South Asian Food Inc. Recalls Bengal King Jhal Chanachur Over Undeclared Peanuts

MASPETH, N.Y. (December 15, 2025) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that South Asian Food Inc. is voluntarily recalling its Bengal King Jhal Chanachur due to a critical labeling error that resulted in undeclared peanuts. According to the FDA, the product packaging fails to declare the presence of peanuts, posing a serious health risk to consumers with peanut allergies. Regulators said the issue was discovered during routine sampling by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, which revealed the allergen’s presence despite it not being listed on the label.

Bengal King Recall: Quick Summary

South Asian Food Inc. has issued a voluntary recall for 12.34-ounce packages of its Bengal King Jhal Chanachur, a popular spicy snack mix. The recall was initiated because the product contains peanuts that are not declared on the ingredient label. This omission creates a life-threatening hazard for individuals with peanut allergies. The affected jars were distributed nationwide to retail stores and through mail orders. Consumers are urged to check their pantries immediately, as the product has a long shelf life extending into 2026.

What Happened?

The FDA said South Asian Food Inc. initiated the recall after New York State food inspectors discovered that the peanut-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of peanuts. The company told regulators it is cooperating fully to remove the potentially dangerous product from the market. The recall affects jars with an expiration date of June 2026, meaning they could remain in consumers’ homes for an extended period if not identified.

In its recall alert, the FDA warned that “people who have allergies to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products”. The agency confirmed that subsequent analysis by food laboratory personnel verified the presence of the allergen.

Affected Products

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Expiration Date	Lot Code	Issue
Bengal King	Jhal Chanachur	12.34 oz (350gm)	8941153046243	June-2026	HCNCU1205/24	Undeclared Peanuts

What Caused the Issue?

According to the FDA notice, the recall was caused by a labeling failure where the packaging did not accurately reflect the ingredients used in the snack mix. Undeclared allergens are a leading cause of food recalls and present a significant danger to public health.

The problem was identified through government sampling rather than consumer complaints. The primary health risk is anaphylaxis, a rapid and severe allergic reaction that can be fatal. The agency confirmed that no illnesses or allergic reactions involving this product have been reported to date.

Questions You Might Have

1. What product is being recalled?Bengal King Jhal Chanachur in 12.34 oz (350gm) clear plastic jars.
2. Why is it dangerous?It contains peanuts that are not listed on the label, posing a risk to allergic consumers.
3. What is the expiration date?The recalled jars are stamped with an expiration date of June-2026 on the side.
4. How can I identify the lot?Look for Lot B No. HCNCU1205/24 printed on the top of the jar.
5. Where was it sold?The product was distributed nationwide in retail stores and via mail orders.
6. Have there been any illnesses?No illnesses or allergic reactions have been reported so far.
7. What should I do if I bought it?Return it to the store where you purchased it for a full refund.
8. Can I eat it if I’m not allergic to peanuts?Yes, if you do not have a peanut allergy, the product is safe to consume.
9. Who is the manufacturer?South Asian Food Inc., based in Maspeth, Queens, New York.
10. Who can I contact with questions?You can contact the company at 1-718-894-2507.

Here’s What You Should Do

• Check your pantry: Look for clear plastic jars labeled “Bengal King Jhal Chanachur”.
• Verify the code: Check the top of the jar for Lot B No. HCNCU1205/24.
• Do not consume: If you have a peanut allergy, do not eat this product.
• Return for refund: Take the jar back to the retailer for a full refund.

Behind the Brand

South Asian Food Inc. is an importer and distributor located in Maspeth, Queens, New York, specializing in products from Bangladesh, India, and Thailand. The company supplies supermarkets and retailers across the United States with frozen fish, vegetables, and snacks. This is not the first time the company has faced allergen labeling issues; in May 2025, they recalled “Bengal King Family Pack Vegetable Singara” for the same issue—undeclared peanuts.

Other Relevant Recalls

This recall is part of a troubling pattern for the brand. In May 2025, South Asian Food Inc. issued a similar alert when it recalled its Bengal King Family Pack Vegetable Singara after discovering that a peanut-containing ingredient was included without being declared on the label. That incident, like the current one, highlights the recurring challenge of ensuring accurate allergen declarations on imported specialty foods.

Related Regulatory Action: Uninspected Lamb Recall (December 2025) In a similar enforcement action regarding food safety compliance, Ghanaianway Restaurant and Grocery LLC has voluntarily recalled approximately 5,970 pounds of salted lamb. Much like the South Asian Food Inc. incident, this highlights the importance of rigorous regulatory oversight. To learn more about this specific alert, read our full report: Ghanaianway Recalls Salted Lamb Over Lack of Inspection.

Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, said:

“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

The repeated nature of allergen recalls from the same distributor raises questions about the robustness of their verification processes. For consumers, this reinforces the need for vigilance, especially when purchasing imported packaged foods where labeling standards or translations may occasionally lapse. Always check for recall alerts on favorite ethnic specialty products.

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!