The Recall Desk
Agency classPublic Health AlertOur severity:HighUSDA FSIS·PHA-02252021-01·Announced 2021-02-25

Whole Foods Beef Meatballs Recalled for Undeclared Milk Allergen

Whole Foods Market issued a public health alert for beef meatballs with marinara sauce containing undeclared parmesan cheese. Consumers with milk allergies should not consume the product.

The agency’s classification

USDA FSIS: Public Health Alert

Public Health Alert is a warning FSIS issues when there is a food-safety concern but a recall is not requested, typically because the affected product is no longer available for purchase.

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 3/5 (High).

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves allergen mislabeling on a common allergen (milk) and a reported adverse reaction, which aligns with the High severity criteria for allergen mislabeling and risk-of-harm products.

Plain-English summary

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert for Whole Foods Market Beef Meatballs with Marinara. The 24-oz. clear plastic containers, identified by PLU code 39496 and sell-by dates through February 27, 2021, were misbranded and produced with an undeclared allergen. The product contains parmesan cheese made from milk, which is not declared on the label.

The alert was issued after the firm notified the FDA of a customer report of an adverse reaction due to consumption of the product. FSIS issued the alert out of caution to ensure consumers with milk allergies are aware that these products should not be consumed. A formal recall was not requested because it is believed the affected products are no longer available for direct retail purchase.

The product was sold in retail locations in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Consumers with food allergies who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. The products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a health care provider.

The recalled product

Product
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Beef Meatball Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergen
Category
Food — Prepared Meat
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed in 9 states:

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