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Health officials have issued an urgent recall for Floria Dried Apricots sold by Turkana Food Inc. in nearly 20 states due to potentially deadly levels of undeclared sulfites. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised consumers to stop eating these apricots immediately. The affected products have an expiration date of November 2026 and a lot number of 440090478-15-333, which can be found at the bottom of the packaging. Additionally, the UPC label 2539560010 is located on a sticker at the top of the package for identification purposes.
Sulfites are commonly used as food additives to preserve freshness and prevent spoilage in items like dried fruits, wine, and processed foods. However, they can cause severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, including hives, swelling, and in rare cases, life-threatening responses.The New York State Department of Agriculture discovered the undeclared sulfites during routine sampling. The apricots have been distributed in states including Florida, Kentucky, Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Texas, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Maryland, Ohio, Alabama, Missouri, and California.
While no illnesses have been reported yet, the FDA urges consumers to return the recalled apricots to their original place of purchase for a refund. Turkana Food Inc. has not yet released a statement regarding the recall. Sulfite sensitivity affects approximately four percent of Americans, particularly those with asthma, who may experience symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
The FDA mandates that any food containing more than 10 parts per million of sulfites must declare this on its packaging. This recall follows a previous incident involving Texas Pete's hot sauce, which was recalled due to undeclared sulfites in mislabeled bottles. Consumers are advised to remain vigilant and check food labels to avoid potential health risks.