Hummus Recall As Dire Warning Issued

A company is recalling a hummus product sold in Wegmans stores because they may contain sesame that was not declared on the label, posing a risk to people with allergies.

Summer Fresh Salads Inc., of Woodbridge in Ontario, Canada, is recalling its Wegmans Harris Hummus Topped With Harissa. The Food and Drug Administration posted the company's announcement to its website on Saturday.

"People who have allergies to sesame run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products," the announcement said.

However, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the issue.

The recalled products were sold in select Wegmans stores in Washington D.C., Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia between January 29 and February 2.

The hummus comes in a 10.5 ounce (298g) clear plastic package with top, side and bottom labels marked with lot #240239 and lot #240309. Expiration dates (03/19/2024 and 03/26/2024) are stamped on the side label.

Customers who have purchased the product are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Customers with questions can contact the company at 1-855-934-3663, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. or Saturday and Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The recall was initiated after it was determined that the product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of sesame. An investigation indicated this was caused by a labeling error.

Food recalls are issued if there are concerns that a product may be harmful to consumers in some way, such as if mislabeled products fail to disclose allergens.

Earlier this week, Hearty Acquisitions of New York recalled a tomato soup because it contained soy that was not declared on the label.

Also this week, another company in New York recalled an ice cream product because of undeclared peanuts.

Sesame, milk, soybeans, eggs, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and crustacean shellfish are major food allergens defined by the FDA.

The FDA enforces regulations requiring companies to list ingredients on packaged foods and beverages to protect those with food allergies and other food hypersensitivities.

Symptoms of food allegories typically appear from within a few minutes to a few hours after a person has eaten the food to which they are allergic, the FDA says on its website.

Allergic reactions "vary in severity from mild symptoms involving hives and lip swelling to severe, life-threatening symptoms, often called anaphylaxis, that may involve fatal respiratory problems and shock.," according to the agency.