BAYAMÓN, Puerto Rico (October 14, 2026): The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a recall announcement from Pan Pepín Inc. involving seven lots of Para Bien Al Grano bread because the product contains undeclared sesame. The company distributed the affected bread throughout Puerto Rico.
People with sesame allergies or severe sensitivities could experience serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume the recalled product.
Pan Pepín recall: quick summary
The recall affects 24 oz (680 g) packages of Para Bien Al Grano, a multigrain bread sold under the Para Bien brand. All seven affected lots carry UPC 0 21425 01513 4, with sell-by dates ranging from October 12 through October 21, 2026.
Pan Pepín announced the recall on October 13, and the FDA published the notice the following day.
Official recall details
- Recall announcement date: October 13, 2026
- FDA publication date: October 14, 2026
- Announcing agency: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Company: Pan Pepin Inc.
- Brand: Para Bien
- Product: Para Bien Al Grano
- Issue: Undeclared sesame
- Package size: 24 oz (680 g)
- UPC: 0 21425 01513 4
- Affected lots: 3B1 274, 3B1 277, 3B1 278, 3B1 280, 3B1 281, 3B1 282, 3B1 284
- Distribution: Puerto Rico
- Consumer contact: 787-403-7363; [email protected]
- Contact hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
What happened?
Pan Pepín Inc. initiated a voluntary recall of Para Bien Al Grano multigrain bread after identifying undeclared sesame. The company said it was removing the affected products from the market and strengthening its labeling and allergen verification procedures.
Affected products
Product | Lot code | Sell-by date |
|---|---|---|
Para Bien Al Grano | 3B1 274 | 10/12/2026 |
Para Bien Al Grano | 3B1 277 | 10/14/2026 |
Para Bien Al Grano | 3B1 278 | 10/15/2026 |
Para Bien Al Grano | 3B1 280 | 10/17/2026 |
Para Bien Al Grano | 3B1 281 | 10/18/2026 |
Para Bien Al Grano | 3B1 282 | 10/19/2026 |
Para Bien Al Grano | 3B1 284 | 10/21/2026 |
What caused the issue?
The FDA notice confirms that the affected bread contained sesame that was not declared on the label. However, the announcement does not establish how the labeling error occurred or identify its root cause.
FSQA Insight
“The sesame issue is a reminder that the label review must match the food that was made, not just the recipe that was approved. Ingredient checks, cross-contact controls, and a final comparison of the package declaration against the finished product all have a role in preventing an undeclared allergen from reaching consumers,” said Divina Grace Barroso, Head of FSQA at Source86.
Here’s what you should do
- Do not consume the products if you have a sesame allergy or sensitivity.
- Return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund.
- Dispose of the products if returning them is not possible.
- Contact the company for additional information regarding the recall.
The FDA also published a Spanish-language version of the recall notice, which lists a different contact for consumer inquiries. Consumers who prefer to communicate in Spanish can contact Ity Vega at (787) 405-6045 or [email protected].
Behind the brand
Pan Pepín traces its bread-manufacturing operations in Puerto Rico to 1974, when it began producing sliced bread. The company later opened a new bread-manufacturing facility in 2018 following a reported $40 million investment. Its ParaBien line includes several bread varieties, including Al Grano, D’Avena, PanKeto, and 100% Whole Grain.
Other relevant recalls
- Riad’s Oliva to Go Recalls Baba Ghanouj and Hummus Over Undeclared Sesame
- Prince Bakery Recalls Breads Over Undeclared Milk and Sesame
- Nature’s Own Recalls Hawaiian Bread Over Undeclared Milk
- Frankie’s Organic Recalls Plant-Based Vegan Cheddar Puffs Over Undeclared Milk
Regulatory context
Sesame has been recognized as a major food allergen under U.S. federal law since January 1, 2023. For packaged bread, the ingredient declaration must accurately identify sesame when it is present as an ingredient, subject to applicable labeling requirements. This recall makes the distinction between a bread’s multigrain formulation and its declared ingredients particularly relevant to allergen labeling.
Ensuring safe eats
For multigrain bakery products, the ingredient declaration must reflect the seeds and grains used in the finished recipe. When a formulation changes, the corresponding label should be reviewed before the product enters distribution.
Source86 provides FSQA support for food businesses and private-label programs. Contact our team to discuss your food safety needs.
