If You're Eating This for Breakfast, the FDA Says Stop Immediately
One brand of this morning favorite has been recalled due to an undeclared, potentially dangerous ingredient.
If your new year health kick is off to a good start, you've probably been switching out some of your more calorific breakfast choices, like sugary cereals and carb-heavy bagels, for healthier options, like yogurt or oatmeal. But if you've been enjoying one particular brand of the latter, you need to check the label carefully now that the FDA has announced a recall on a popular brand of oatmeal products. Read on to find out if your oatmeal is safe to eat, and for another popular breakfast product that you need to avoid, find out why If You Have This Coffee at Home, the FDA Says Get Rid of It Now.
The recalled oatmeal is made by think!
The FDA issued the notice on Jan. 28 regarding the think! brand of oatmeal products. Manufactured by Interpac Technologies, Inc., of Woodland, California, the recalled oatmeal is think!'s Protein + Fiber Oatmeal in the Farmer's Market Berry Crumble flavor, which may contain undeclared tree nuts, including almonds and pecans. The recall was set in motion after a customer reported finding a piece of undeclared almond in their oatmeal. And for another fan favorite you need to ditch, check out If You Have These Chips at Home, the FDA Says Check Them Immediately.
Tree nut allergies are quite common.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) ranks tree nut allergies as one of the most common food allergies, estimating that it affects 0.5-1 percent of the American population.
In addition to almonds, other tree nuts include Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios, and walnuts—but interestingly, an allergy to one does not necessarily mean a person is allergic to the others. Additionally, only 30 percent of people who are allergic to peanuts (which grow underground) are also allergic to tree nuts. And for another recent recall, check out If You Have This Condiment at Home, Throw It Away Now, FDA Says.
It can trigger a serious reaction.
The AAAAI advises that while around 10 percent of individuals may outgrow a tree nut allergy over the course of time, while they're susceptible to an allergic response, the consequences can be serious. "Reactions to tree nuts can be severe, including life threatening anaphylaxis," they write. "Individuals with a tree nut allergy should have epinephrine available at all times." And for more recall news sent right to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
Here's how to identify the potentially contaminated oatmeal packages.
The think! oatmeal was distributed nationwide, so all consumers are being advised to check their pantries. The oatmeal products in question were sold in individual 1.76 oz bowls with a UPC Code of 753656711836 or in a case containing six bowls with a UPC Code of 753656712338, all with best by dates of Oct. 15, 2021; Oct. 16, 2021; Oct. 19, 2021; Oct. 20, 2021; or Oct. 21, 2021 stamped on the bottom of the bowls. If your oatmeal matches any of these descriptions, the FDA advises you not to eat it and to return the recalled products to the point of purchase for a full refund. And for more on the latest in consumer safety, check out If You Bought This Beer, Throw It Out Wearing Gloves and a Face Shield.
