A.S.K. Foods, LLC of Palmyra, Pennsylvania has issued a voluntary recall of select 32 oz. containers of Publix Rice & Pigeon Peas due to the presence of undeclared soy allergens, the Food and Drug Administration announced Wednesday. The recall affects products that contain soy ingredients not listed on the product label, creating serious health risks for consumers with soy allergies or sensitivities.
The company initiated the recall after discovering that the affected rice and pigeon peas product contains soy allergens that were not declared on the packaging label. Under federal food safety regulations, manufacturers must clearly identify all major allergens on product labels to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions and avoid potentially dangerous allergic reactions.
Consumers who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy face the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product. Soy allergies can trigger a range of symptoms from mild reactions like hives and digestive upset to severe anaphylactic shock, which requires immediate medical attention and can be fatal without prompt treatment.
The recall specifically targets 32 oz. containers of Publix Rice & Pigeon Peas manufactured by A.S.K. Foods. The company has not yet released specific lot numbers, production dates, or distribution information for the affected products. Consumers who have purchased this product are advised to check their containers and avoid consumption if they have soy allergies.
Food allergen recalls represent a significant category of FDA enforcement actions, as undeclared allergens pose immediate health risks to sensitive populations. The agency requires companies to issue recalls when products contain undeclared major allergens, which include milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame.
A.S.K. Foods, based in Palmyra, Pennsylvania, operates as a food manufacturing company that produces various prepared food products. The company has not indicated how the soy allergen came to be included in the rice and pigeon peas product without proper labeling, whether through cross-contamination, ingredient substitution, or labeling errors.
Publix Super Markets, the grocery chain whose private label appears on the recalled product, has not yet issued a statement regarding the recall. Private label products are manufactured by third-party companies but sold under the retailer's brand name, requiring coordination between the manufacturer and retailer when recalls occur.
The FDA classifies this recall as a voluntary action by the manufacturer, meaning A.S.K. Foods initiated the recall rather than being ordered to do so by federal regulators. Voluntary recalls demonstrate company cooperation with food safety protocols and help maintain consumer trust when problems are identified.
Consumers with soy allergies who have purchased the affected product should not consume it and can typically return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Those who have consumed the product and experience allergic reaction symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
Food allergy advocates emphasize the importance of proper allergen labeling, as approximately 32 million Americans have food allergies, with soy affecting an estimated 0.4% of children and adults. While less common than other food allergies like peanuts or milk, soy allergies can still trigger severe reactions in sensitive individuals.
The recall highlights ongoing challenges in food manufacturing and labeling oversight. Companies must implement strict protocols to prevent cross-contamination between allergen-containing and allergen-free products, ensure accurate ingredient labeling, and maintain detailed records of production processes.
This incident follows broader FDA efforts to strengthen food safety enforcement and allergen management in the food industry. The agency has increased inspection frequency and implemented new regulations requiring enhanced allergen controls in food manufacturing facilities.
A.S.K. Foods has not announced whether additional products may be affected or what corrective measures the company is implementing to prevent similar incidents. The FDA will likely conduct an investigation to determine the root cause of the labeling error and ensure appropriate preventive measures are put in place.
Consumers can stay informed about food recalls by checking the FDA's website regularly or signing up for recall alerts. The agency maintains a comprehensive database of all food recalls and safety alerts to help consumers identify potentially dangerous products in their homes.