Update on snack food recalls in four states as FDA raises concerns

A snack food produced by an Oregon company that was recalled earlier this summer has now been given a risk rating by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Orwaiian LLC, based in Gresham, issued a recall of its Bday Crunch Mochi Crunch snack in August because the product’s “contains statement” failed to list milk and coconut. All allergens were listed in the product’s ingredient list.

The recall, which began on August 21, affects 720 units distributed in California, Oregon, Washington, Washington DC, and Hawaii.

The affected batches had a best-before date of 29-07-2025 or earlier and can be identified by the UPC code 7189147148 and the MFG code MCBD05.

The FDA has now issued a Class II risk classification for the recall effective September 11.

A Class II recall is “a situation in which the use of or exposure to an inappropriate product may result in temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects or in which the likelihood of serious adverse health effects is remote.”

Orwaiian LLC told Newsweek: “We are working with the FDA and ODA (Oregon Department of Agriculture) to ensure we are following the appropriate steps. All retail consignments have been issued a recall notice.

“We are working to improve our process by further reviewing our labels with internal and external reviewers, consistent with FDA guidelines and requirements.”

The Oregon Department of Agriculture added: “People who are allergic or hypersensitive to milk and/or coconut are at risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

“Customers who purchased the above product between May 18, 2023 and July 29, 2024 are urged to destroy the product or return it to the store where it was purchased if you are hypersensitive to milk and/or coconut.”

Milk is one of nine ‘major food allergens’ according to legislation. Cross-contamination can cause the potentially fatal condition of anaphylaxis in people with a milk allergy.

Other major allergens include eggs, fish, shellfish (e.g. crab, lobster and shrimp), nuts (including coconuts, almonds and walnuts), peanuts, wheat, soybeans and sesame seeds.

Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention and can lead to narrowing of the airways in the lungs, a severe drop in blood pressure and shock, and suffocation due to swelling of the throat and larynx.

Other symptoms of serious allergic reactions include hives, red skin or rash, tingling or itching in the mouth, swollen face, tongue or lips, vomiting and diarrhea, stomach cramps, coughing or wheezing, dizziness or lightheadedness, swelling of the throat and vocal cords, difficulty breathing and unconsciousness.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, about 6.2 percent of adults in the U.S. have at least one food allergy.

In addition to allergies, milk can also pose a risk to people with lactose intolerance, which is the inability to properly digest a type of sugar found in dairy products.

Symptoms of lactose intolerance include bloating, diarrhea, gas, nausea and abdominal pain, according to the National Institutes of Health. The condition can also lead to long-term adverse health effects by blocking the absorption of calcium and vitamin D.