FDA Issues Highest Risk Warning for Tofu Recall
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A recall of tofu due to the potential presence of an undeclared allergen has been issued the highest risk warning by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Shang Hao Jia, Inc., based in California, issued a voluntary recall for a select number of cases of Danshi Spicy Shredded Tofu on June 26 due to possible undeclared sesame.
The FDA subsequently issued a Class 1 risk classification for the recall on July 17.
Newsweek reached out to Shang Hao Jia, Inc. for comment by phone outside of regular working hours.
Why It Matters
A Class I risk classification represents "a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death," according to the FDA.
The FDA warned in its recall notice that individuals with an allergy or severe sensitivity to sesame "run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product."
Sesame is one of the nine major food allergens as defined in law. The others are milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybeans.
Allergic reactions vary in severity from mild symptoms, such as hives and lip swelling, to life-threatening complications, such as anaphylaxis, that may include fatal respiratory problems.
Stock image of tofu on a plate.
Stock image of tofu on a plate.
Arno Burgi/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images
What To Know
The product impacted by the recall is the following:
Danshi Spicy Shredded Tofu - UPC code: 6 942849 709499 - lot code: 20240825 - best-by date: 05/24/2025
The product was imported by Shang Hao Jia, Inc., and manufactured in China by Sichuan Shifang Danshi Food Co., Ltd.
The recall impacts a total of 50 cases, each containing 30 bags. The products were distributed to three grocery stores in the Los Angeles area, according to the recall notice.
As of June 27, no illnesses had been reported in connection with the consumption of the products.
The recall was initiated after it was discovered during an FDA inspection that the product contained sesame, which was not listed on the packaging.
What People Are Saying
The FDA says on its website: "People with food allergies should read labels and avoid the foods they are allergic to. The law requires that food labels identify the food source of all major food allergens used to make the food."
Dr. Sebastian Lighvani, director of New York Allergy & Asthma PLLC, previously told Newsweek: "Every three minutes in the United States, someone ends up in an emergency room because of an allergic reaction after accidental ingestion of food. So even when we try hard, these reactions are happening. And if you look at the incidence of anaphylaxis, it has skyrocketed in the last five, 10, 20 years. And in the U.S., there's like a 300 to 400 percent increase in the rates of anaphylaxis to foods."
What Happens Next
The recall is listed as ongoing, according to the FDA.
Consumers who purchased the affected product are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
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