PlantBased Innovations of Leominster, Massachusetts has issued a voluntary recall of Higher Harvest by H-E-B Dairy-Free Coconut Yogurt in strawberry flavor after discovering the product may contain undeclared almond allergen. The recall announcement, coordinated with the Food and Drug Administration, warns that consumers with almond allergies or severe sensitivities face serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume the mislabeled product.
The recalled product is specifically the Higher Harvest by H-E-B brand Dairy-Free Coconut Yogurt in strawberry flavor, manufactured by PlantBased Innovations. The company identified the allergen contamination issue and voluntarily initiated the recall to protect consumer safety. The FDA posted the recall notice as part of its ongoing food safety monitoring and enforcement efforts.
Almond allergies affect a significant portion of the population and can trigger severe anaphylactic reactions. Symptoms of almond allergic reactions can include swelling of the face, throat, and tongue; difficulty breathing; rapid pulse; dizziness; and loss of consciousness. In severe cases, anaphylaxis can be fatal without immediate medical intervention, typically requiring emergency epinephrine administration.
The recall highlights ongoing challenges in food manufacturing, particularly for products marketed as allergen-free or dairy-free alternatives. Cross-contamination during production processes can introduce allergens into products not intended to contain them, creating serious health risks for sensitive consumers who rely on accurate labeling to avoid dangerous ingredients.
Dairy-free and plant-based products have gained popularity as alternatives for consumers with lactose intolerance, milk allergies, or those following vegan diets. However, these products often contain tree nuts like almonds, coconut, or other potential allergens. When these ingredients are not properly declared on labels, they pose hidden dangers to consumers with corresponding allergies.
The H-E-B grocery chain, primarily operating in Texas, carries numerous private-label products manufactured by third-party companies like PlantBased Innovations. This recall demonstrates the complex supply chain relationships in modern food production, where retailers partner with manufacturers to produce store-brand items while maintaining responsibility for product safety.
PlantBased Innovations, based in Leominster, Massachusetts, specializes in plant-based food alternatives. The company's facility likely produces multiple products containing various allergens, making cross-contamination a constant concern requiring strict protocols and equipment cleaning procedures between production runs.
Food manufacturers are required under federal law to declare major allergens on product labels. The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act mandates clear identification of eight major allergens: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts (including almonds), peanuts, wheat, and soybeans. Tree nuts must be specifically identified on labels, making the undeclared almond in this coconut yogurt a serious labeling violation.
The FDA's recall database tracks hundreds of allergen-related recalls annually, with undeclared nuts among the most common causes. These recalls often result from manufacturing errors, supplier issues, or inadequate cleaning between production runs. Companies face potential enforcement actions, including warning letters, facility inspections, and civil penalties for allergen violations.
Consumers who have purchased the recalled Higher Harvest by H-E-B Dairy-Free Coconut Yogurt in strawberry flavor should immediately discontinue use and dispose of the product. Those with almond allergies who may have consumed the product should monitor for allergic reaction symptoms and seek immediate medical attention if reactions occur.
The recall serves as a reminder for consumers with food allergies to carefully read ingredient labels, even on familiar products, as formulations and manufacturing processes can change. Cross-contamination remains a persistent risk in food production, particularly in facilities processing multiple allergens.
H-E-B has not yet announced whether additional flavors or products from PlantBased Innovations are affected by similar allergen issues. The grocery chain typically coordinates closely with suppliers during recalls to ensure complete removal of affected products from store shelves and customer homes.
This recall underscores the critical importance of accurate food labeling and robust allergen control programs in food manufacturing. As plant-based alternatives continue growing in popularity, manufacturers must maintain vigilant allergen management practices to protect consumers with food sensitivities while meeting increasing demand for dairy-free products.