Undeclared Food Allergens Cause Los Angeles Company to Recall Spicy Edamame Product

Recently, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) posted information about the recall of a spicy edamame product by a company based out of Los Angeles. According to the voluntary recall notice, the product contains an undeclared shellfish/crustacean allergen “Oyster Extract” ingredient within the spicy sauce packet. The spicy edamame packages were distributed through retailers in California as well as Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas.

The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA) requires that food labels clearly identify the food source names of all ingredients that are, or contain any protein derived from, the eight most common food allergens. FALCPA defines these as “major food allergens” and they account for 90% of allergic reactions to foods. The eight include crustacean shellfish, fish, milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybeans.

“People with food allergies who unknowingly consume products containing allergens can experience a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “The FDA estimates that each year, anaphylaxis caused by food allergens results in 30,000 emergency room visits, 2,000 hospitalizations, and tragically, 150 deaths in the United States alone.”

Working with food producers, importers, distributors and retailers throughout California to prevent these types of costly recalls are the food testing experts at LA Testing. Their laboratories provide allergen testing of raw ingredients and final products. They also offer food labeling services and a comprehensive range of other food safety and quality assurance tests.

To learn more about mold and indoor air quality (IAQ) testing or other environmental, occupational, health and safety services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794.  For access to indoor environmental test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals.  In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC Elite, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states.  LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

LA Testing

(1) 856-303-2503

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