The Recall Desk
Agency classClass IOur severity:SevereFDA (Food)·F-1354-2020·Announced 2020-09-09

Whole Foods Market Recalls Sliced Cheese for Undeclared Egg Allergen

Whole Foods Market is recalling specific sliced cheeses due to undeclared lysozyme from egg whites, posing a risk to individuals with egg allergies.

The agency’s classification

FDA (Food): Class I

Class I is a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.

This is the agency’s own classification, taken from its notice. The severity score below is our assessment, not the agency’s. How recall classes work

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The agency classified this recall as Class I — a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. On that classification alone this is scored Severe; a score of Critical is reserved for recalls where a death or serious injury was reported. The agency gives the reason as: "Undeclared lysozyme (from egg whites)"

Plain-English summary

Whole Foods Market is recalling approximately 2,066.9 pounds of specific sliced cheeses due to the presence of undeclared lysozyme, which is derived from egg whites. The affected products include El Trigal 12 Month Old Manchego, El Trigal 6 Month Old Manchego, and Mitica Cordobes. These cheeses were sold nationwide throughout the United States and are identified by PLU codes 29329500000, 29329900000, and 29335700000. The products are described as individual sliced cheese wrapped in plastic wrap with a scale label on top.

The recall was initiated because the products contain an undeclared major allergen. Lysozyme is a protein found in egg whites, and its presence was not disclosed on the product labeling. This mislabeling creates a significant health risk for consumers with egg allergies, who may experience allergic reactions if they consume the product.

Consumers who have purchased these specific cheeses should check their PLU codes and sell-by dates, which extend until September 11, 2020. Individuals with egg allergies should avoid consuming the product. Those who have questions about the recall or need assistance should contact Whole Foods Market directly.

The recalled product

Product
Whole Foods Market El Trigal 12 Month Old Manchego PLU 29329500000; Whole Foods Market El Trigal 6 Month Old Manchego PLU 29329900000; Whole Foods Market Mitica Cordobes PLU 29335700000; Individual sliced cheese wrapped in plastic wrap with scale label on top.
Manufacturer
Whole Foods Market
Category
Food — Cheese
Hazard

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Lot numbers (2)

  • Sell by dates: until September 11
  • 2020

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Part of a larger recall action

This product is one of 9 recalled by Whole Foods Market under a single FDA (Food) recall action. The agency files each product separately, so the size of the action is not visible from this page alone.

See all 9 products in this recall →

Related recalls

Same manufacturer · Whole Foods Market

See all →

Same hazard · allergen egg

See all →

Similar recalls