The Food and Drug Administration issued an allergy alert Tuesday for specific batches of Junebars manufactured by Juniper Granola, LLC of Rochester, NY, after the company discovered the products contain undeclared milk and soy allergens.
The voluntary recall affects Chocolate Cherry and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip flavor Junebars bearing batch labels L1300 or L1301. According to the FDA alert, consumers who have allergies or severe sensitivities to milk or soy face the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products.
The Rochester-based granola company initiated the recall after internal testing revealed the presence of milk and soy ingredients that were not properly declared on the product labeling. Food manufacturers are required by federal law to clearly identify all major allergens, including milk and soy, on product labels to protect consumers with food allergies.
Milk and soy rank among the eight most common food allergens recognized by the FDA, which also include eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, and wheat. These allergens account for approximately 90% of all food allergic reactions in the United States. For individuals with severe allergies, even trace amounts of these substances can trigger anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal systemic reaction that requires immediate medical treatment.
The specific batch numbers affected by this recall are clearly printed on the product packaging. Consumers should check their Junebars for the batch labels L1300 or L1301 before consumption. Only these two batch numbers of the Chocolate Cherry and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip flavors are included in the recall notice.
Juniper Granola has not reported any adverse reactions related to these products to date. However, the company is taking proactive steps to remove the affected inventory from distribution channels and notify retailers and consumers about the potential health risk.
The FDA's recall database shows this is the first enforcement action involving Juniper Granola products. The company specializes in granola bars and related snack products distributed primarily in the Northeast region of the United States.
Food allergies affect approximately 32 million Americans, according to Food Allergy Research & Education, a leading advocacy organization. Milk allergies are particularly common in children, affecting roughly 2% to 3% of infants and toddlers. Soy allergies, while less prevalent, can cause similar reactions ranging from mild digestive upset to severe anaphylactic shock.
The undeclared allergen issue appears to stem from manufacturing processes rather than intentional ingredient additions. Cross-contamination during production, shared equipment, or supplier ingredient changes can introduce allergens into products where they are not expected to be present.
Consumers who have purchased the affected Junebar products should not consume them and should contact the company for information about returns or refunds. Individuals who have already consumed these products and experience allergic reaction symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
Symptoms of milk or soy allergic reactions can include hives, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis. Emergency medical treatment may be necessary for serious reactions.
The FDA recommends that consumers with food allergies always read product labels carefully and be aware of potential cross-contamination risks. Even products that do not directly contain allergens may be manufactured in facilities that process allergenic ingredients.
Retailers who have received the affected Junebar products should remove them from shelves immediately and contact customers who may have purchased them. The recall notice emphasizes the importance of preventing further distribution of the mislabeled products.
This recall underscores the critical importance of accurate food labeling in protecting public health. Federal regulations require food manufacturers to maintain strict controls over allergen management throughout their production processes, including proper labeling, equipment cleaning, and ingredient verification.
The FDA continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available. Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Juniper Granola directly or report adverse reactions to the FDA's MedWatch program for food safety reporting.