The Food and Drug Administration announced that Karison Foods & Snacks Inc of Port Washington, New York, has issued a voluntary recall of five traditional South Asian sweet products due to the presence of undeclared milk allergens. The recall affects 12-ounce containers of 'PANJIRI,' 'ALSI PINNI,' 'PUNJABI PINNI,' 'BESAN LADDOO,' and 'NO SUGAR ADDED BESAN LADDOO.'

The recall was initiated after the company discovered that the products contain milk, a major allergen that was not declared on the product labels. This oversight poses serious health risks to consumers who have milk allergies or lactose intolerance, as exposure to undeclared milk proteins can trigger severe allergic reactions.

Milk is one of the eight major allergens identified by the FDA that must be clearly labeled on food products under federal law. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires food manufacturers to identify major allergens in plain language on product labels to help consumers with food allergies make informed purchasing decisions.

The affected products are traditional South Asian sweets that are popular within immigrant communities and increasingly available in mainstream markets. Panjiri is a nutritious mixture typically made with nuts, seeds, and ghee, often consumed by new mothers for its supposed health benefits. Pinni varieties are sweet balls made from flour, ghee, and various nuts or seeds. Besan Laddoo is a popular dessert made from chickpea flour, sugar, and ghee.

These traditional sweets often contain dairy ingredients such as ghee (clarified butter), milk powder, or condensed milk as part of their authentic recipes. The presence of these ingredients should have been clearly indicated on product labels to comply with FDA allergen labeling requirements.

Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled products are advised to stop consumption immediately and either discard the items or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Individuals with milk allergies who may have consumed these products should monitor themselves for allergic reaction symptoms, which can include hives, digestive issues, respiratory problems, or in severe cases, anaphylaxis.

The recall represents part of the FDA's ongoing efforts to ensure food safety and protect consumers from undeclared allergens, which remain one of the leading causes of food-related recalls in the United States. Food allergen violations can result in enforcement actions including warning letters, product seizures, and in some cases, criminal prosecution.

Karison Foods & Snacks Inc operates from Port Washington, New York, and distributes its products to various retail outlets. The company has not yet indicated how the labeling error occurred or what steps it is taking to prevent similar incidents in the future. The FDA has not announced any reported illnesses associated with consumption of these products.

This recall highlights the particular challenges faced by companies producing ethnic and traditional foods, where authentic recipes may contain allergens that consumers might not expect. Many traditional South Asian sweets inherently contain dairy products, but manufacturers must ensure this information is clearly communicated to consumers through proper labeling.

The incident also underscores the importance of robust quality control systems in food manufacturing, particularly for companies serving diverse communities with products that may contain hidden allergens. Effective allergen management programs should include ingredient verification, supplier controls, and regular label review processes.

Consumers who regularly purchase traditional South Asian sweets are reminded to always read ingredient labels carefully, especially when trying new brands or products. Those with milk allergies should be particularly cautious with desserts and sweets from this category, as dairy ingredients are commonly used in traditional recipes.

The FDA continues to work with food manufacturers to improve allergen labeling compliance and has increased inspection and enforcement activities in recent years. Companies found to have inadequate allergen controls may face regulatory action, including mandatory recalls, facility inspections, and corrective action requirements.

This recall serves as a reminder that food safety regulations apply equally to all manufacturers, regardless of the cultural or traditional nature of their products. Companies must ensure their labeling practices meet current FDA standards while maintaining the authenticity and quality that consumers expect from traditional foods.