KIND Issues Voluntary Recall Of Oats & Honey Granola Due To Undeclared Allergic Ingredient

KIND Healthy Snacks (KIND) is voluntarily recalling Oats and Honey Granola due to the presence of sesame seeds that could be allergic to some people.

Although the product’s label does list sesame seeds under the “May contain” portion, it hasn’t been listed under the ingredients. KIND has announced that those who have an allergy or sensitivity to sesame seeds should immediately discontinue using this product.

To date, there have been no cases of allergic reactions reported due to the consumption of KIND’s Oats & Honey Granola. The company has recently decided to refrain from using sesame seeds in the recipe.

This limited recall volunteered by KIND was initiated after the company discovered that the product’s previous recipe was used and placed into new packaging that did not mention sesame seeds under the list of ingredients.

The recall applies only to KIND Oats & Honey Granola with Toasted Coconut and doesn’t affect any other product sold by the company.

“People who have an allergy or sensitivity to sesame seeds should immediately discontinue use of this product. This product may be safely consumed by those who do not have an allergy or sensitivity to sesame seeds,” said KIND.

The recalled set of KIND granola can be identified by looking for the Best By date printed on the bottom of the pouch:

• April 4, 2021, to June 1, 2021, for the 11oz pouch
• April 30, 2021, to June 1, 2021, for the 17oz pouch

In the U.S., 1.5 million children and adults might be allergic to sesame seeds. Sesame allergy now the ninth most common food allergy in the country, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).

Sesame can cause severe allergic reactions including multiple organ system involvements in some individuals. Symptoms of sesame allergy include coughing, breathing difficulty, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, itchiness inside the mouth, abdominal pain and flushing in the face.

Since sesame seeds are not listed as a major food allergen, people might be vulnerable to accidental exposure. A wide range of food products contains sesame in the form of seeds, oils, and pastes. Certain cosmetics, supplements, medications and pet food might also contain sesame.

“Consumers must carefully read food labels. Sesame isn’t always listed, and may appear on food labels as other names, or even vague descriptions such as ‘natural flavoring’. If you suspect that you’ve experienced an allergic reaction to sesame, make sure to tell your physician so that you can receive the appropriate confirmatory testing, counseling and, if necessary, an epinephrine auto-injector you can use in the event of a future food-allergic reaction,” AAAAI quoted Christopher Warren, Ph.D.