Allergens and lead. Eleven foods to check in your pantry this week.

Allergens and lead. Eleven foods to check in your pantry this week.

If your pantry contains frozen meat and poultry products or a variety of ground cinnamon brands, it’s time to double-check those labels. The USDA and FDA have issued public health alerts for several products due to misbranding, undeclared allergens, and elevated lead levels. While no adverse reactions have been reported yet, it’s crucial to take action to keep your family safe.

The USDA has flagged frozen meat and poultry products from Betterballen Foods LLC due to the presence of undeclared allergens, including sesame and anchovy, which can pose a serious risk for those with allergies. These products were sold nationwide through internet sales and potentially at events in South Carolina. Meanwhile, the FDA alert involves multiple brands of ground cinnamon found to have elevated levels of lead, which can be harmful, especially to young children and pregnant women.

Here’s what you need to know about the affected products and what steps to take:

Betterballen Foods LLC Meat and Poultry Products

• Product: Bami Rolls, Saté Kroketten, Bitterballen
• Identifiers: Lot codes BR-2026-01, BR-2026-02, SK-1026-01, BB-1026-01; Best By October 2027
• Where sold: Nationwide via internet, festivals, and farmers market in Greer, SC
• Issue: Misbranding and undeclared allergens (sesame, anchovy)
• Action: Do not consume. Dispose of or return to the place of purchase.

Ground Cinnamon Products

• Product: Wise Wife, Lior Gourmet Spices, Lucky Foods Brand, Venzu Traders, DEVI, BaiLiFeng, Roshni, HAETAE, Durra, Jiva Organics, Super Brand, Asli, El Chilar, Marcum, SWAD, Supreme Tradition, Compania Indillor Orientale, ALB Flavor
• Identifiers: Various lot codes and best-by dates (refer to FDA notice for specifics)
• Where sold: Various retailers nationwide
• Issue: Elevated levels of lead
• Action: Do not consume. Dispose of the product.

If you have these products, it’s best to discard them or return them for a refund. For those worried about potential exposure, especially from the cinnamon products, consult with your healthcare provider, as lead poisoning can occur without obvious immediate symptoms. Always prioritize your health and safety by checking your pantry regularly.

For more detailed information about these recalls, including specific lot codes and best-by dates, you can visit the official USDA and FDA pages linked in the notices. To stay updated on food safety alerts, view all Youdle food recalls. Keeping informed can help you protect your family’s health in the long run.