A Safety Recall for Hot Pot Sauce: What You Need to Know

A Safety Recall for Hot Pot Sauce

Liaoning Cheng Da USA Inc. has issued a recall for its Wangzhihe brand hot pot sauce due to potential undeclared allergens. The recall was announced after the company discovered that the product may contain peanuts, soy, wheat, and sesame, which were not listed on the packaging. This recall has prompted a warning to customers in California, urging them to exercise caution if they have allergies to these ingredients.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has alerted consumers about the recall, emphasizing the importance of checking the product’s packaging for specific lot numbers and UPC codes. The affected hot pot sauce was sold in California, including at stores like Hawaii Supermarket, Great Wall Supermarket, and 99 Ranch Market. The product comes in spicy and regular flavors and is packaged in 5.64-ounce plastic containers.

Understanding the Risks

Food allergies and sensitivities are a significant concern for millions of Americans. According to the FDA, the nine major food allergens in the U.S. include peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, wheat, soybeans, and sesame. For individuals with allergies, consuming even small amounts of these allergens can trigger severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition.

Customers who have purchased the recalled hot pot sauce and have allergies to peanuts, wheat, soy, or sesame are at risk of serious or potentially life-threatening reactions if they consume the product. The FDA has provided a list of symptoms of allergic reactions, which can range from mild (such as hives or itching) to severe (such as difficulty breathing or loss of consciousness).

What You Need to Know About the Recalled Product

The recalled hot pot sauce has lot numbers 2023/12/20, 2024/1/31, 2024/4/15, and 2024/10/18, which can be found on the back of the packaging. The product’s UPC numbers, 6907592001375 and 6907592001382, are located on the front of the container. As of now, no illnesses related to the recall have been reported, but the FDA is encouraging consumers to take precautionary measures.

The recall underscores the importance of proper food labeling and the need for manufacturers to disclose all ingredients. Liaoning Cheng Da USA Inc. initiated the recall after discovering that the products were distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of peanuts, soy, sesame, and wheat.

Reactions and Symptoms to Watch For

The FDA has provided detailed information about the symptoms of food allergies, which can appear within minutes to hours after consuming an allergenic food. Common symptoms include hives, flushed skin, tingling or itchy sensations in the mouth, swelling of the face, tongue, or lips, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, coughing, wheezing, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, anaphylaxis can occur, leading to swelling of the throat and vocal cords, loss of consciousness, and even death if untreated.

Consumers who experience any of these symptoms after consuming the recalled hot pot sauce should seek medical attention immediately.

Next Steps for Customers

Customers who have purchased the recalled Wangzhihe hot pot sauce are advised to take the following steps:

1. Do not consume the product if you have allergies to peanuts, wheat, soy, or sesame.
2. Return the product to the place of purchase for a refund.
3. Contact Liaoning Cheng Da USA Inc. at 626-285-2887 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT) for further assistance or questions.

The FDA has also reminded consumers of the importance of being vigilant about food allergies and reading labels carefully. This recall serves as a critical reminder of the potential risks associated with undeclared allergens and the need for transparency in food labeling.

The Importance of Food Safety

This recall highlights the critical role of food safety and allergen disclosure in protecting public health. For individuals with food allergies, even small oversight