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Peanut Allergy Patients Warned to Avoid Cumin By FDA

Cumin Recall

The Food and Drug Administration this week advised people who have peanut allergies to avoid cumin, as several shipments of the spice tested positive for peanuts that were not listed on the label.

The FDA issued the alert on Wednesday, saying that anyone who is highly sensitive or allergic to peanuts may be at risk of a life-threatening reaction if they consume contaminated cumin. Hundreds of products have been recalled over the last three months, including spice mixes and marinated meats with cumin, CBS Local reported.

[quote text_size=”small” author=”– Dr. Michael Pistiner” author_title=”Pediatric allergist”]

You might do all of the things you are supposed to do and read the label, but there could still be undeclared allergens. It’s challenging to know that and still feel comfortable.

[/quote]

The first cumin recall occurred on December 26, when Texas-based Adams Foods recalled several cumin spices. In early February, Whole Foods recalled over 100 products that potentially contained cumin contaminated with peanuts. Goya Foods also recalled some brands of black bean soup last week, according to ABC News.

According to the FDA, contaminated cumin may be found in packaged foods like soup and chili, or sold as a spice or spice mix. Packaged foods may not contain enough of the contaminated cumin to trigger a reaction, the agency said, although those who are highly sensitive should be careful.

The FDA said it has had at least 8 consumer reports related to the cumin recall.

Undeclared allergens are the leading cause of food-related recalls. All major food allergens, including soybeans, fish, tree nuts, peanuts and milk, must be listed on food labels in the United States since 2006, although the law is less clear in terms of cross-contamination. Companies are not required to list if peanuts or other known allergens are processed on the same equipment or in the same facility, for example, the Huffington Post reported.

Just eight foods account for more than 90% of allergies.

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