also read: Is your favorite candy cancerous? 8 states hit by shocking FDA recall
Clinton Mathias, an associate professor at the University of Connecticut, notes that cow's milk allergy is prevalent among infants and children, and while many outgrow it, it remains a common allergy in adults. Symptoms can vary widely, from mild to severe.
Source: FARE / Youtube.
Next Steps for Consumers
If you have any of the recalled sandwiches, you're advised to either throw them away or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
Cromer Food Services has provided a contact number for customers seeking more information: 1-800-922-3174.
Read next: Public health at risk? FDA suspends key safety checks after layoffs
Have you or a loved one been affected by a food recall? Do you have tips for managing food allergies or navigating the grocery aisles with safety in mind? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below!
