Wangzhihe Hot Pot Sauce recalls its Wangzhihe Hot Pot Sauce

Date Issued: March 11, 2025
Announced By: FDA on March 11, 2025
Company: Liaoning Cheng Da USA Inc.
Product: Wangzhihe Hot Pot Sauce (Regular & Spicy flavors)
Issue: Presence of undeclared peanut, soy, sesame, and wheat
Product Details: 160g (5.64 oz) plastic containers, lot numbers: 2023/12/20, 2024/1/31, 2024/4/15, 2024/10/18; UPCs: 6907592001375, 6907592001382
Action: Consumers should return the product for a full refund

Shall we learn more about this recall? Keep on reading!

What happened?

Liaoning Cheng Da USA Inc. of San Gabriel, California, has issued a recall for its Wangzhihe Hot Pot Sauce due to undeclared allergens. The recall was announced on March 11, 2025, after it was discovered that the product contained peanut, soy, sesame, and wheat without proper labeling.

The recalled Hot Pot Sauce was distributed in California and sold at major retailers including 99 Ranch Market, Hawaii Supermarket, and Great Wall Supermarket. It comes in 160g (5.64 oz) plastic containers under the Wangzhihe brand, with the following lot numbers and UPC codes:

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Best By Date	Issue
Wangzhihe	Hot Pot Sauce (Regular & Spicy)	160g (5.64oz)	6907592001375, 6907592001382	2023/12/20, 2024/1/31, 2024/4/15, 2024/10/18	Undeclared peanut, soy, sesame, wheat

What caused the issue?

The recall was triggered after the manufacturer identified that the product was distributed in packaging that did not disclose the presence of peanut, soy, sesame, and wheat. This type of mislabeling can have serious consequences for consumers, particularly those with food allergies or dietary restrictions.

Threats of mislabeling ingredients

Severe allergic reactions: Individuals with allergies can experience life-threatening conditions such as anaphylaxis if they unknowingly consume allergens.
Legal and financial consequences: Mislabeling can result in lawsuits, fines, and product liability claims, severely impacting a company’s reputation and finances.
Loss of consumer trust: Frequent recalls due to labeling errors can cause long-term damage to a brand’s credibility.
Regulatory scrutiny: Companies that repeatedly fail to follow labeling guidelines may face FDA warnings, increased inspections, and even production shutdowns.

Consumers at risk

People with food allergies: Exposure to undeclared allergens can cause mild to severe reactions, from skin rashes to respiratory failure.
Individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance: Even trace amounts of wheat can trigger digestive issues and long-term health complications.
Young children and elderly individuals: Their immune systems are more vulnerable, making them more susceptible to severe reactions.

Symptoms of allergic reactions

Mild Symptoms: Itching, hives, swelling of the lips or tongue.
Moderate Symptoms: Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
Severe Symptoms: Shortness of breath, wheezing, drop in blood pressure, anaphylactic shock (which requires immediate medical attention).

10 questions you might have

1. What should I do if I’ve already consumed the recalled product?

If you have no allergies, you are not at risk. If you have food allergies, monitor for symptoms and seek medical attention if needed.

2. How can I tell if my product is part of the recall?

Check the lot numbers and UPC codes on the package and compare them to the recall notice.

3. Can I return the product for a refund?

Yes, you can return the recalled product to the place of purchase for a full refund.

4. What stores sold the recalled Hot Pot Sauce?

The product was distributed in California through 99 Ranch Market, Hawaii Supermarket, and Great Wall Supermarket.

5. Have any illnesses been reported from this recall?

No illnesses have been reported so far.

6. Why is mislabeling such a big deal?

For individuals with severe allergies, even a small exposure to an allergen can be life-threatening.

7. Is the recall voluntary or FDA-mandated?

The recall was initiated voluntarily by Liaoning Cheng Da USA Inc. with FDA oversight.

8. How do I report an allergic reaction to the FDA?

You can report any adverse reactions via the FDA’s MedWatch program.

9. What precautions should I take when buying packaged foods?

Always check ingredient labels carefully, especially if you have food allergies.

10. How can manufacturers prevent mislabeling?

Companies must implement strict quality control measures, routine allergen testing, and clearer labeling standards to prevent such incidents.

Here’s what you should do

If you have purchased Wangzhihe Hot Pot Sauce, here’s what you should do:

Check the packaging: Look for the UPC numbers and lot codes listed above.
Do not consume the product if you have allergies to peanut, soy, sesame, or wheat.
Return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Contact the company with any concerns at 626-285-2887 (Monday-Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM PST).

Behind the brand

Liaoning Cheng Da USA Inc. is a California-based company distributing Chinese food products. This is their first major recall, but undeclared allergen recalls have been a frequent issue in the food industry. Similar recalls occurred over these past months, for instance, On January 17, Monkey Spit, LLC issued a recall for its glass bottle of: Monkey Mop BBQ Sauce due to undeclared milk; its Swamp Mob BBQ Sauce due to undeclared soy; and, Atomic Mop BBQ Sauce due to undeclared milk and wheat. Another similar case occurred on February 15, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company, LLC issued a recall for one batch of its Mauna Loa Milk Chocolate Covered Macadamias (1 oz pouches) due to the presence of undeclared almonds.

“Consumer trust is the foundation of any successful food product, and that trust depends on transparency and strict quality control. This recall highlights how even a minor labeling mistake can pose serious risks to consumer safety. In today’s food industry, ensuring product integrity isn’t just about sourcing ingredients—it’s about the rigorous processes that guarantee every item is safe, accurately labeled, and reliable. Maintaining these standards is a shared responsibility across the entire supply chain.” – Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86

Ensuring safe eats

Allergen mislabeling remains a major concern in the food industry, emphasizing the importance of rigorous quality control and accurate labeling. Companies must ensure transparent ingredient disclosure to protect consumers from severe health risks.