Garlic Bread Recall Update as FDA Sets Risk Level

Slices of garlic bread in aluminum foil at Hazy Barbecue restaurant in Danville, California, June, 2024. Garlic bread has recently been recalled by Lidl in the US.

The FDA has recently classified a recall for several garlic bread products that were recalled due to undeclared allergens, specifically wheat and milk.

The products are classified as Class II by the FDA indicating a moderate health risk where exposure to the allergen could lead to "temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, but where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote."

The voluntary recall by the company, Lidl US TRADING, based in Arlington, Virginia, was initiated on June 6. The products were sent to distribution centers and stores in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, New York and Washington D.C. Details of the products recalled can be found at the bottom of this page. The FDA issued the risk level on Thursday and specified that the labeling is in a foreign language.

Newsweek reached out to Lidl on Friday for comment.

The FDA has three levels of classification for product recalls, which indicate the health threat posed to the public. 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."

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."

According to Food Allergy Research Education (FARE), although nearly any food can trigger an allergic reaction, there are nine that cause the majority of reactions. Cow's milk allergy is the most common food allergy in infants and young children. Even though most children eventually outgrow their allergy to milk, it is still among the most common food allergies in adults. Reaction can be mild or very severe.

Still according to FARE, wheat allergy can result in reactions that can cause typical allergy symptoms involving the skin, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, and anaphylaxis in some individuals. The potential presence of wheat can also affect those with celiac disease, a disease caused by an immune reaction to eating gluten, which can be found in wheat.

Consumers who purchased these products should not consume them. They are advised to return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund or dispose of them​, according to the FDA​.

The key points of the recall are as follows:

Product Description: Chef Select 2 Garlic Baguettes filled With Garlic Butter; 2x175 g.

Barcode: 4056489447559.

Frozen product packaged in a plastic bag, 2 baguettes per unit.

Product Quantity: Approximately 2,000 units (total).

Recall Number: F-1429-2024

Best by date: 12/22/2024

Lots: E LV 23 266, E LK 21 267, E LV 23 267, E CA 26 267, and E RO 24 267

Start your unlimited Newsweek trial