- Date Issued: January 3, 2025
- FDA Announcement Date: January 7, 2025
- Company: Dierbergs Markets
- Product: Premium Home-Style Mashed Potatoes (16oz)
- Issue: Undeclared wheat allergen
- Action: Products recalled from shelves; customers are advised to return unopened items for a refund.
Stick around to find out more about this recall and why it matters!
What happened?
On January 3, 2025, Dierbergs Kitchen announced a recall of its 16-oz Premium Home-Style Mashed Potatoes, which contain undeclared wheat, a significant allergen. The FDA published the recall notice on January 7, 2025, to alert consumers and suppliers.
Affected products
Brand | Product Name | Size | Label ID | UPC | Best By Date |
Dierbergs Kitchen | Premium Home-Style Mashed Potatoes | 16 oz | 92 | 231220006538 | 01/09/2025 |
The issue was discovered during routine quality checks. The mislabeled products, missing a warning about wheat, were distributed to multiple Dierbergs Kitchen locations across Missouri and Illinois. The implicated were removed from store shelves.
The product was distributed to the following stores:
- Southroads
- Four Seasons
- Warson Woods
- Manchester
- West Oak
- Clarkson
- Arnold
- Lemay
- Bogey Hills
- Florissant
- Market Place
- Mackenzie Point
- Telegraph
- Heritage Place
- 94 Crossing
- Deer Creek
- Fenton
- Brentwood
- Green Mount
- Wildwood
- 79 Crossing
- Wentzville
- Edwardsville
- Lake Saint Louis
- Crestwood
What caused the issue?
Dierbergs Kitchen Home Style Mashed Potatoes recall stems from undeclared wheat, a serious allergen that can pose significant health risks. Wheat is a common ingredient in many foods, but for individuals with wheat allergies or celiac disease, it can lead to severe health issues. The problem arises when wheat is not disclosed on the product’s label, preventing consumers from making informed choices.
- Health Risks for Allergies: Wheat allergies can trigger symptoms like:
- Hives or rash
- Swelling of the face, lips, or throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Gastrointestinal distress (e.g., nausea, diarrhea)
- In severe cases, anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction.
- Impact on Celiac Patients: For individuals with celiac disease, consuming gluten—a protein found in wheat—can damage the small intestine, causing symptoms like:
- Abdominal pain
- Chronic diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Malabsorption of nutrients.
Thankfully, no adverse reactions have been reported so far, but the potential risks highlight the importance of accurate labeling.
- What is undeclared wheat? Undeclared wheat refers to wheat present in a product but not listed on its label, making it unsafe for those with allergies or gluten sensitivities.
- Why is wheat a common allergen? Wheat contains proteins like gluten, which can trigger allergic reactions or celiac disease in sensitive individuals.
- What are the symptoms of a wheat allergy? Symptoms range from mild hives to severe anaphylaxis, including difficulty breathing and gastrointestinal distress.
- What is celiac disease? A chronic autoimmune condition where consuming gluten damages the small intestine.
- How do I know if my product is affected? Check the label for the ID “92” above the UPC code (231220006538) and the best-by date of 01/09/2025.
- What should I do with the recalled product? Return it unopened to the store for a full refund.
- Can I consume the product if I don’t have a wheat allergy? While it may be safe for others, it’s best to follow recall guidelines to avoid potential risks.
- Has anyone reported health issues from this product? No adverse reactions have been reported so far.
- Why do labeling errors occur? Mislabeling can result from human error or insufficient quality control processes during manufacturing.
- How can I stay informed about recalls? Regularly check the FDA’s recall page or subscribe to alerts from your favorite grocery stores.
Here’s what you should do
If you’ve purchased this product, here’s how to proceed:
- Check the Label: Look for the label ID “92” above the UPC (231220006538) and the best-by date of 01/09/2025.
- Do Not Consume: Especially if you have a wheat allergy or gluten sensitivity.
- Return the Product: Bring unopened packages to the store for a full refund.
- Contact Dierbergs: Call 1-636-532-8884, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm CDT, for additional information.
Behind the brand
Dierbergs Kitchen, a family-owned grocery chain, is known for providing high-quality food products. However, this is not the first time the brand has faced a recall. On December 24, 2019, the company issued a recall for egg products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The food industry as a whole is no stranger to such challenges. Just last month, Gardners Candies recalled products due to undeclared tree nuts, while Ralph’s Packing Company pulled meat products from shelves for containing undeclared milk.
“Food safety is non-negotiable and recalls like this remind us how vital accurate labeling is in protecting consumers. For individuals with allergies or sensitivities, even a small mistake can have significant consequences. Companies must prioritize stringent quality checks and transparent practices to uphold trust and safety in the industry.” Eran Mizrahi, Source86’s CEO.
Ensuring safe eats
Dierbergs Kitchen’s recall highlights the ongoing need for vigilance in food manufacturing. Undeclared allergens can lead to life-threatening situations, particularly for those with severe allergies. Companies must:
- Conduct thorough allergen testing
- Double-check labeling processes
- Collaborate with suppliers to ensure ingredient accuracy
For consumers, staying informed about recalls is essential. If you’re sourcing bulk ingredients for your products, working with a reliable supplier can make all the difference.
Have questions about food safety or looking for high-quality ingredients? Contact Source86 today to explore how we can help ensure safe and compliant products for your customers!
