Hometown Food Company Recalls Birch Benders Sweet Potato Pancake Mix Over Undeclared Egg Allergen

CHICAGO, Ill. (May 21, 2026) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Hometown Food Company, in cooperation with Element Food Solutions, voluntarily recalled a single lot of Birch Benders 12 oz Sweet Potato Pancake & Waffle Mix because the product may contain undeclared egg. According to the FDA, consumers with an egg allergy or severe sensitivity could face a serious or potentially life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the product. Regulators said grocery stores, natural food retailers, and online sellers distributed the affected pancake mix nationwide.

Birch Benders recall: quick summary

According to the FDA, Hometown Food Company recalled one specific lot of Birch Benders 12 oz Sweet Potato Pancake & Waffle Mix with a Best-If-Used-By date of March 24, 2027. The company discovered that the product may contain undeclared egg, an allergen missing from the packaging label. Retailers sold the recalled products nationwide across the United States. Company officials said they have not received any reports of illnesses linked to the recall so far. Hometown Food Company urges consumers to discard the product immediately or return it to the retailer for a full refund.

What happened?

The FDA said Hometown Food Company initiated the recall after discovering that a limited quantity of Birch Benders Sweet Potato Pancake & Waffle Mix may contain undeclared egg. The recall was announced on May 20, 2026, in coordination with the FDA and Element Food Solutions.

Hometown Food Company, a U.S.-based food manufacturer, produces baking mixes and pantry staples under several consumer brands, including Birch Benders. Retailers sold the affected product in 12-ounce packages with UPC 8 1000156076 8 and lot code 5 265. The recall only applies to products marked with the Best-If-Used-By date MAR 24, 2027.

According to the FDA notice, grocery retailers, natural food stores, and online sellers distributed the product nationwide. The company told regulators that consumers can find the affected lot code and Best-If-Used-By date on the back of the package above the Nutrition Facts panel.

In its recall alert, the FDA warned that “people who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to egg run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.” The agency also confirmed that it has not received any reports of illnesses associated with the product to date.

Affected products

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Best by date	Issue	Affected states or zones
Birch Benders	Sweet Potato Pancake & Waffle Mix	12 oz	8 1000156076 8	MAR 24, 2027	Undeclared egg allergen	Nationwide U.S. distribution

What caused the issue?

According to the FDA notice, the recall was triggered because the affected pancake mix may contain undeclared egg, one of the nine major food allergens recognized in the United States. Allergic reactions to egg can range from mild symptoms such as hives and stomach discomfort to severe reactions, including anaphylaxis.

The agency confirmed that individuals with egg allergies or sensitivities are the most at risk. Symptoms may include swelling, difficulty breathing, nausea, skin reactions, dizziness, or a rapid drop in blood pressure in severe cases.

Company officials said no illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported so far in connection with the recalled products. Regulators continue to advise consumers to avoid eating the product if they have an egg allergy.

Questions you might have

Here’s what you should do

• Do not consume the recalled pancake mix if you have an egg allergy or sensitivity.
• Dispose of the product safely or return it to the retailer where it was purchased for a full refund.
• Check the back of the package above the Nutrition Facts panel for the lot code and Best-If-Used-By date.
• Only lot code 5 265 with Best-If-Used-By date MAR 24, 2027, is included in the recall.
• Consumers seeking additional information or replacement coupons can call 1-855-206-9517 during business hours.

Behind the brand

Birch Benders is known for producing pancake, waffle, and baking mixes marketed toward convenience-focused and specialty diet consumers. The brand operates under Hometown Food Company, which manages several legacy baking and pantry brands in the United States.

The company’s recall notice states that it has “ceased distribution of the affected product” and is cooperating fully with the FDA during the recall process. Officials emphasized that no other Birch Benders or Hometown Food Company products are affected by this limited recall.

Other relevant recalls

This latest allergen recall follows several similar food safety alerts involving undeclared ingredients in packaged foods. Previous recalls involving undeclared allergens have affected baking mixes, dietary supplements, frozen desserts, and refrigerated foods sold nationwide. Recent examples include Blueroot Health recalling Vital Nutrients Aller-C dietary supplements over undeclared egg, hazelnut, and soy allergens, as well as Publix recalling Rich & Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream because of undeclared egg. Another recent case involved Twin Marquis recalling Thick Shanghai Style Plain Noodles over undeclared egg concerns. Industry experts say allergen mislabeling remains one of the most common causes of food recalls in the U.S.

Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, said recalls like this highlight the importance of stronger supply chain oversight and labeling controls.

“Food safety isn’t just about compliance; it’s about trust. Every recall reminds us how vital it is to maintain transparency, rigorous checks, and supplier accountability,” Mizrahi said.

Broader pattern

This recall is the latest in a broader pattern of allergen-related food recalls impacting products sold through major U.S. retailers and online marketplaces. Over the past year, undeclared allergens such as milk, peanuts, soy, and egg have continued to drive a significant portion of FDA food recall activity. Food safety experts say increasing product complexity and large-scale manufacturing operations make labeling accuracy more critical than ever.

Ensuring safe eats

The Birch Benders recall underscores the ongoing importance of allergen management and accurate food labeling across the food industry. Even isolated packaging or production issues can pose serious health risks for consumers with allergies, making rapid recalls and transparent communication essential.

Consumers who purchased the affected pancake mix should check the packaging carefully and avoid consuming the product if it matches the recalled lot information. Companies across the food sector are also being reminded to strengthen allergen verification systems, supplier oversight, and quality assurance procedures to help prevent similar incidents in the future.

At Source86, we help food brands manage ingredient sourcing, FSQA oversight, and private-label production with transparency and precision, ensuring that when recalls occur, supply chains are prepared to respond quickly. Contact us.