Snack Recall Update as FDA Sets Highest Risk Level

A stock image of a snack mix in a bowl. The products were distributed in New York City only.

Two recalled snack products have been given the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) highest risk classification.

Bags of Pop a Nosh Mix Munch Regular and Honey BBQ snacks, produced by AMB Food Inc., were recalled by the company in May 2024 after being found to contain an undeclared allergen. The snack contains pretzels but did not list wheat, one of the nine major allergens, on the product packaging.

The items have now been given a Class I risk classification by the FDA. A Class I recall, the highest risk level, is issued when there is a "reasonable probability" that the use of, or exposure to, a product could "cause serious adverse health consequences or death."

The products come in 8-ounce packages with the Universal Product Codes (UPC) 914669941 for Regular; and 914669940 for the Honey BBQ version.

The FDA says that no ingredient statement is included on the packaging, but "the front label does indicate the mixes contain potato chips, popcorn, and pretzels." The products were sold in retail stores throughout Brooklyn, New York.

As of the recall announcement on May 24, there have been no injuries or illnesses reported due to consuming the product. Anyone with a wheat allergy is urged to either throw the product away or return it to the point of purchase for a full refund.

Symptoms of allergic reactions caused by food include itching, rashes, hives, vomiting and/or diarrhea, abdominal cramping, swelling of the throat and vocal cords, and coughing or wheezing.

In the case of a serious allergic reaction, anaphylaxis can occur, a life-threatening medical emergency. Symptoms include a severe drop in blood pressure, difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness, all of which require urgent medical attention.

The FDA has warned that "symptoms of anaphylaxis may start out as relatively mild but, if not treated promptly, symptoms can become life-threatening in a short amount of time."

The other eight major food allergens designated by the FDA are soybeans, fish, crustacean shellfish, milk, tree nuts, eggs, peanuts, and sesame.

The FDA has three levels of classification for product recalls, which indicate the health threat posed to the public. A Class II recall refers to the "situation in which the use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote."

A Class III classification, the least serious, is awarded when "a situation in which use of, or exposure to, a violative product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences."

Consumers with questions relating to this recall can call 929-292-0838 from Monday through to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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