Nut Mix Recall as Warning Issued Over Risk of 'Life-Threatening' Reactions

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a recall of mixed nut products following the discovery of undeclared ingredients.

Select packages of Whit's Party Mix tins labeled as Deluxe Nut Mix, made by Whitley's Peanut Factory, Virginia, are being recalled; they may contain peanuts, milk, soy, wheat, and sesame, the FDA said on January 18. Newsweek has contacted Whitley's Peanut Factory for clarification via the contact form on its website.

The FDA conducts inspections and sampling of food products to check that major allergens are properly labeled on products. The federal agency also determines whether food facilities are preventing allergens from contaminating otherwise safe foods for those with allergies, which can often be life-threatening.

Customers who have purchased the product are urged to check if it has any of the following lot codes: MFG 22823; MFG 25023; MFG 25823; MFG 29323; MFG 35623; and a single unit UPC of 703795000551. Affected package labels are white in color with a green banner and maroon writing.

The product was available for purchase on the Whitley's Peanut Factory website, through mail order and in selected retail stores. It was distributed nationwide between August 21, 2023 and January 10, 2024.

The allergens were detected when the "Quality Assurance Department became aware," according to the FDA. This means that it was likely picked up during routine testing by the company or the government agency.

In its warning, the FDA said: "The depth of the recall has been expanded to include the previous production date through the time in which the company became aware of the issue. While both products contain almonds, Whit's Party Mix also includes peanuts, milk, soy, wheat, and sesame which are not listed in the "Contains" statement of the Deluxe Nut Mix label."

The FDA added that no injuries or illnesses have so far been reported relating to the product.

The agency advises anyone who has purchased the product and has an allergy or sensitivity to the unlisted ingredients should either throw the product away or return it to the point of purchase. Anyone with questions is asked to contact customercare@whitleyspeanut.com, or call 1-800-470-2244 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

Sesame, milk, soy, wheat and peanuts are all major food allergens defined by the FDA. Each can cause a severe reaction in those with allergies or sensitivities to them. The government agency's website says that 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."