ILG International Trading Inc. of Brooklyn, NY, is recalling some of its imported dried apricots because they have more than twice the amount of sulfites known to cause reactions in people.
“Anaphylactic shock could occur in certain sulfite sensitive individuals upon ingesting 10 milligrams or more of sulfites. Analysis of ‘Natural Delight Collection’ natural dried apricots revealed they contained 23.49 milligrams per serving,” according to the company’s recall notice posted by the Food and Drug Administration.
People with asthma are at particular risk, according to the notice. As of the posting of the notice no confirmed reactions had been reported to the FDA. Consumers who have a sensitivity to sulfites can have serious or life-threatening reactions if they consume the product.
There is concern that consumers may have some of the imported, dried apricots in their homes because of their long shelf life, which extends to March 2022.
“The recall was initiated after routine sampling by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of sulfites in the 500 g (17 oz) packages of ‘Natural Delight Collection’ Natural Dried Apricots, which were not declared on the label,” according to the company’s recall.
The recalled “Natural Delight Collection” natural dried apricots, product of Uzbekistan, were distributed nationwide in retail stores. The product comes in a 500 g —17-ounce — cardboard box marked with a best before date of 03/30/2022. The product UPC number is 811579000533.
Consumers who have purchased 500 g packages of “Natural Delight Collection” natural dried apricots are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 917-723-5436.
(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here.)