FDA Issues Warning to People with Peanut Allergies to Avoid Cumin Spice Products
FDA issues warningto people with peanut allergies to avoid cumin spice products, after traces of peanut were found in ground cumin spice. Several products that contain the cumin spice are being recalled to prevent peanut allergies.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, undeclared allergens like peanuts are the leading cause of food recalls in the US. Peanut allergies are common in children and some adults and can lead to anaphylactic shock and death if not treated promptly. Food Allergy Research and Education, or FARE says that 15 million Americans have food allergies, including 1 in 13 children. The majority of food allergies are caused by peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish and shellfish.
FDA requires these allergens to be listed on food packages if they are ingredients. The rules are unclear regarding cross-contamination. Companies are not required to list peanuts and other allergens if they’re processed in the same facilities as other products, hence the recall of the ground cumin spice. The FDA has received eight reports from consumers related to the cumin recall. The FDA warned that some products may not actually list cumin, but list “spices” instead.
Category: News
