Broccoli Recall as Life-Threatening Warning Issued

A broccoli recall was issued this week over possible allergy concerns following the discovery of an undeclared ingredient.

On Friday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration published a recall announcement for 20-ounce packages of King Kullen Broccoli Cutlets with Bread Crumbs and Parmesan, produced by Gracie’s Kitchens of New Haven, Connecticut.

The recall was issued “because they may contain undeclared sesame and wheat,” the FDA said.

“People who have allergies to sesame and wheat run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products,” the recall announcement said. “The product comes in a 20-ounce, oven safe tin package with a clear dome top marked with a UPC Code of ‘0 8531610145 0’ and with effected Sell By dates of: 4/14/24 – 4/21/24 on the top panel.”

According to the FDA announcement, the recalled “Broccoli Cutlet” products were sold at several King Kullen grocery stores across Long Island, New York. Some store locations include the towns of Manhasset, Center Moriches, Bay Shore, Bridgehampton, Shirley, Garden City Park, Eastport and St. James.

“The recall was initiated after it was discovered that a product containing sesame and wheat didn’t include the full ingredient breakdown on the ingredient panel,” the announcement said.

According to the recall, no illnesses have yet been reported from the King Kullen Broccoli Cutlets with Bread Crumbs and Parmesan, and said that “consumers who have purchased 20-ounce packages of King Kullen Broccoli Cutlets with Bread Crumbs and Parmesan are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.”

The company can be contacted by phone or email.

Newsweek reached out to the FDA via email for further comment.

A spokesperson for Gracie’s Kitchen told Newsweek that “Almost all product effected by the recall has been segregated and removed from consumer chain with the exception of 2 packages.”

“Gracie’s Kitchens takes this matter very seriously and we are working with US FDA to effectively communicate and coordinate this recall,” the spokesperson added.

Over the past few months, the FDA has issued several different recall announcements, for a wide variety of reasons. Some products have been recalled for undeclared ingredients, while others may be contaminated with bacteria, like salmonella.

Last month, the FDA announced a recall for Wesco brand Mint No Bake Cookie Bites over concerns that they contained undeclared ingredients.

“The recall was initiated after it was discovered that Wesco Mint No Bake Cookie Bites containing peanut butter were distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of peanuts,” the notice said. “Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by incorrect product formulation within the manufacturing facility’s new software system.”