NEWSWEEK – A nondairy coffee creamer sold across the Northeast has been recalled after it was found that it could pose serious health risks to consumers with milk allergies.
MO-CHA brand Premium Non-Dairy Creamer, imported by Momo Tea Inc. of Maspeth, New York, was voluntarily recalled after it was found to contain undeclared milk ingredients.
On Tuesday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified the recall as Class I, its most serious designation.
Newsweek has contacted Momo Tea Inc via social media for comment.
Why It Matters
Federal food labeling regulations require that all major allergens, including milk, be clearly disclosed on packaging. The recalled product includes milk-derived ingredients, whey powder and casein, but does not declare milk as an allergen on its label.
This type of labeling omission can be life-threatening for individuals with milk allergies as food allergy symptoms can include hives, rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, respiratory issues and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis—a condition marked by throat swelling, a drop in blood pressure, difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness.
What To Know
The affected product, which was imported from China and packaged in 2.2-pound bags, has a shelf life of two years.
There are no lot codes or unique identifiers listed in the recall notice. According to the FDA, all units of the product on the market are subject to the recall, with about 4,500 cases distributed across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
Momo Tea Inc. initiated the recall on April 10, and the FDA released its classification on April 22.
Ingredients listed on the product label include glucose syrup, refined vegetable oil, whey powder, sugar and various food additives …
