Food Poisoning Health Center

Whole Foods Recalls Popcorn Brand

Aug. 15, 2008 -- Whole Foods Market is recalling its "365 Organic Everyday Value Popcorn, Lightly Salted" because it may contain undeclared milk ingredients.

The popcorn in these packages was incorrectly flavored with a white cheddar seasoning that includes milk ingredients; the seasoning may not be visibly apparent.

People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk ingredients run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they eat this product. No illnesses had been reported as of yesterday, according to a Whole Foods Market news release posted on the FDA's web site.

Whole Foods' 365 Organic Everyday Value Popcorn, Lightly Salted was distributed to and sold in Whole Foods Market retail stores in California, Arizona, Nevada, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington D.C., Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Oregon, New Jersey, New York, and Washington state.

The product is sold in a blue and white 5-ounce bag with a picture of popcorn in a red and white container. It's labeled as 365 Organic Everyday Value Organic Popcorn, Lightly Salted with a UPC of 9948240552. The recalled product's lot code is stamped on the front top right corner and reads "Sell By 10/28/08" or "Sell By 10/29/08."

Whole Foods issued the recall after discovering that the product containing milk ingredients was incorrectly packaged in bags that did not reveal the presence of milk ingredients. The problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the producer's packaging processes, according to Whole Foods.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled product are urged to return it to any Whole Foods Market for a full refund. Consumers with questions may call Whole Foods Market at 512-542-0656.