Newway Import Recalls Preserved Mustard Over Undeclared Wheat

LA PUENTE, Calif. (December 23, 2025) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that Newway Import Inc. is voluntarily recalling a specific lot of its Cai Hua Xiang brand Preserved Mustard in Soybean Oil due to the presence of undeclared wheat. According to the FDA, the recall was initiated after it was discovered that the product contained wheat but was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of this major allergen. This labeling failure poses a serious or life-threatening risk to consumers with wheat allergies or celiac disease.

Cai Hua Xiang Recall: Quick Summary

Newway Import Inc., based in La Puente, California, has recalled its Preserved Mustard in Soybean Oil sold under the Cai Hua Xiang brand. The recall was triggered after regulators identified that the product packaging failed to declare wheat, a key ingredient in many soy-based marinades and preservatives. The affected jars were distributed to retail grocery stores throughout California between early July 2025 and early November 2025. Consumers who purchased this product should check their pantries immediately, as the shelf life extends into 2026.

What Happened?

The FDA reported that Newway Import Inc. initiated the recall after discovering that the wheat-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not declare the allergen. The product, a popular Chinese pickled vegetable condiment often eaten with rice or porridge, was sold at various Asian grocery retailers across California.

In its recall announcement, the company confirmed that no illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. However, for individuals with wheat allergies or gluten intolerance, consuming this product could result in a serious allergic reaction.

Affected Products

Brand	Product	Lot Code	Best By Date	Distribution	Issue
Cai Hua Xiang	Preserved Mustard in Soybean Oil	505202008	May 20, 2026	California Retail Stores	Undeclared Wheat

What Caused the Issue?

According to the recall notice, the issue stems from a labeling failure where the presence of wheat—likely from soy sauce or other wheat-based seasonings used in the oil preservation process—was not translated or listed on the final English packaging. This type of “undeclared allergen” recall is common with imported goods where original ingredient lists may not be perfectly adapted to U.S. labeling standards.

The company stated that the product was available for sale for several months, from early July to early November 2025, before the error was caught. The primary health risk is anaphylaxis or autoimmune reactions in celiac patients.

Questions You Might Have

1. What specific product is recalled?Cai Hua Xiang brand Preserved Mustard in Soybean Oil.
2. What is the Lot Code?Look for Lot Code 505202008 printed on the package.
3. What is the Best By Date?The affected jars have a Best By date of May 20, 2026.
4. Where was it sold?It was distributed to retail grocery stores throughout the state of California.
5. Why is wheat in preserved mustard?Wheat is often a component of soy sauce or fermented bean pastes used to season preserved vegetables (Zha Cai).
6. Has anyone gotten sick?No illnesses have been reported to date.
7. Is it safe if I don’t have a wheat allergy?Yes, if you do not have a wheat allergy or celiac disease, the product is safe to eat, though it is misbranded.
8. Can I get a refund?Yes, consumers can return the product to the store where they bought it for a full refund.
9. Who is the importer?Newway Import Inc., located in La Puente, California.
10. Who can I call?You can contact Newway Import Inc. at (626) 766-3037 (Mon–Fri, 10 am–5 pm PST).

Here’s What You Should Do

• Inspect your pantry: Look for “Cai Hua Xiang Preserved Mustard” jars or packages.
• Check the code: Verify if the Lot Code is 505202008 and the date is May 20, 2026.
• Do not eat: If you are allergic to wheat or have celiac disease, discard the product immediately.
• Return for refund: Take the item back to the retailer for a full refund.

Behind the Brand

Newway Import Inc. is a California-based importer specializing in Asian food products, bringing brands like Cai Hua Xiang to the U.S. market. Cai Hua Xiang is known for its range of preserved vegetable products, particularly pickled mustard stems (often called Zha Cai), which are a staple in Chinese cuisine for their savory, crunchy texture and spicy flavor. These products are typically produced in China and imported for sale in Asian specialty markets.

Other Relevant Recalls

This recall follows a string of allergen-related safety alerts in late 2025. Recently, Troemner Farm recalled its Pfeffernusse Cookies due to undeclared milk, wheat, and soy, highlighting a similar labeling oversight in domestic baked goods. Additionally, Fran’s Chocolates issued a recall for its Almondmilk Chocolate Bars after undeclared hazelnuts were discovered in the supply chain.

In a comparable incident involving undeclared allergens in condiments, Trader Joe’s recalled its Hot Honey Mustard Dressing earlier this year due to a serious labeling error. The recall, issued in April 2025, affected products distributed across 17 states after it was discovered that the dressing contained peanuts, soy, sesame, and wheat—none of which were listed on the bottle. Much like the Newway Import case, this misbranding posed a significant risk to consumers with multiple food sensitivities, underscoring the vital need for accurate ingredient transparency in savory sauces.

Related Import Alert: Hidden Wheat in Herbal Supplements (January 2026) In a parallel safety incident involving imported goods, HerbsForever LLC has recalled specific lots of its dietary supplements due to undeclared wheat. While the Newway Import alert concerns a savory condiment, this new recall highlights how wheat can be introduced as a hidden processing aid—specifically flour used to dry spices—without appearing on the ingredient label. Both cases illustrate the critical need for strict allergen verification in global supply chains. For full details on the affected supplement batches, read our latest report: HerbsForever Recalls Supplements Due to Undeclared Wheat.

Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, noted:

“Imported specialty foods are a frequent source of allergen recalls. It is vital for importers to rigorously verify that foreign labels are accurately translated to meet U.S. safety standards, ensuring that hidden ingredients like wheat don’t put consumers at risk.”

Ensuring Safe Eats

For fans of international cuisine, reading labels is crucial but sometimes insufficient if translation errors occur. Products like preserved vegetables often use complex seasoning blends that may contain hidden gluten sources like soy sauce. When buying imported goods, consumers with severe allergies should be extra vigilant and check for “contains” statements or contact importers directly if unsure.

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