Hundreds of units shipped across 18 states could pose a hidden danger.

Millions are at risk of severe reactions from a simple packaging mistake.

If you’ve picked up a ready-to-eat salad from Trader Joe’s recently, you’ll want to check your fridge immediately.

The grocery chain has issued an urgent recall on a popular product due to a serious labeling error that could trigger dangerous allergic reactions.



Trader Joe’s is recalling 500 units of its Sesame Miso Salad with Salmon after discovering that some packages were filled with parmesan cheese packets instead of crispy onions.

The affected salads were sold in 18 states and contain milk, one of the most common and potentially dangerous allergens.


The issue isn’t just about unexpected cheese.

Because the parmesan packets were included by mistake, milk was not listed on the product’s allergen label, putting millions of Americans at risk.



Also read: Is your water bottle cleaned enough? Doctors reveal this habit you must have!

Roughly 30 to 50 million people in the US are lactose intolerant, while an estimated 6.6 million are allergic to milk.

For some, this mix-up could result in bloating and stomach pain.

But for others, it could lead to wheezing, swelling, or even life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Where was it sold?​

The recalled salads were distributed in:

• Alabama
• Iowa
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• North Carolina
• Nebraska
• New Jersey
• New York
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Wisconsin.

The products were made by Taylor Fresh Foods Illinois and have a “Use By” date of April 28 or April 29, 2025.

Customers are urged to discard the product or return it for a full refund.

What’s the risk?​

If someone with lactose intolerance consumes dairy, their body can’t break down lactose due to a lack of the enzyme lactase.
This leads to symptoms like bloating, cramps, nausea, gas, and diarrhea, usually within 30 minutes to two hours.


A milk allergy is far more serious.

It’s an immune response to milk proteins that can cause hives, swelling, vomiting, wheezing, and even anaphylaxis, where the throat swells shut and breathing becomes impossible.



Also read: Discover the surprising food hack that could shield you from E. coli!

Each year, about 500 to 1,000 Americans die from anaphylaxis.

Milk ranks as the third most common cause, following peanuts and tree nuts.

So far, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall.

Still, consumers with milk allergies are urged not to take any chances.

What should you do?​

Check your packaging.

If you or anyone in your home has a milk allergy or intolerance and you purchased this salad, do not eat it.


Trader Joe’s is offering a full refund, no receipt required.

For questions, call customer service at (855) 455-0098, Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM PST.



Why did this happen?

Food recalls like this often result from packaging mix-ups or undeclared allergens.

Though frustrating, these alerts are crucial for keeping vulnerable individuals safe.


Read next: Public health at risk? FDA suspends key safety checks after layoffs

Have you ever been affected by a food recall or allergy incident? What steps do you take to keep your household safe? Share your tips or questions in the comments. Your story could help others in the GrayVine community stay protected.