Lobby Shoppes, Inc. Recalls “Cheese Popcorn, Chicago Triple Mix Popcorn and Caramel Corn” and Issues Allergy Alert

Lobby Shoppes, Inc. has recalled three of its products, Gourmet Cheese Popcorn (12 oz. bags and 24 oz. bags), Chicago Triple Mix Popcorn (12 oz. bags) and Caramel Corn (2 ½ lb. bags, 4 lb. bags, and 9 oz. tubs) because they contained undeclared ingredients like milk and soy, which can trigger serious allergies in susceptible individuals.

The products were voluntarily recalled by the manufacturer. Packaged in clear plastic bags or tubs, they contained undeclared ingredients like milk and soy. These ingredients can cause serious or fatal anaphylactic reactions in individuals, allergic to milk and soy proteins.

The recalled products were distributed through the Lobby Shoppes, Inc. showroom and grocery stores throughout Ohio. No casualties were reported. The Class I recall was initiated because of non-disclosure of the two ingredients on the product labels.

Food Allergy - Food allergy is an adverse immune response to a food protein. Food allergies are very different from other unpleasant reactions to food, such as food intolerance, pharmacological reactions, and toxin-mediated reactions. In children, the most common foods that cause allergic reactions are milk, soy, eggs, peanuts, and fruits, particularly tomatoes and strawberries. In adults, shellfish, nuts, fish, eggs and peanuts cause allergic reactions.

Diagnosis and treatment

Food allergies are diagnosed by conducting common tests like skin prick test, blood test, and food challenges. The treatment mainly involves avoiding food that triggers a known allergy. Several medications are available for treating other symptoms of food allergy. For example, antihistamines can relieve gastrointestinal symptoms, hives, sneezing, and a runny nose. Bronchodilators can relieve the symptoms of asthma. These medications are taken after one has inadvertently ingested an allergic food.

Preventive Measures under Law

Under the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-282), companies are required to disclose on the label whether the product contains a major food allergen.

The Compliance Policy Guides (CPG) Section 555.250 Statement of Policy for Labeling and Preventing Cross-contact of Common Food Allergens (New 4/2001)

In order to combat the issue of consumer reports concerning adverse reactions to allergenic substances in foods, the FDA has issued a letter captioned "Notice to Manufacturers" dated June 10, 1996.  It addresses labeling issues and defines Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). The agency believes peanuts, soybeans, milk, eggs, fish, crustacean, tree nuts, and wheat can cause serious allergic reactions in certain individuals.

Policy

Products containing allergenic ingredients or sub-ingredients should be labeled appropriately. Additionally, such products should comply with 21 U.S.C. 343(i)(2). Where substances that bear, or contain allergens are added as ingredients or sub-ingredients (including rework), the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires a complete listing of the food ingredients (section 403(i)(2); 21 U.S.C. 343(i)(2); 21 C.F.R.101.4) unless a labeling exemption applies.