Sheehan Brothers Recalls Sandwiches Over Undeclared Sesame

Recall Date Issued: July 8, 2025
Announced by: FDA on July 10, 2025
Company Involved: Sheehan Brothers Vending
Products Affected: Cheeseburgers, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Italian Mini Subs, Pepperoni Pizza Sub, Chili Cheese Coney, BBQ Riblet w/Coleslaw
Issue: Undeclared sesame allergen
Details: Individually wrapped products sold through vending machines and Micro Markets in Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Eastern Indiana
Action Steps: Dispose of the product if allergic to sesame and contact the company for a replacement

Wanna know more about what happened? Keep on reading.

What Happened?

Sheehan Brothers Vending, an Ohio-based convenience food supplier, has voluntarily recalled several ready-to-eat sandwiches after the Ohio Department of Agriculture found they contained sesame—without any mention of it on the label.

The issue was flagged during a routine inspection. While no illnesses have been reported to date, sesame is a major allergen that can trigger severe reactions in sensitive individuals. This makes accurate labeling not just a formality, but a critical safety measure.

Here’s a breakdown of the recalled products:

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Best By Date	Issue
Sheehan Brothers Vending	Cheeseburger	Various	N/A	7/2/25–7/8/25	Undeclared sesame allergen
Sheehan Brothers Vending	Spicy Chicken Sandwich	Various	N/A	7/2/25–7/8/25	Undeclared sesame allergen
Sheehan Brothers Vending	Italian Mini Subs	Various	N/A	7/2/25–7/8/25	Undeclared sesame allergen
Sheehan Brothers Vending	Pepperoni Pizza Sub	Various	N/A	7/2/25–7/8/25	Undeclared sesame allergen
Sheehan Brothers Vending	Chili Cheese Coney	Various	N/A	7/2/25–7/8/25	Undeclared sesame allergen
Sheehan Brothers Vending	BBQ Riblet w/Coleslaw	Various	N/A	7/2/25–7/8/25	Undeclared sesame allergen

What Caused the Issue?

This recall was triggered by a critical labeling error discovered during a routine inspection by the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Inspectors found that several sandwich products distributed by Sheehan Brothers Vending contained sesame, a major allergen, without properly listing it on the ingredient label. Under current FDA regulations, sesame must be clearly declared as it poses serious health risks to individuals with food allergies.

Sesame was added to the FDA’s list of major allergens in 2023, following a significant rise in allergic reactions across the U.S. Even small amounts of undeclared sesame can lead to severe or even life-threatening symptoms in allergic consumers.

Who’s at Risk?

People with a known sesame allergy or those who are allergic to other seeds may face serious health complications if they consume these mislabeled products. Children, immunocompromised individuals, and those with multiple food allergies are particularly vulnerable.

Common symptoms of sesame allergy include:

Hives or skin rash
Itchy mouth or throat
Swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat
Abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting
Wheezing or difficulty breathing
Anaphylaxis, which can be fatal if not treated immediately

10 Common Questions You Might Have:

What’s wrong with the sandwiches?
They contain sesame, which was not listed on the ingredient label.
Why is sesame such a big deal?
It’s one of the top nine allergens and can cause serious allergic reactions, even in trace amounts.
What should I do if I already ate one?
If you don’t have a sesame allergy, no action is needed. If you do and feel symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
Are there any confirmed illnesses?
No illnesses have been reported at the time of the recall.
Where were these sandwiches sold?
In vending machines and Micro Markets across Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Eastern Indiana.
How do I identify the affected products?
Check for sandwiches purchased between July 2–8, 2025, from Sheehan Brothers Vending.
Can I get a refund or replacement?
Yes. Contact Matt Ryan at 937-325-2357 for a replacement pack.
Is it safe to eat if I’m not allergic?
Yes, but the mislabeled packaging still violates FDA allergen labeling laws.
Has Sheehan Brothers Vending recalled products before?
No prior public recalls are currently listed for the company.
How can I stay informed about food recalls?
You can follow updates on the FDA’s recall page.

Here’s What You Should Do

Sheehan Brothers Vending Cheeseburgers, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Italian Mini Subs, Pepperoni Pizza Sub, Chili Cheese Coney, BBQ Riblet wColeslaw (1)

Check the label: Look for products purchased between July 2–8, 2025 from Ohio, Northern Kentucky, or Eastern Indiana vending machines or Micro Markets
Don’t eat it: If you have a sesame allergy, do not consume these products
Dispose of it: Safely discard the recalled item
Replacement: Contact Matt Ryan at 937-325-2357 for a replacement pack

Behind the Brand

Based in Springfield, Ohio, Sheehan Brothers Vending supplies individually wrapped, ready-to-eat meals through automated food service platforms. While this is their first publicized allergen-related recall, it underscores the importance of stringent allergen labeling across the food industry.

This recall aligns with a growing number of allergen-related incidents. For example:

On July 10, 2025, Hartford Bakery, Inc. announced a voluntary recall of six production lots of its Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style ½ Loaf due to undeclared hazelnuts.
On June 26, 2025, Shang Hao Jia, Inc. issued a recall of 50 cases of Danshi brand Spicy Shredded Tofu due to undeclared sesame.
On June 25, 2025, Mellace Family Brands California, Inc. issued a product recall on Wegmans Semi-Sweet Chocolate Nonpareils due to the presence of an undeclared milk allergen.
On June 25, 2025, Kilwins Quality Confections issued a recall of its Mocha Truffles due to undeclared pecans.
On June 20, 2025, Lipari Foods issued a voluntary recall of its JLM Branded Dark Chocolate Nonpareils due to undeclared milk.

“Accurate allergen labeling isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting people. When an allergen like sesame is left off the label, it puts vulnerable consumers at real risk and shakes trust across the entire supply chain.” said Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.

Ensuring Safe Eats

Allergen mislabeling continues to be one of the most common reasons for food recalls. With sesame now federally recognized as a major allergen, manufacturers and co-packers must ensure their labeling processes are up-to-date and compliant. That means rigorous internal reviews, supplier documentation checks, and investing in quality control systems that catch these errors before the product hits shelves—or vending machines.

Quick reminder: