FSIS issued a Public Health Alert for Prep Chef Products Over Undeclared Allergens

Prep Chef Public Health Alert: Quick summary

• On July 12, 2025, the USDA’s FSIS issued a public health alert for pulled pork products from Roth Premium Foods.
• The alert was triggered by misbranding and the presence of undeclared allergens, including soy, anchovy, and egg white.
• The affected products include BBQ Pulled Pork trays and Burrito Filling boxes distributed in Maine, New York, and Idaho.
• Although no adverse reactions have been reported, consumers with allergies are advised not to consume these items.
• The products are no longer available for sale, but may still be stored in home refrigerators or freezers.

Shall we learn more about this Health Alert?

What Happened?

Roth Premium Foods, LLC, based in Colorado Springs, is under a public health alert issued by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) as of July 12, 2025. The alert concerns two ready-to-eat products under the “Prep Chef” brand, BBQ Pulled Pork and Pulled Pork Burrito Filling.

The issue? A labeling oversight. These products include ingredients such as Worcestershire sauce, which contains soy, and in the case of the burrito filling, additional allergens like anchovy and egg whites.

The company produced the affected items between April 3, 2025, and July 9, 2025, and distributed the BBQ pulled pork to Hannaford grocery stores in Maine and New York, and the burrito filling to Jacksons gas stations in Idaho. FSIS detected the issue during a routine label review and issued the alert because consumers may still have them in their refrigerators or freezers.

Product Info Table

Brand	Product Description	Size	UPC / Est. #	Best By Dates	Issue
Prep Chef	BBQ Pulled Pork with BBQ Sauce	16 oz. trays	EST. 46046	7/10/25, 7/15/25, 7/24/25, 7/31/25	Undeclared soy
Prep Chef	BBQ Pulled Pork & Gouda Mac and Cheese Burrito Filling	10 lb. boxes	EST. 46046	4/3/26 to 7/3/26 (various)	Undeclared soy, anchovy, egg

What Caused the Issue?

Misbranding caused this alert, a critical labeling error where the food’s allergens were not properly disclosed.

• Soy was present in both products due to the use of Worcestershire sauce.
• Anchovy and egg whites were found in the burrito filling but were not listed.

Why is this a serious problem? 

Because mislabeling allergens isn’t just a regulatory violation, it can endanger lives. Millions of Americans suffer from food allergies, and consuming an undeclared allergen, even in small amounts, can trigger reactions ranging from mild to severe.

Health Risks of Undeclared Allergens

• Soy allergy symptoms: Rash, itching, abdominal pain, vomiting, or difficulty breathing.
• Fish allergy symptoms (anchovy): Swelling of the lips or tongue, wheezing, dizziness, or anaphylaxis.
• Egg white allergy symptoms: Skin irritation, nasal congestion, asthma-like symptoms, or gastrointestinal distress.

At-Risk Groups Include:

• Individuals with known soy, fish, or egg allergies
• Children, especially under age five
• Elderly consumers
• Immunocompromised individuals

No adverse reactions have been confirmed at this time, but the USDA advises consumers to avoid these products and seek medical attention if they suspect an allergic reaction.

10 Common Questions You Might Have:

1. Is this an official recall?
   No, it is a public health alert.
2. What allergens were not declared?
   Soy in both products; anchovy and egg whites in the burrito filling.
3. Why is undeclared soy dangerous?
   Soy is a major allergen. Even small amounts can cause severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
4. What are the risks of consuming undeclared anchovy?
   Fish allergies, including anchovies, can lead to serious reactions such as swelling, breathing difficulty, and anaphylaxis.
5. Why is egg white an issue?
   Egg allergies are common, especially among children. Reactions can range from mild rashes to severe respiratory problems.
6. Where were the products distributed?
   Roth Premium Foods shipped the pulled pork trays to Hannaford grocery stores in Maine and New York, and sent the burrito filling to Jacksons gas stations in Idaho.
7. What should I do if I have these products?
   Do not consume them. Dispose of the products or return them to the place of purchase.
8. How can I identify the affected items?
   Look for Prep Chef branding, the listed best-by dates, and establishment number EST. 46046.
9. Have any illnesses been reported?
   No one has reported any confirmed adverse reactions so far.
10. How can I report a reaction or ask further questions?
    Contact [email protected] or call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854.

Here’s What You Should Do

• Check your refrigerator or freezer for these products
• Look for: “Prep Chef” branding, use-by dates listed above, and EST. 46046 inside the USDA mark
• Do not consume the products
• Dispose of or return to the point of purchase
• Contact [email protected] with product questions
• USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline: 888-674-6854

Behind the Brand

Roth Premium Foods, LLC is based in Colorado Springs, CO, and operates under establishment number EST. 46046. Known for producing ready-to-eat, fully cooked foods, the company is now under scrutiny for its label oversight.

This alert adds to a growing list of allergen-related issues this year, including:

• On July 8, Sheehan Brothers Vending voluntarily recalled several ready-to-eat sandwiches after the Ohio Department of Agriculture found they contained sesame, without any mention of it on the label.
• On July 10, 2025, Hartford Bakery, Inc. announced a voluntary recall of six production lots of its Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style ½ Loaf due to undeclared hazelnuts.
• On June 26, 2025, Shang Hao Jia, Inc. issued a recall of 50 cases of Danshi brand Spicy Shredded Tofu due to undeclared sesame.
• On June 25, 2025, Mellace Family Brands California, Inc. issued a product recall on Wegmans Semi-Sweet Chocolate Nonpareils due to the presence of an undeclared milk allergen.
• On June 25, 2025, Kilwins Quality Confections issued a recall of its Mocha Truffles due to undeclared pecans.
• On July 30, 2025, P.E. & F Inc. DBA DiMare’s Specialty Foods issued a public health alert for its Schnucks Tortellini Pork & Beef due to misbranding and undeclared soy and sesame.
• Abdallah Candies recalls pecan caramel clusters due to undeclared cashew allergen

“Getting allergen labeling right is more than ticking a regulatory box. It’s about safeguarding consumer health. When allergens like soy, egg, or fish go undeclared, it puts those with sensitivities in serious danger and undermines confidence across the supply chain.” said Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.

These incidents highlight a broader concern within the food manufacturing industry: maintaining accurate and transparent labeling practices.

Ensuring Safe Eats

This public health alert underscores the critical importance of robust allergen control measures in the food industry. Mislabeling isn’t just a clerical error. It can be a matter of life and death for those with allergies.

To prevent these issues, manufacturers should implement:

• Reliable allergen traceability and segregation systems
• Clear supplier communication protocols
• Frequent internal and third-party label audits
• Staff training focused on allergen awareness

If you have the recalled products, dispose of them or return them immediately. 

For suppliers, importers, or manufacturers looking to improve label accuracy and source high-quality ingredients, we’re here to help. Contact us today to discuss how we can support your traceability and compliance needs.