Along with mimosas, it's a favorite this time of year. Here are the two unexpected ingredients that made their way into a classic cocktail blend.
A Popular Cocktail Mix Has Been Recalled Due to “Life-Threatening” Allergens
Published on Dec. 11, 2024
Hold off on clinking glasses at your next holiday brunch: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning that could just change your drink order.
On December 10, the health authority announced that Borsari Food Co., a Jamestown, NY-based company known primarily for selling spices and seasonings, is recalling its Bloody Mary Mix due to undeclared allergens.
The products were found to contain undeclared soy and anchovies, two ingredients that can cause severe or even deadly illness in those with allergies. The labeling errors were discovered during an inspection conducted by the New York State Department of Agriculture.
“People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to fish (anchovy), or soy that are not declared on the label run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products,” the FDA’s report warns.
The affected bloody mary mix was distributed to retailers within 100 miles of Jamestown, NY. The region of distribution includes part of Western New York, possibly including greater Buffalo, and Northwestern Pennsylvania. Though the recall notice doesn’t specify where the mislabeled products were sold, the website says that its retail partners include Whole Foods, Wegmans, Tops, Sprouts Farmers Market, Big Y, Acme, and others. It appears that the products were also sold online via Amazon as well as via the company’s site.
The cocktail mixes are sold in 32-ounce clear plastic bottles with a black label stating the brand name, Borsari, and the words The World’s Best Bloody Mary in metallic lettering. Consumers may also identify the affected items by their UPC code, 815893000101.
The communication suggests that at the time of the recall, no illnesses have been reported. Via the FDA announcement, the company noted: “Current in-house inventory, as well as future product, will clearly declare these ingredients (i.e., fish (anchovy) and soy) on the label.” [sic]
According to the Cleveland Clinic, just eight types of food cause 90% of all food allergies. Both soy and fish are included on that list, along with eggs, milk, peanuts, shellfish, tree nuts, and wheat.
The Clinic adds that symptoms of food allergy commonly include:
- Hives
- Stomach cramps
- Indigestion
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Diarrhea
- Swelling around your mouth
- Tightness in your throat
- Cough
- Itching
- Eczema
- Anaphylaxis (marked by symptoms such as difficulty breathing, closed throat, increased heart rate, drop in blood pressure, dizziness, confusion, swelling)
If you believe you are having an allergic reaction related to this recall, contact emergency services or your medical provider. The company says: “Consumers who have purchased this product and have concern about the inclusion of the allergens are welcome to return the product.” Contact the company through the FDA link above for more information.
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