A Brooklyn, New York-based company is recalling nearly 670 pounds of raw meat products due to concerns that they may contain an undeclared allergen. M&P Production LTD issued the recall after it was discovered that the products may contain sesame seeds, which could pose a potentially life-threatening risk to those with allergies.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the two products being recalled are “samsa halal” and “M&P delicacies lamb dumplings lamb samsa.” Both products were packaged in plastic-wrapped trays and bear establishment number “EST. 18832” inside the USDA mark of inspection. The products were distributed to retail locations in Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
The use-by dates for the affected products range from January 2 to February 22, 2025. The failure to declare sesame as an ingredient on the packaging is a violation of USDA regulations and could potentially put individuals with a sesame allergy at risk. The USDA has not received any reports of adverse reactions related to the consumption of these products.
Sesame was added to the FDA’s list of major food allergens last year, and companies are now required to label the presence of sesame in their products. This change comes as part of the 2023 Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act, which aims to update and improve food allergy regulations.
According to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), sesame allergies can range from mild to severe, with symptoms including hives, nausea, and difficulty breathing. In more severe cases, anaphylaxis can occur, leading to potentially fatal reactions. The FARE estimates that 0.23% of children in the U.S. have a sesame allergy.
In a separate recall, MF Meats of Chautauqua County, another New York-based company, has issued a recall of more than 93,000 pounds of raw meat products due to potential contamination with non-food grade mineral seal oil. This oil is not approved for use in meat processing and could pose a health risk if consumed.
Various cuts of meat and ground meat products are included in the recall, all bearing the establishment number “EST. 569” inside the USDA mark of inspection. The USDA is concerned that some of these products may still be in the refrigerators or freezers of restaurants. They have urged food service operators not to serve these products to their customers.
The issue was discovered after MF Meats received four complaints from restaurants reporting a chemical taste in their meat products. Upon further investigation, it was determined that the company’s mineral oil supplier had mistakenly sent them a drum of non-food grade mineral seal oil labeled as food grade. This non-food grade oil was then applied to food contact surfaces and not directly to the meat products.
So far, there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions related to the consumption of these products. However, the USDA advises anyone who may have these products in their possession to either dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.
Consumers are advised to check their refrigerators and freezers for any affected products and to dispose of or return them for a refund. Anyone who may have consumed these products and experienced adverse reactions should seek medical attention right away.
