A wholesale distributor of packaged food products out of Los Angeles County recently announced the recall of hundreds of cases of Dark Chocolate Covered Cherries. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing Dark Chocolate Covered Cherries was mixed with Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds in the same packaging.
The Dark Chocolate Covered Cherries were sold through a supermarket chain in stores in California, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. The recall notice states that consumers who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to almonds run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product. Customers who purchased the product from the recalled lot are urged to destroy the product and/or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.
The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA) requires that food labels clearly identify the food source names of all ingredients that are, or contain any protein derived from, the eight most common food allergens. These account for 90% of allergic reactions to foods and include tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, crustacean shellfish, fish, peanuts, and soybeans.
“As reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), food allergies are a growing safety and public health concern in the United States,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing's Huntington Beach facility. “While people of all ages can have a food allergy, the CDC reports an estimated 8% of children in this country now fall into this category.”
To help prevent cases like this, LA Testing is a resource for food manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, regulators, and health officials with food allergen testing services. LA Testing's scientists offer FALCPA and other labeling and testing services. These laboratory tests not only protect consumers, they can also be essential for preventing costly product recalls.
To learn more about food allergen, labeling or other testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com or www.FoodTestingLab.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794.
About LA Testing
LA Testing is California's leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash, and smoke damage, particulates, and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health, and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro, San Diego, and Ontario.
— WebWireID288097 —
