Meal Simple Recalls Red Lentil Dal Soup Over Undeclared Milk

AUSTIN, TX (December 10, 2025) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that Bakkavor USA is recalling select Meal Simple Red Lentil Dal Soup after the product was found to contain undeclared milk, posing a potentially serious health risk to people with milk allergies. According to the FDA, the mislabeling occurred after poultry and rice soup (containing milk) was mistakenly packaged in containers labeled as Red Lentil Dal Soup.

Meal Simple recall: quick summary

According to the FDA, Bakkavor USA issued a recall for 16-ounce Meal Simple Red Lentil Dal Soup after a customer discovered the product inside the container did not match the label. The company confirmed that the mislabeled soup contains milk, a major allergen not declared on the packaging. The affected soup was sold exclusively at H-E-B stores across Texas. No illnesses have been reported.

What happened?

H-E-B and the FDA announced the recall on December 9 as they coordinated the response. Bakkavor USA, a prepared foods manufacturer, initiated the recall after a consumer reported that their container of Red Lentil Dal Soup actually contained a turkey and wild rice soup. The FDA said Bakkavor USA discovered during its internal review that the poultry and rice soup includes milk as an ingredient, while the Red Lentil Dal Soup does not.

“In its recall alert, the FDA warned that ‘people who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products,’” the agency stated.

H-E-B stores across Texas sold the mislabeled 16-ounce cups, which display a BEST BY 1/11/2026 date. No related illnesses have been reported.

Affected products

Brand	Product	Size	Best by date	Issue	Affected states
Meal Simple	Red Lentil Dal Soup	16 oz	1/11/2026	Undeclared milk	Texas

What caused the issue?

According to the FDA notice, a packaging mix-up caused the issue when workers placed Meal Simple Turkey & Wild Rice Soup (which contains milk) into containers labeled for Red Lentil Dal Soup. The agency has not received any illness reports, but emphasized that milk allergens can cause severe reactions, especially among children, people with asthma, and individuals with a history of anaphylaxis. Symptoms may include hives, swelling, vomiting, wheezing, or anaphylactic shock.

Questions you might have

Here’s what you should do

• Return the product to H-E-B for a refund
• Check the bottom of the cup for BEST BY 1/11/2026
• Confirm the product appearance matches Red Lentil Dal Soup
• Contact H-E-B Customer Service at 1-855-432-4438 with questions

Behind the brand

Bakkavor USA is a prepared foods manufacturer supplying meals and soups to major retailers nationwide. The company’s recall notice states that it has “ceased distribution of the affected product” and is continuing a root-cause investigation. Source86 reached out to Bakkavor for additional comment, but has not yet received a response.

Other relevant recalls

This recall follows several allergen-related recalls reported by Source86 this year, including mislabeling incidents involving soup blends, deli salads, and packaged entrées. Recent cases include Prime Food’s recall of Lava Buns over undeclared milk, Martin’s and Giant/Casa Mamita’s recall of Taco Dinner Kits for undeclared milk, and Doan’s Bakery’s recall of its Bundt Cakes due to undeclared wheat and milk allergens. Food safety experts say these errors often stem from cross-contact during production, particularly when packaging lines or ingredient switches are not verified with strict allergen controls.

“Food allergens present, but not declared on a product’s label, may pose a potentially serious health risk,” said Dr. Stefano Luccioli, medical officer and allergy specialist in the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.

“The FDA’s labeling requirements and preventive controls are designed to significantly minimize or prevent allergen cross-contact and ensure accurate allergen information so that allergic consumers can make safe food choices.”

Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, added:

“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.”

Ensuring safe eats

This recall highlights the importance of accurate labeling in preventing severe allergic reactions. For consumers, checking product labels and recall alerts is essential. For companies, consistent verification and traceability practices are critical.

At Source86, we help brands strengthen sourcing, FSQA oversight, and private label production to reduce risks and respond quickly when issues arise. Contact us!