Undeclared Allergen Sparks Widening Recall of Popular Snack Product

Text "Product Recall" on torn brown paper.

An expanded recall of Shirakiku Curvee Puffs Corn Puff Snacks highlights a critical issue of undeclared milk allergen posing serious health risks.

Key Takeaways

Recall expands to include Sea Salt & Umami and Corn Potage flavors due to undeclared milk.
No illnesses reported, but products pose severe allergenic risk.
Products distributed in 39 U.S. states, plus Mexico and Peru.
Consumers advised to return products for a refund.

Recall Details and Risks

Wismettac Asian Foods, Inc. has expanded the recall of its Shirakiku Curvee Puffs Corn Puff Snacks to include additional flavors—Sea Salt & Umami and Corn Potage—due to an undeclared milk allergen. This allergen poses a “serious or life-threatening” risk to consumers with milk allergies or sensitivities. Initially, only the curry-flavored Curvee Puffs were recalled on January 17. The expanded recall surfaces circumstances requiring immediate consumer action for safety.

The recalled products are packed in 2.46-ounce bags and were distributed across 39 American states and exported to Mexico and Peru. They’ve been sold through both retail stores and online sellers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has emphasized that allergies to cow’s milk can result in anything from mild discomfort to severe reactions, including anaphylaxis.

Corn puff snacks recalled over possible ‘life-threatening’ allergy risk https://t.co/DnVXZzHSKy pic.twitter.com/muPDMXXAMV

— Independent Lifestyle (@IndyLife) January 23, 2025

Consumers Urged to Act

In response to the recall, consumers are urged to check their pantries and return the affected products to their place of purchase for a full refund. As of now, no illnesses related to this recall have been reported, but the risk of severe allergy reactions warrants caution. The product code “07441078512” can be found on the back of the packaging on all affected products.

“The issue was identified during a product inspection conducted by our exporter at the processing facility. They discovered that the product contained milk, likely due to residue from a previous production batch of a different flavored product.” – Wismettac spokesperson

This underscored the gap in product inspections, reflecting the necessity of thorough reviews to prevent severe consumer health implications. Wismettac has halted further distribution while reviewing corrective measures with involved parties to address the oversight.

The Importance of Accurate Labeling

This recall adds to a series of recent product recalls prompted by faulty ingredient listings and potential contaminations, as acknowledged by regulatory bodies. It highlights the broader issue of accuracy in consumer product labeling, primarily as it pertains to allergies—a concern that continues to impact families across states.

“People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume those products.” – U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

As the recall proceedings unfold, stakeholders remain vigilant about product safety standards, reinforcing the essential role of detailed labeling and robust checking processes to protect public health from inadvertently consuming undeclared allergens.