CFSAN Constituent Update - FDA Investigates Low Levels of Peanut Residue Found in Limited Flour and Flour Products

 

FDA Investigates Low Levels of Peanut Residue Found in Limited Flour and Flour Products

Fast Facts

• FDA advises consumers with severe peanut allergies to avoid the products listed below being recalled because of peanut residue in certain flour originating from Grain Craft.
• Grain Craft has recalled its affected flour. FDA is working with other companies that received the affected flour product from Grain Craft to determine if further recalls are needed.
• On June 3, 2016, Hostess recalled products containing flour it had received from Grain Craft.

What is the problem and what is being done about it? Grain Craft first notified FDA on April 26 that sampling by a customer found peanut residue in cookies and subsequent analysis revealed the source of the peanut residue to be its soft red winter wheat flour. Since that time, Grain Craft analyzed additional samples of the flour and found positive samples for peanut residue. FDA also collected samples at Grain Craft and found evidence that some soft red winter wheat flour contained peanut protein. Grain Craft ceased manufacturing and distribution of its soft red winter wheat flour on April 30. Subsequent FDA sampling did not show the presence of peanut protein. Following ongoing discussions with FDA, Grain Craft issued a recall to its customers. FDA is working with companies that received flour from Grain Craft containing undeclared peanut residue to determine if their products pose a safety hazard and need to be recalled.

On June 3, 2016, Hostess recalled products containing flour it had received from Grain Craft. Hostess had received two adverse events involving children with peanut allergies who suffered immediate allergic reactions after consuming Hostess donut products. Hostess subsequently tested the soft red winter wheat flour it had received from its supplier and notified FDA that the flour contained peanut residue. Hostess has since tested other shipments of flour from the same supplier as well as finished products and has found other instances of products or flours with low level peanut residues.

Grain Craft sells only to other companies and not directly to consumers. In general, FDA is prohibited by law from releasing publicly certain information about supply chains, such as the names of customers, if it constitutes confidential commercial information. In the meantime, reporters and consumers should contact Grain Craft directly with questions about their customers. A list of those products recalled can be found on the FDA website and will continue to be updated as the agency learns more.

What are the symptoms of peanut allergies? Following ingestion of a food allergen(s), a person with food allergies can experience a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.

This can lead to:

• constricted airways in the lungs
• severe lowering of blood pressure and shock ("anaphylactic shock")
• suffocation by swelling of the throat

Allergic reactions can include:

• Hives
• Flushed skin or rash
• Tingling or itchy sensation in the mouth
• Face, tongue, or lip swelling
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps
• Coughing or wheezing
• Dizziness and/or lightheadedness
• Swelling of the throat and vocal cords
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of consciousness

What specific products are recalled? FDA will continue to update this list if additional products are recalled.

• Cinnabon Stix
• Safeway 8" Single Layer Red Velvet Cake
• ACME 12” Decorated Chocolate Chip Cookie
• Jewel 12” Decorated Chocolate Chip Cookie
• Chick-fil-A Chocolate Chunk Cookies
• Hostess Snack Cake and Donut Products

Consumer advice for those with peanut allergies: FDA advises consumers with severe peanut allergies to avoid the recalled products listed on this page because of peanut residue in soft red winter wheat flour originating from Grain Craft.

The amount of peanut exposure from use of the flours and affected products is low and not expected to cause adverse health effects in the vast majority of peanut allergic consumers.

If symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as shortness of breath, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, or hives, occur, stop eating the product and seek immediate medical care.

The FDA tracks allergic reactions to FDA-regulated foods. Should you experience an allergic reaction to any FDA-regulated food, report it to your local FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators.

If you are unsure of your risk, ask your healthcare provider.

Individuals who do not have peanut allergies do not need to avoid these products.