The Food and Drug Administration announced Monday that Newway Import Inc., a food importer based in La Puente, California, has issued a voluntary recall of its "Preserved Mustard in Soybean Oil" product due to the presence of undeclared wheat allergen. The recalled product is marketed under the Cai Hua Xiang brand and poses a significant health risk to consumers with wheat allergies or celiac disease.

The recall affects all units of the preserved mustard product distributed by the company, located at La Puente, CA 91744. The FDA issued the allergy alert on Dec. 23, 2025, warning consumers about the potential for severe allergic reactions in susceptible individuals who consume the product without knowing it contains wheat.

Wheat is one of the eight major allergens that must be clearly labeled on food products under federal law. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires manufacturers to identify the presence of wheat and other major allergens including milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, and soybeans on product labels. When these allergens are present but not declared, they pose serious health risks to consumers with allergies.

For individuals with wheat allergies, consumption of undeclared wheat can trigger a range of symptoms from mild skin reactions to severe anaphylactic shock, which can be life-threatening. People with celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder affecting approximately 1% of the population, must strictly avoid wheat and other gluten-containing grains to prevent intestinal damage and other serious health complications.

The preserved mustard recall represents part of the FDA's ongoing food safety enforcement efforts. The agency regularly monitors food products in the marketplace and works with manufacturers to identify and address labeling violations that could endanger public health. When undeclared allergens are discovered, companies are expected to issue voluntary recalls and notify consumers promptly.

Newway Import Inc. specializes in importing Asian food products for distribution in the United States market. The company's recalled product, "Preserved Mustard in Soybean Oil," is commonly used as a condiment in Asian cuisine and may have been distributed to Asian grocery stores and restaurants throughout the region.

The recall notice did not specify the volume of product affected or the distribution scope, but the FDA typically coordinates with companies to ensure recalled products are removed from store shelves and that consumers are properly notified of potential health risks. The agency also works to identify the root cause of labeling failures to prevent similar incidents.

Consumers who have purchased the Cai Hua Xiang brand "Preserved Mustard in Soybean Oil" are advised not to consume the product if they have wheat allergies or celiac disease. Those who have already consumed the product and experienced allergic reactions should seek medical attention immediately. The recalled product should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase for a full refund.

The FDA's food safety regulations require companies to maintain accurate ingredient lists and ensure proper labeling of allergens throughout the manufacturing and importing process. Companies that fail to comply with allergen labeling requirements may face regulatory action including warning letters, product seizures, and civil penalties.

This recall highlights the importance of careful ingredient verification and labeling practices in the food import industry. As global food trade continues to expand, importers must work closely with overseas manufacturers to ensure products meet U.S. safety and labeling standards before they reach American consumers.

The preserved mustard recall follows other recent FDA enforcement actions involving undeclared allergens in imported food products. These cases underscore the ongoing challenges in maintaining food safety across complex international supply chains and the critical importance of proper allergen labeling to protect vulnerable consumers.

Consumers with wheat allergies or celiac disease are encouraged to carefully read all food labels and contact manufacturers directly if they have questions about ingredient lists. The FDA maintains a recall database on its website where consumers can access the most current information about food safety alerts and product recalls.

The agency continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the labeling failure and will work with Newway Import Inc. to ensure corrective actions are implemented to prevent future violations. Further updates on the recall will be provided as new information becomes available through official FDA communications channels.