Key Development

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recalled 64,800 pounds of NH European Style Butter Blend after discovering it contains undeclared milk, a known allergen. This recall falls under the FDA’s Class II category, which applies when a product may cause temporary or medically reversible health effects, with a low risk of serious harm.

Product Information

• Product Name: NH European Style Butter Blend
• UPC Code: 1 00 78684 73961 2
• Lot Code: 5064036503
• Packaging: White paperboard cases containing 36 blocks
• Distribution: Shipped to 12 distribution centres across the U.S. and one in the Dominican Republic

Milk Allergy Risks and Rising Concerns

Milk is one of the nine major food allergens identified by U.S. labelling laws, along with eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame. For those with a milk allergy, consuming dairy can trigger reactions ranging from mild symptoms like hives and swelling to severe, life-threatening anaphylaxis. According to the Mayo Clinic, milk allergy stems from the immune system overreacting to milk proteins. While it mostly affects children, adults can also develop this condition, with symptoms appearing soon after consumption.

Experts report a sharp rise in food allergy incidents. Dr. Sebastian Lighvani, director at New York Allergy & Asthma PLLC, says that every three minutes, someone in the U.S. visits the ER due to an allergic reaction. He notes a 300–400% increase in anaphylaxis cases over the past two decades, highlighting the need for strict labelling and consumer awareness. The FDA urges allergy-prone individuals to carefully read food labels and avoid products containing allergens. U.S. law requires clear identification of all major allergens on packaged food labels to help prevent accidental exposure.

Source: The Economic Times