- Recall Date: April 11, 2025
- FDA Announcement: April 17, 2025
- Company: May Flower International Inc.
- Product: Beijing Soybean Paste (8.82 oz / 250g)
- Issue: Undeclared wheat allergen
- Product Details: UPC 6917799000385, packed for Fu Xiang Yuan Trading Inc., distributed nationwide
- Risk: Potential for life-threatening allergic reactions in wheat-allergic individuals
- Action: Return to place of purchase for refund or contact the company at 1-718-366-8668
Stick around to find out more about this recall and how it might affect the food industry!
What happened?
Heads up, bulk buyers and allergen-conscious co-packers—May Flower International Inc. just pulled a surprise ingredient reveal. On April 11, 2025, the company issued a recall of its Beijing Soybean Paste after the FDA found undeclared wheat in the product during a routine inspection.
May Flower International distributed this paste nationwide in 8.82 oz (250g) plastic packages, so if you’re a wholesaler, importer, or just a fan of bold fermented flavor, now’s the time to double-check your inventory.
Recalled product details:
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best By Date | Issue |
May Flower International | Beijing Soybean Paste | 8.82 oz | 6917799000385 | 03/25/2023–03/05/2024 | Undeclared wheat |
The label clearly states that Fu Xiang Yuan Trading Inc. in NYC packed the product. So if you’ve stocked this SKU on your shelves, it’s time to take action.
What caused the issue?
This recall comes down to a critical allergen mislabeling error. During a routine inspection, the FDA discovered that the Beijing Soybean Paste product listed “flour” in its ingredients—but failed to clearly identify that the flour contained wheat, a top U.S. food allergen. The FDA requires companies to specifically declare wheat as an allergen because it can trigger severe reactions in sensitive individuals.
So while the flour may seem harmless, for someone with a wheat allergy, this omission can be life-threatening.
Why undeclared wheat is a big deal
The FDA identifies wheat as one of the “Big 9” allergens and requires its declaration on packaging. When companies fail to clearly disclose wheat, they increase the risk of accidental consumption—especially for consumers who depend on accurate labeling to avoid dangerous ingredients.
Who’s at risk?
- Individuals with wheat allergies
- People with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity
- Those preparing meals for allergic individuals (parents, schools, foodservice)
- Bulk buyers and co-packers relying on allergen-safe claims
Symptoms of a wheat allergy reaction:
- Skin irritation: Hives, rashes, or swelling
- Respiratory symptoms: Sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion
- Digestive issues: Stomach pain, cramps, nausea, vomiting
- Severe reactions: Anaphylaxis, which may include throat swelling, breathing difficulty, and drop in blood pressure—requiring immediate medical attention
10 common questions you may have
1. Q: I have a wheat allergy. What should I do if I ate this product?
A: Contact your healthcare provider immediately, even if you’re not showing symptoms. Mild reactions can escalate quickly.
2. Q: How do I know if I bought the recalled product?
A: Check the UPC (6917799000385), the packaging size (8.82 oz/250g), and labeling that says it was packed for Fu Xiang Yuan Trading Inc., NYC.
3. Q: I bought this paste before March 2024. Should I be concerned?
A: Yes, affected batches were distributed from 03/25/2023 to 03/05/2024. If your purchase falls within that range, it’s part of the recall.
4. Q: I don’t have a wheat allergy—can I still eat the product?
A: While it poses no health threat to non-allergic consumers, it’s still recommended to return the product for a refund, especially if you cook for others.
5. Q: Can I get a refund?
A: Yes! Return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. No receipt is usually needed in these cases.
6. Q: Who can I contact for more information?
A: Call May Flower International Inc. at 1-718-366-8668, Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM ET.
7. Q: What exactly is “undeclared wheat”?
A: It means wheat is present in the product but wasn’t clearly listed as an allergen on the label, which violates FDA regulations.
8. Q: Does this affect restaurant use or wholesale supply?
A: Absolutely. Bulk and wholesale buyers should pull the product to prevent use in foodservice, meal kits, or private label lines.
9. Q: Are there any health incidents reported?
A: No allergic reactions have been reported yet, but the recall is a preventive measure to protect consumers.
10. Q: What steps are being taken to prevent this in the future?
A: While the company hasn’t publicly stated its corrective actions yet, this type of recall typically leads to label reviews, staff retraining, and additional quality control checks.
Here’s what you should do?
Here’s your quick action plan if you’ve got this product in stock:
- Check the label for UPC 6917799000385
- Look for packaging details indicating it was packed for Fu Xiang Yuan Trading Inc.
- Stop distribution and consumption immediately
- Contact the company for questions at 1-718-366-8668 (M–F, 9 AM–6 PM ET)
- Return to retailer for a full refund
Behind the brand
May Flower International Inc., based in Maspeth, NY, distributes Asian pantry staples to U.S. markets. While not known for frequent recalls, this isn’t the first allergen slip-up the industry has seen this month.
Similar recent recalls include:
- On April 14, 2025, Supplement Manufacturing Partners, Inc. issued a voluntary recall of its Dorado Nutrition brand Spermidine Maximum Strength 10mg Vegetable Capsules due to undeclared wheat.
- 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.
“Recalls like this highlight the critical importance of clear allergen labeling—especially when a single oversight can put allergic consumers at serious risk. Accurate ingredient declarations aren’t just regulatory checkboxes—they’re essential safeguards. It’s a reminder that food companies must double down on quality control and transparency to maintain both safety and consumer trust.” — Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86
Ensuring safe eats
Food safety starts with transparency, especially for allergen-sensitive ingredients. This recall serves as a wake-up call across the food supply chain—from manufacturers to private label distributors—to prioritize accurate labeling and routine audits.
- Why it matters: A small labeling error can lead to major health risks.
- Industry takeaways: Perform routine allergen checks, cross-reference ingredient lists, and ensure clear communication between co-man and packaging partners.
Quick recap: If you’ve got Beijing Soybean Paste in your bulk inventory, check those UPCs and labeling info ASAP. Pull it off the shelves, and contact May Flower if needed.
For more updates on food recalls and how to source safe, quality ingredients, talk to our team or explore our ingredient offerings today! Let’s connect!
