NEWARK, CA (November 18, 2025) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a recall of Tops Mixed Fruit Jam and Tops Strawberry Jam after the agency confirmed the products contain carmoisine, an unapproved color additive in the United States. According to the FDA, Mangalm LLC issued the recall following an inspection that identified the safety violation.
Tops recall: quick summary
According to the FDA, Mangalm LLC recalled two jam products after regulators discovered the presence of carmoisine, a synthetic red dye not authorized for use in U.S. food products. The affected items were distributed across several western states and shared the same batch number and best-before date. No illnesses have been confirmed so far, but consumers are advised not to eat the jam and instead return or discard the product. The manufacturer has halted distribution and removed the items from store shelves.
Official recall details
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Recall date: November 7, 2025
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Announced by: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
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Company: Mangalm LLC
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Product name: Tops Mixed Fruit Jam (475g) and Tops Strawberry Jam (475g)
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Issue: Undeclared carmoisine, an unapproved color additive
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Product details: Batch #4F1101, best before 10/06/2026
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Distribution: California, Utah, Washington, and Portland
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Consumer instructions: Do not consume the jam; discard or return to the store for a refund
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Stick around to find out more about this recall.
What happened?
The FDA said Mangalm LLC initiated the recall after inspectors found that the company’s Tops-branded jams contained carmoisine, also known as Acid Red 14. The additive is permitted in some countries but is not approved for use in food products in the United States due to potential health concerns.
The recall, announced on November 7 in coordination with the FDA, affects Tops Mixed Fruit Jam and Tops Strawberry Jam, both sold in 475-gram jars. The items share batch #4F1101 and a best-before date of 10/06/2026. According to the FDA, the products were distributed to retailers across California, Utah, Washington, and Portland.
In its recall alert, the FDA warned that “the presence of an unapproved color additive may pose safety concerns for consumers, particularly those with sensitivities to synthetic dyes.”
Affected products
Brand | Product | Size | Best by date | Issue | Affected states |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tops | Mixed Fruit Jam | 475g | 10/06/2026 | Undeclared carmoisine | CA, UT, WA, OR |
Tops | Strawberry Jam | 475g | 10/06/2026 | Undeclared carmoisine | CA, UT, WA, OR |
What caused the issue?
According to the FDA notice, carmoisine was identified during a routine inspection of the manufacturer. The agency confirmed that the dye is not authorized for food use in the United States, and consuming products containing it may carry health risks.
Most at risk are individuals sensitive to synthetic dyes, children, and anyone with existing food-related allergies. Reported symptoms from similar dye exposure in past cases include headaches, rashes, or gastrointestinal discomfort. No illnesses related to this recall have been confirmed.
Company officials said the distributor has stopped circulation of the affected batches and removed them from shelves.
Questions you might have
Carmoisine is not approved by the FDA because safety data is insufficient, and some studies link synthetic dyes to potential allergic or behavioral effects.
They may pose risks for people sensitive to synthetic dyes. No illnesses have been reported, but the FDA advises avoiding consumption.
Check for batch #4F1101 and best-before 10/06/2026. If both match, your product is affected.
Possible reactions include headaches, rashes, stomach upset, or hyperactivity in children with dye sensitivities.
Dispose of it safely or return it to the retailer for a refund.
No. The FDA recommends discarding the product regardless of symptoms.
Retailers in California, Utah, Washington, and Portland received the affected batches.
Mangalm LLC can be reached at 925-319-7496 or [email protected].
Yes. Several recent recalls have involved unauthorized dyes or undeclared color additives in imported foods.
Strict ingredient verification, supplier audits, batch testing, and FSQA oversight reduce risks of unapproved additives entering production.
Here’s what you should do
- Do not eat the product
- Discard it or return it to the place of purchase
- Check the batch number (#4F1101) and best-before date on the jar lid
- Contact Mangalm LLC for refunds or questions: 925-319-7496 or [email protected]
Behind the brand
Mangalm LLC is a wholesale distributor specializing in ready-to-eat sweets and snacks for Indian grocery markets across the U.S. West Coast. The company said it has “ceased distribution of the affected product” and is working with the FDA to ensure compliance.
Other relevant recalls
This recall comes amid a series of additive- and allergen-related recalls across the U.S. food sector. Previous recalls have affected jams, candies, and beverages with unauthorized dyes or undeclared allergens. Several brands have also issued similar alerts for unrelated undeclared ingredients, including President Brand, Tai Foong USA, and One Frozen, each recalling products in recent months due to unlisted allergens or other undeclared substances.
“At the end of the day, this is an unnecessary additive,” said Thomas Galligan, principal scientist for food additives and supplements at the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). “It’s a marketing tool for the industry to make foods look more appealing … But federal law is clear: No amount of cancer risk is acceptable in foods.”
Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, emphasized the broader implication:
“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 ongoing challenges in ingredient oversight, particularly among imported and specialty products. Preventing such issues requires robust supplier verification, stronger batch tracking, and strict adherence to FDA compliance rules.
Consumers should immediately check their pantry for the recalled Tops jam products and dispose of them if they match the affected batch number.
At Source86, we support food brands through precise ingredient sourcing, FSQA oversight, and private label production, ensuring that when recalls occur, companies are prepared to respond quickly and responsibly. Contact us.
