La Fiesta Food Products has initiated a voluntary recall of two of its bread crumb products: Unseasoned Bread Crumbs (Pan Rayado) and Seasoned Bread Crumbs (Pan Rayado Sazonado), both packaged in eight-ounce bags. The recall stems from the presence of undeclared sesame, a known allergen, in both products. This poses a significant health risk to individuals with sesame allergies or sensitivities, potentially triggering serious or even life-threatening reactions upon consumption. Furthermore, the product labels lack the required Spanish-language allergen declaration, compounding the risk for Spanish-speaking consumers. The recall underscores the critical importance of accurate and comprehensive food labeling, especially concerning allergens.
The FDA’s announcement of the recall emphasizes the potential danger posed by the undeclared sesame. Sesame is recognized as a major allergen, and allergic reactions can manifest in a variety of ways, ranging from mild discomfort like hives and itching to severe, life-threatening anaphylaxis. Symptoms can include hives, itching in the mouth or throat, swelling of the tongue or lips, runny nose, watery eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. In the most severe cases, anaphylaxis can occur, requiring immediate medical intervention. The absence of sesame declaration on the product labels prevents consumers with sesame allergies from making informed decisions, putting them at risk of unintended exposure.
The recalled La Fiesta bread crumbs were distributed nationwide through various retail outlets. The company, based in La Mirada, California, initiated the recall on January 25, 2025, after discovering the labeling discrepancy. Specific product details, including lot codes and UPCs, have been provided by the FDA to facilitate consumer identification of the recalled products. The affected Unseasoned Bread Crumbs (Pan Rayado) bear UPC#032327000886 and lot codes 26032, 26073, 26082, 26092, and 26094. Approximately 26,400 units of this product were sold between April 10, 2024, and January 22, 2025. The Seasoned Bread Crumbs (Pan Rayado Sazonado), marked with UPC#032327000887 and lot codes 26094 and 26123, saw approximately 6,240 units distributed from August 29, 2024, to January 22, 2025. The lot codes are printed on the front of the transparent eight-ounce plastic bags containing the product.
The FDA’s investigation attributed the recall to labeling errors, highlighting the importance of stringent quality control measures in food production and packaging. The undeclared allergen presence resulted from an oversight in the labeling process, potentially exposing a significant number of consumers to an unexpected allergen. This incident reinforces the need for manufacturers to implement robust labeling procedures to ensure accurate ingredient declarations and protect consumers with allergies.
Consumers who have purchased the recalled La Fiesta bread crumb products are urged to return them to the retailer for a full refund. This action will minimize the risk of accidental consumption and potential allergic reactions. La Fiesta Food Products has established customer support channels to address consumer inquiries and concerns regarding the recall. Individuals can contact the company directly via phone at 408-326-0487 or email QualityAssurance@lffp.com for further information or assistance. This proactive approach by the company aims to mitigate the impact of the recall and maintain consumer trust.
This recall signifies the importance of allergen awareness and the critical role of accurate food labeling in safeguarding public health. It underscores the potential consequences of labeling errors and reinforces the responsibility of food manufacturers to ensure product safety and transparency. Consumers are encouraged to remain vigilant about product recalls and allergen information, carefully checking labels to avoid unintended exposure to allergens. The La Fiesta bread crumb recall serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for robust regulatory oversight and industry commitment to accurate and informative labeling practices to protect consumers with allergies.
