- Date Issued: April 28, 2025
- Announced by: FDA on April 29, 2025
- Company Name: Taylor Fresh Foods
- Product Recalled: Trader Joe’s Sesame Miso Salad with Salmon (10.25 oz)
- Issue: Undeclared milk allergen due to parmesan cheese packet mix-up
- Distribution: Trader Joe’s stores in 19 states
- Action: Discard if you have allergies; contact customer service with questions
Stick around to find out more about this recall—there’s more than miso in that salad.
What happened?
Taylor Fresh Foods, the producer behind Trader Joe’s Sesame Miso Salad with Salmon, issued a voluntary recall on April 28, 2025. The culprit? A cheesy surprise no one asked for—parmesan cheese crumbles in place of the intended crispy onion packet. Parmesan contains milk, a major allergen, which wasn’t declared on the label.
This recall only affects a limited batch of 500 units, and as of now, no adverse reactions have been reported.
Here are the salad specifics:
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best By Date | Issue |
Trader Joe’s | Sesame Miso Salad with Salmon | 10.25 oz | 00773164 | April 28 & 29, 2025 | Undeclared milk (parmesan mix-up) |
Distributed to Trader Joe’s stores in: AL, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, NC, NE, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, WI
What caused the issue?
Let’s unpack the salad slip-up. This recall happened because a packet of parmesan cheese crumbles was mistakenly placed inside Trader Joe’s Sesame Miso Salad with Salmon. The label, however, still listed the topping as crispy onions—with no mention of milk, which is a top 9 allergen.
That’s a big problem. For most folks, cheese is just a tasty bonus. But for people with a milk allergy, even a small amount of undeclared dairy can lead to serious health consequences.
Why undeclared milk is a big deal:
- Milk is one of the most common food allergens, especially among children.
- Even trace amounts can trigger mild to severe reactions, including life-threatening anaphylaxis.
- Label transparency is not just nice to have—it’s legally required under the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA).
- This kind of mislabeling puts millions of milk-sensitive consumers at risk.
Who’s at risk?
- Individuals with milk allergies
- People with lactose intolerance (less severe, but still a concern)
- Parents of allergic children, especially toddlers and school-aged kids
- Healthcare providers or caretakers purchasing ready-made meals
Symptoms of a milk allergy reaction:
- Hives or skin rash
- Stomach cramps, nausea, or vomiting
- Wheezing or coughing
- Facial swelling or tingling
- Trouble breathing
- Anaphylaxis (requires immediate emergency care)
10 questions you might have
1. What’s the issue with the salad?
The salad may include a packet of parmesan cheese (which contains milk), not listed on the label.
2. I’m not allergic to milk—do I still need to worry?
Not necessarily, but if you’re serving it to someone else, especially children, it could pose a risk.
3. How do I know if my salad is affected?
Check for the UPC 00773164 and Use By dates April 28 or 29, 2025. Only those are part of the recall.
4. I already ate it and feel fine. Should I be concerned?
If you don’t have a milk allergy, you’re likely in the clear. Still, monitor for any unusual symptoms.
5. Is this a contamination issue?
No. It’s a mislabeling issue—the wrong topping packet was included during packaging.
6. What’s the difference between an allergy and intolerance?
Allergies involve the immune system and can be severe. Intolerance affects digestion and is less dangerous but still uncomfortable.
7. Can I return the product to the store?
Trader Joe’s typically offers refunds on recalled items. Contact your local store for details.
8. How do I report a reaction or concern?
You can contact the FDA’s MedWatch program or call Trader Joe’s at (855) 455-0098.
9. Is this salad still available in stores?
Only affected batches were pulled. All remaining inventory should be safe and properly labeled.
10. What is Trader Joe’s doing to prevent this again?
While not publicly detailed yet, manufacturers usually review and tighten packaging protocols after incidents like this.
Here’s what you should do
Got a recalled salad in your fridge? Here’s the game plan:
- Do Not Eat It if you have a milk allergy or intolerance
- Look for the Label: Check the UPC (00773164) and Use By Dates (April 28–29, 2025)
- State Check: Were you shopping in one of the affected 19 states? Take note
- Dispose of It safely if it’s affected
- Questions? Contact Trader Joe’s Customer Service: (855) 455-0098, M–F, 8am–5pm PST
Behind the brand
Taylor Fresh Foods, the California-based co-manufacturer behind this salad, is no stranger to the grocery scene. With a strong presence in fresh-cut produce and ready-to-eat meals, Taylor is a trusted supplier for many private label products, including Trader Joe’s.
While this is not their first recall, it’s a reminder of how critical labeling accuracy is—especially in a market where food allergies are on the rise.
Curious about similar recalls? Check out:
- On April 2, 2025, Panaderia Salvadorena Inc., issued a recall for its Quesadilla de Queso bread due to the presence of undeclared milk.
- On March 27, 2025, Cromer Food Services, Inc. announced a recall of their Chicken Salad on White Sandwich due to the presence of an undeclared milk allergen.
- March 25, 2025, Old World Spices & Seasoning, Inc. recalled 8,532 bottles of Lillie’s Q Buffalo Wing Sauce due to an undeclared milk allergen that was in both the ingredient list and the “Contains” statement.
“Accurate labeling is the first line of defense when it comes to protecting consumers—especially those with food allergies. When something as serious as a milk allergen isn’t clearly disclosed, it not only endangers public health but also erodes consumer trust. This Trader Joe’s recall is a clear reminder of why rigorous quality checks and label accuracy are essential across the food industry.” — Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.
Ensuring safe eats
This recall may be small in scale, but it speaks volumes about how a simple packaging error can lead to serious consequences—especially for allergy-prone consumers. In today’s food supply chain, quality control and cross-checking allergen labels aren’t optional—they’re essential.
Whether you’re a bulk buyer, importer, or private label manufacturer, it’s a good time to:
- Reassess your allergen protocols
- Ensure all co-packing partners have solid QA checks
- Stay informed on recalls that may affect your ingredient sourcing
Want to dive deeper into food safety or find trusted, top-quality ingredients? Reach out to our team or check out our website—we’re always here to help! Let’s connect!
