Health officials are sounding the alarm over deadly apricots sold in nearly 20 states over fears they contain dangerous levels of undeclared sulfites.
The FDA has asked consumers to stop eating Turkana Food Inc.’s Floria Dried Apricots with an expiration date of November 2026.
Sulfites are used as food additives to preserve freshness and prevent spoilage in various items such as wine, dried fruits and processed foods.
But depending on how much of the additive is present, some people may show sensitivities and can experience reactions like hives, swelling, abdominal pain, diarrhea or in rare cases, life-threatening allergic reactions.
According to FDA regulations, companies are required to declare the amount of sulfites used in each product on every individual packaging.
However, during a routine sampling performed by the New York State Department of Agriculture, the agency found packaging for Turkana Food Inc.’s apricots was missing its product labeling for sulfites.
The affected product has been sold in Florida, Kentucky, Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Texas, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Maryland, Ohio, Alabama, Missouri and California.
No cases of illness have been reported.
The impacted product has a LOT number of 440090478-15-333 that can be found at the bottom of the packaging.
It also has a UPC Label of 2539560010 that can be seen on a sticker at the top of the package that can be used for identification.
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The FDA has asked consumers to not eat the recalled dried apricots and return them to their original place of purchase for a refund.
Manufacturers Turkana Food Inc. are yet to make a statement on the recall.
Sulfites, a food preservation chemical, can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals and even asthma attacks.
Sulfite sensitivity affects about four percent – 13 million – Americans and is especially common among people with asthma.
Symptoms of a sulfite allergy or sensitivity usually show up after exposure to the chemical – mostly through food – and include wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, sneezing, stuffy nose and chest tightnes
Those suffering from sulfite allergies or sensitivity are usually recommended to take antihistamines and Vitamin B12 tablets.
In 1986, the FDA banned the use of the additive in fresh vegetables and fruits due to an increase in cases of sulfite allergies.
However, in cases of preserved food, manufacturers must declare on product labels if their food contains more than 10 parts per million (ppm) of sulfites.
This comes two months after Texas Pete recalled its popular Habanero Buffalo hot sauce after discovering bottles actually contained Sriracha Sauce.
The FDA said the mix-up means the bottles may contain sulfites that are not declared on the bottle.
People with an allergy to sulfites run the risk of ‘serious or life-threatening allergic reactions’ if they accidentally consume the products, the FDA said
