Market Of Choice Recalls Vegan Kale Caesar Salad Over Undeclared Sesame Allergen

Eugene, OR (May 5, 2026) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a recall of Market of Choice Vegan Kale Caesar Salad (9.5 oz) due to the presence of an undeclared sesame allergen. According to the FDA, the issue was identified after the company discovered that sesame had been included in the product formulation but was not listed on the ingredient label. Regulators said consumers with sesame allergies or severe sensitivities may face a risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume the product.

Market of choice recall: quick summary

Market of Choice issued a voluntary recall of its 9.5 oz Vegan Kale Caesar Salad after internal quality checks found undeclared sesame in the recipe. The FDA confirmed that the recall affects products sold across multiple Oregon locations between mid-April and early May 2026. No illnesses have been reported so far. The company has removed the affected items from store shelves and is offering refunds to customers. Consumers with sesame allergies should not consume the product and should either dispose of it or return it to the store for reimbursement.

What happened?

The FDA said Market of Choice initiated the recall after its internal food safety team discovered that sesame was used as an ingredient in the Vegan Kale Caesar Salad, but was not declared on the packaging label. The company told regulators it identified the issue during a routine internal review of ingredient labeling and production records.

Market of Choice announced the recall on May 5, 2026, in coordination with the FDA and the Oregon Department of Agriculture. The recall affects 9.5 oz salads sold in clear clamshell packaging with UPC 0 210126 01099 3 and best-by dates ranging from April 20, 2026, through May 8, 2026.

According to the FDA notice, “people who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to sesame run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.”

The agency also emphasized that undeclared allergens remain one of the most common causes of food recalls in the United States.

Affected products

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Best by date	Issue	Affected states
Market of Choice	Vegan Kale Caesar Salad	9.5 oz	0 210126 01099 3	4/20/26–5/8/26	Undeclared sesame	Oregon

What caused the issue?

According to the FDA notice, undeclared sesame, a major food allergen, triggered the recall. U.S. allergen labeling regulations require sesame to appear clearly on product labels due to its potential to cause severe reactions.

Exposure can cause allergic responses ranging from mild symptoms such as hives and nausea to severe anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. Individuals with sesame allergies face the highest risk.

No illnesses have been reported to date, according to both the company and federal regulators.

Experts note that labeling errors often occur during recipe changes or supplier updates. A food safety specialist explained, “Cross-contact or missing allergen declarations can happen when labeling systems are not updated in real time.”

Questions you might have

Here’s what you should do

• Do not consume the product if you have a sesame allergy
• Return it to any Market of Choice location for a full refund or dispose of it safely
• Check the label for UPC 0 210126 01099 3 and listed expiration dates
• Contact Food Safety & Quality Assurance at 503-501-6746 or [email protected] for questions or refunds

Behind the brand

Market of Choice is an Oregon-based grocery retailer known for its focus on natural and specialty foods across multiple store locations in the state. The company has emphasized local sourcing and prepared foods as part of its retail model.

In its recall statement, the company said it has “ceased distribution of the affected product” and is reviewing internal processes to prevent similar issues in the future.

Source86 reached out to Market of Choice for additional comment on how the labeling error occurred, but has not yet received a response.

Other relevant recalls

Food safety experts note that undeclared allergens remain a recurring issue across prepared foods and deli-style products. Similar recalls have been issued in recent years involving sesame, peanuts, and dairy mislabeling in packaged salads and ready-to-eat meals, including Fu Zhou recalls fish balls over undeclared wheat and sesame allergens, Carrot Top Kitchens recalls hummus varieties over undeclared sesame allergen, and Brazilian Taste recalls frozen chicken and beef croquette products over undeclared sesame allergen.

Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, said that while the Market of Choice recall highlights a labeling breakdown, it also reflects a broader industry challenge:

“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.”

Regulatory context

This recall is part of a continuing pattern of undeclared allergen incidents affecting prepared and packaged foods in the U.S. retail market. Over the past year, multiple grocery chains have issued similar recalls involving mislabeling of sesame, milk, and wheat in ready-to-eat products, prompting increased scrutiny from regulators.

Ensuring safe eats

Undeclared allergen recalls highlight ongoing challenges in food manufacturing and labeling accuracy. While this issue appears isolated, it underscores the importance of strong quality control systems and routine verification processes across production lines.

Consumers should check labels carefully and stay informed about recalls affecting ready-to-eat products. Food brands should improve supplier transparency and strengthen allergen control protocols to prevent similar incidents.

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