Prolainat, a company that specializes in frozen confectionary, ice creams, and cakes has voluntarily recalled the “dozen sweet bites” of Trader Joe’s. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the recall is being carried out owing to undeclared coconut (missing as an ingredient on the product label) in the 9.16 oz packages of Trader Joe’s Chocolate & Coffee “Opéra” Cake, Raspberry “Macaron Aux Framboises” Cake, and Caramel & Chocolate Cake, all sold as “dozen sweet bites.”

The FDA statement reads, “The product was sold frozen and packaged in a 9.16 oz box with a photograph of the product on the front of the box and a UPC #00967679 that can be found printed the back of the package.”

People who are sensitive to coconut or coconut containing products may have an unpleasant, serious, or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the products mentioned above. The symptoms could range from itching of the mouth, throat, and eyes to nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, the difficulty of swallowing, and going into anaphylactic shock.

Dr. Krishna Tangella, CEO of DoveMed, says, “As someone who has suffered from coconut sensitivity since childhood, I can say that it is difficult to look out for coconut in processed food all the time. But if the label is missing an ingredient, it could be dangerous, and I am glad these products are being recalled.”

People who are sensitive to coconut are advised to not consume the products and return them to Trader Joe’s for a refund. Consumers who do not have coconut sensitivity need not be concerned.

Concerned consumers are advised to contact Trader Joe’s Customer Relations at 626-599-3817, Monday-Friday (6.00am-6.00pm, PST).

Written by Mangala Sarkar Ph.D.

References

(2015 April 15). Prolainat Voluntarily Recalls Trader Joe’s A Dozen Sweet Bites Due to Undeclared Coconut. Retrieved from  http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm443480.htm?source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Company Overview of Prolainat. Retrieved from http://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=153889

Tree Nut Allergy. Retrieved from http://acaai.org/allergies/types/food-allergies/types-food-allergy/tree-nut-allergy