Popular US warned by FDA for mislabeling allergens in products

The largest commercial baking company in the country was slammed by the FDA for inaccurately labeling products with allergens that weren't present.

Inspections revealed Bimbo Bakeries USA mislabeled some products, including those from Sara Lee and Entenmann's, by listing sesame or tree nuts that weren't present in the ingredients.

The FDA had performed inspections in October and November at the Bimbo plants that produced Sara Lee and Brownberry breads in Phoenix, Arizona and Topeka, Kansas.

A recent letter from the FDA said the company's products were 'misbranded' and that allergen labeling serves as an additional measure, not a replacement for contamination prevention practices, according to a recent letter sent to the company.

The FDA cited specific Sara Lee products, like Artesano Brioche and Delightful Multigrain, as mislabeled. These breads were labeled as containing sesame seeds, but the ingredient list and 'Contains' statements were wrong - sesame seeds weren't actually used.

Inspections revealed Bimbo Bakeries USA, mislabeled some products, including those from Sara Lee and Entenmann's, by listing sesame or tree nuts that weren't present in the ingredients

Bimbo Bakeries has until July 8 to address the labeling issue

'Food labels must be truthful and not misleading,' officials said.

'Bimbo Bakeries USA takes our role in protecting consumers with allergen sensitivities very seriously, through good manufacturing practices in our facilities and informative labeling on our packages,' a spokesperson for the company told FOX Business.

'We are corresponding with the FDA to resolve this matter.'

Sesame became the ninth major allergen in the U.S., prompting new labeling requirement for all foods made and sold in the country that contain sesame.

Bimbo Bakeries has until July 8 to address the labeling issue. The company can either outline corrective actions or defend their labeling practices to the FDA.

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