Another mislabelling issue hits the shelves! This past November 12th the FDA announced a recall from Gilster-Mary Lee Corporation involving their Bowl & Basket Onion Soup Mix. The issue? This product contained undeclared eggs which poses a severe risk for those with egg allergies. All those who purchased this product should check the labels and return the items for a full refund. Wanna know more about what happened? Keep on reading! And while you’re at it, check our bulk catalog for some high-quality and safe ingredients. No mislabeling drama here!
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best By Date | Issue |
Bowl & Basket | Onion Soup Mix | 2 oz | 41190-08394 | SEP 27 25 EO7 OCT 11 25 E09 | Undeclared Egg |
What Happened?
Gilster-Mary Lee Corporation has issued a recall for select lots of its Bowl & Basket Onion Soup Mix, distributed under the Bowl & Basket brand at the Shoprite Grocery Store Chain. How did they find out about this mislabelling mistake? Well, a customer complaint to the company discovered that certain batches contained an undeclared egg allergen, leading to this voluntary recall at the consumer level. This recall only applies to two specific lot codes and best-by dates of the product, which were distributed to Wakefern distribution centers in Elizabeth, NJ.
What Caused the Issue?
The recall happened because of a mispackaging issue that didn’t declare eggs in certain lots. Now, why would this be a problem? Because eggs are one of the most popular allergens today and for people with an egg allergy, consuming this product could cause severe or life-threatening allergic reactions, such as difficulty breathing, hives, and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis. So far, no illnesses have been reported, but Gilster-Mary Lee is erring on the cautious side with this recall.
Here’s What You Should Do
If you have purchased this product, take action! Here’s how:
Check the Label:
- UPC codes: 41190-08394
- Best-By dates: SEP 27 25 E07 or OCT 11 25 E09.
- Identify the Product:
- Bowl & Basket Onion Soup Mix packaged in 2 oz
- Return for Refund: Consumers are encouraged to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.
- Dispose of the Product: Alternatively, discard the product safely to avoid accidental consumption.
Contact Information:
- Phone: 618-826-2361 ext. 32301 or 573-547-8345 ext. 20001
- Availability: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm CST
Behind the Brand
Bowl & Basket is a private-label brand by Wakefern Food Corp., primarily offered in ShopRite stores. It was launched in 2019 and created to provide high-quality food products at competitive prices. The brand aims to serve customers looking for both affordability and premium quality, positioning itself as a household staple. Bowl & Basket includes a wide range of items, from pantry essentials like milk and oils to specialty products like salad kits, snack foods, and frozen items.
Unfortunately, this is not their first time. The brand has had previous recalls, underscoring the need for continuous vigilance in food safety practices. Don’t panic! Their commitment to consumer safety is clear, as they address issues and maintain transparency with the public, ShopRite has a Recall section on their website. Notably, undeclared allergens have been a recurring cause in recent FDA recalls, showing an industry-wide need for stricter allergen labeling protocols. For example, on this past March 24th, Wakefern Food Corp. issued a Class 1 health hazard recall for its Bowl & Basket Specialty Panko Breaded Butterfly Shrimp (32 oz., UPC# 4119047372). This recall was due to a mislabeling error, where some packages contained coconut shrimp, which poses a serious allergy risk for those with coconut sensitivity. Customers with coconut allergies were advised not to consume the product and to return it for a refund.
Ensuring Safe Eats
This recall is a reminder of how important the correct labeling of allergens is in the food industry. With undeclared allergens representing one of the most common causes of food recalls, manufacturers are encouraged to adopt rigorous quality checks. If you have this product, make sure you dispose of it or return it to avoid potential health risks.
For further insights on food safety and industry trends, or to explore a range of top-quality ingredients, feel free to reach out to our team. Let’s work together to keep our food systems safe and reliable!
