Chicken Street Taco Kits Recalled In Several States Over Allergy Concerns

Taco lovers should check their kitchens if they have the taco kits that are now being recalled by Hy-Vee and Giant Eagle. The products were distributed to locations in multiple states.

According to the notices posted on the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) website, the companies are recalling the Chicken Street Taco Kits after their supplier, Reser's Fine Foods, issued a recall notice for the said product due to the possible presence of an undeclared allergen.

Specifically, the supplier discovered that the Chipotle Crema sauce included in the kits does not have the necessary label to declare that it contains eggs.

Egg is one of the eight most common allergens, so products that contain eggs are required to declare it on the label "in clear language," the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) said. This is particularly important because one of the key ways people with allergies manage their condition is by checking food labels.

As such, those who are allergic to eggs and consume the product not knowing that it contains the allergen may experience having a serious and even life-threatening reaction.

The Hy-Vee products were distributed to Hy-Vee grocery stores in eight states, such as Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin. They were packed in deli cases with clear lids and have a UPC 02-82503-09993 and "Best By If Use By" date "prior to" May 27, 2021.

In the case of Giant Eagle, it sold the taco kits in Giant Eagle and Market District locations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland and Indiana. They have PLU 56598 on the tag and "sell by" dates through May 28, 2021 (5/8/21).

Those who may have bought the recalled taco kits are being advised not to consume them and instead dispose of the affected products. They may also return the taco kits to the place of purchase for a refund.

For its part, Giant Eagle is also alerting its customers via telephone notifications of the recall.

As of the recall notices, neither of the companies has received reports of illnesses related to the recalls.

Egg allergen

Apart from plain eggs, there are many products that typically contain eggs although they're not as noticeable. This is why it's important for people with allergies to always check labels. Additionally, according to the Mayo Clinic, even some foods that are labeled as "egg-free" may still contain egg proteins.

"When in doubt, contact the manufacturer," Mayo Clinic said.

Some foods may also be "hidden sources" of eggs. These include marshmallows, baked products, custards, salad dressings, foam on alcoholic coffees and marzipan. When checking food labels, look out for other terms used to indicate the presence of egg proteins such as albumin, globulin, livetin, lysozyme, vitelin, lecithin and words that begin with "ovo" or "ova."