Trader Joe’s Recalls Sesame Miso Salad and Hot Honey Mustard Dressing Due to Undeclared Allergens

Trader Joe’s has issued two separate recalls for its Sesame Miso Salad with Salmon and Hot Honey Mustard Dressing due to concerns about undeclared allergens. The recalls were initiated after it was discovered that the salad may contain milk, while the dressing may contain peanut, sesame, soy, and wheat, none of which are properly declared on the product labels. These omissions pose a significant risk to consumers with allergies to these ingredients, potentially leading to serious health consequences.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the recall of the Trader Joe’s Sesame Miso Salad with Salmon on April 28. The agency stated that approximately 500 units of the salad were mistakenly packaged with a sealed packet of parmesan cheese crumbles instead of the intended crispy onions. This error introduces milk, a known allergen, into the product without it being listed on the ingredient label.

The recalled Sesame Miso Salad with Salmon was distributed to Trader Joe’s stores in 18 states across the United States. These states include Alabama, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. Customers who purchased the salad in these states with use-by dates of April 28 and 29 and UPC barcode number 00773164 are urged not to consume it if they have a milk allergy.

Trader Joe’s is advising customers who have purchased the recalled salad to return it to their local store for a full refund. This measure is in place to prevent any potential allergic reactions and to ensure the safety of its customers.

The recall of the Hot Honey Mustard Dressing, which was initiated earlier in March, stems from a separate labeling error. According to the company, certain bottles of the dressing may contain undeclared allergens, including peanut, sesame, soy, and wheat. This poses a significant risk to individuals with allergies to these ingredients, as they may unknowingly consume the product and experience an allergic reaction.

The affected Hot Honey Mustard Dressing has a recall date of May 27, 2025, indicating that the issue was identified before the product’s expiration date. The dressing was sold in Arkansas, Colorado, Washington, D.C., Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia.

Trader Joe’s is urging customers who have purchased the recalled Hot Honey Mustard Dressing to either discard it or return it to a Trader Joe’s store for a full refund. The company is taking these steps to minimize the risk of allergic reactions and to protect the health and well-being of its customers. Given that the dressing does not expire until late May, it is possible that some bottles remain in customers’ pantries, making it crucial for individuals to check their products and take appropriate action.

Undeclared allergens in food products are a serious concern, as they can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic reactions can range from mild symptoms such as hives and itching to severe and potentially life-threatening symptoms like anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can cause difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness. It requires immediate medical attention and can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Food manufacturers have a legal and ethical responsibility to accurately label their products and to ensure that all ingredients, including potential allergens, are clearly identified. Failure to do so can have serious consequences for consumers with food allergies.

The FDA closely regulates food labeling and enforces laws to protect consumers from undeclared allergens. The agency requires food manufacturers to list all ingredients on their product labels and to identify any of the eight major food allergens that are present in the product. These eight major allergens are milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans. They account for approximately 90% of all food allergies.

When a food manufacturer discovers that a product contains an undeclared allergen, they are required to issue a recall to remove the product from the market. Recalls are typically initiated voluntarily by the manufacturer, but the FDA can also order a recall if necessary.

The recalls of the Trader Joe’s Sesame Miso Salad with Salmon and Hot Honey Mustard Dressing highlight the importance of accurate food labeling and the potential risks associated with undeclared allergens. Consumers with food allergies should always read food labels carefully and avoid products that may contain allergens that they are sensitive to.

If you suspect that you have had an allergic reaction to a food product, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. An allergist can perform tests to identify your specific allergies and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Trader Joe’s has taken appropriate steps to address the issues with the Sesame Miso Salad with Salmon and Hot Honey Mustard Dressing. The company has issued recalls for the affected products and is offering full refunds to customers who return them to their local stores. These actions demonstrate Trader Joe’s commitment to the safety and well-being of its customers. It also serves as a reminder to all food manufacturers of the critical importance of accurate labeling and allergen control measures in food production. Consumer safety depends on diligence in preventing these types of errors.