ACC Central Kitchen recalls Pork Bun Product

Recall Date: April 24, 2024
Announced by: FSIS on April 24, 2025
Company Involved: ACC Central Kitchen LLC, Thorofare, NJ
Product Recalled: “3 Meals A Day SOUPY PORK BUN WITH CRAB ROE”
Issue: Misbranding and undeclared sesame allergen
Product Details: 8.45-oz sleeve trays, various lot codes
Consumer Action: Check your freezer, toss or return the product

Wanna know more about what happened? Keep on reading.

What happened?

This week, ACC Central Kitchen LLC hit a recall speed bump with over 64,000 pounds of frozen pork buns pulled from shelves. Why? These buns were hiding something spicy—undeclared sesame, a known allergen.

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) caught the issue during routine in-plant verification. While inspecting the “soupy pork bun with crab roe” (mouthful, literally), they discovered that sesame—a top allergen—was not listed on the product label. Oops.

Here’s a breakdown of the nitty-gritty:

Brand	Product	Size	UPC/Lot Code Range	Best By Date	Issue
3 Meals A Day	Soupy Pork Bun with Crab Roe	8.45 oz	052625–090626	Not specified	Undeclared sesame (allergen)

These frozen, not-ready-to-eat items were produced between November 28, 2023, and early 2024, and shipped to retailers in New York. The packaging is labeled with Establishment Number “EST. 40031” inside the USDA mark of inspection.

What caused the issue?

Let’s get straight to it: ACC Central Kitchen left sesame off the label of its “3 Meals A Day Soupy Pork Bun with Crab Roe.” Sesame isn’t just a garnish—it’s a federally recognized major food allergen as of January 2023, and leaving it off the ingredient list is a serious food safety slip.

Why is undeclared sesame a big deal?

For folks with a sesame allergy, even trace amounts can trigger severe allergic reactions. Since sesame can be hidden in sauces, doughs, or seasonings, it’s crucial that labels clearly list it. In this case, sesame was used in the product—but nowhere to be found on the packaging. That’s a huge red flag for allergy-prone consumers.

Who’s most at risk?

Children with known food allergies
Adults with sesame sensitivity
Anyone with a history of anaphylaxis
Immunocompromised individuals

Symptoms to watch for:

Symptoms can kick in within minutes and range from uncomfortable to dangerous:

Itchy mouth or throat
Swelling of lips, face, tongue, or throat
Hives or skin rashes
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Wheezing or shortness of breath
Drop in blood pressure
Anaphylaxis (a severe, potentially fatal reaction requiring emergency treatment)

The scary part? You can’t see sesame, especially when it’s baked into buns or folded into fillings. That’s why accurate labeling is critical.

10 common questions you might have

1. I bought this product. Is it safe to eat?
If you have a sesame allergy or are serving someone who does, do not eat it. If you’re unsure, better to be safe and return it.

2. How can I tell if my package is affected?
Look for the “3 Meals A Day Soupy Pork Bun with Crab Roe” in 8.45-oz sleeve trays with lot codes between 052625–090626. It should also have EST. 40031 inside the USDA mark.

3. I already ate it and feel fine. Should I worry?
If you don’t have a sesame allergy, you’re likely in the clear. If symptoms show up, consult a healthcare provider right away.

4. What if I don’t have a sesame allergy? Can I still eat it?
Technically, yes—but USDA still advises against consuming recalled products. There’s always a chance other allergens or issues haven’t been identified yet.

5. What should I do with the product?
Return it to the store where you bought it or throw it away.

6. Will I get a refund?
Most retailers will honor refunds for recalled items. Bring the packaging or receipt if possible.

7. Can I report a reaction or concern?
Yes. Use the USDA’s Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System or call 888-674-6854.

8. Is this the first time this brand had a recall?
As far as public records go, this is their first major allergen recall. But they’ll definitely be under a closer microscope now.

9. How can I stay updated on food recalls like this?
You can subscribe to FSIS email alerts or check the FSIS recalls page.

10. What if I accidentally served it to someone with a sesame allergy?
Seek medical help immediately. Even if symptoms seem mild, allergic reactions can escalate quickly.

Here’s what you should do

“3 Meals A Day SOUPY PORK BUN WITH CRAB ROE”

Do not eat it. Seriously.
Check the label for “3 Meals A Day SOUPY PORK BUN WITH CRAB ROE,” lot codes between 052625–090626.
Return it to the store or safely dispose of it.
Contact John Dong, VP at ACC Central Kitchen: [email protected]
USDA Hotline: 888-674-6854

Behind the brand

ACC Central Kitchen is based in Thorofare, New Jersey, and operates under establishment number EST. 40031. This brand is known for ready-to-heat Asian-inspired frozen meals sold primarily in the Northeast.

Prior recalls:

This is the first major recall for ACC Central Kitchen in recent memory, but they now join a recent string of allergen-related recalls:

On April 2, 2025, Hearthside Food Solutions, LLC, recalled nearly 490,000 pounds of its ready-to-eat (RTE) sausage and bacon breakfast sandwiches due to undeclared sesame.
On January 28, 2025, La Fiesta Food Products, LLC., issued a recall for its La Fiesta brand Breadcrumbs (Unseasoned and Seasoned) due to the presence of undeclared sesame.

“When it comes to food safety, clear labeling isn’t optional—it’s essential. Leaving allergens like sesame off the label puts vulnerable consumers at real risk and chips away at the trust people place in food brands. This recall is a wake-up call for manufacturers to double down on accurate ingredient labeling and robust quality control.” — Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86

Clearly, sesame is making unexpected cameo appearances in places it shouldn’t.

Ensuring safe eats

Food safety isn’t just about avoiding spoiled meat or mystery ingredients. Allergen mislabeling—especially with rising awareness of sesame allergies—can be life-threatening.

For importers, co-packers, and private label brands, this recall highlights three must-do practices:

Triple-check allergen declarations before distribution.
Ensure cross-functional communication between R&D, labeling, and quality control.
Conduct frequent internal audits to catch slip-ups before regulators do.

As always, if you’ve got any pork buns in your freezer with questionable labels, check the lot codes and play it safe.

Want to ensure your supply chain is recall-proof? Let’s talk! Reach out to our team at Source86 to source safe, high-quality ingredients with transparency baked in.