This September, Enjoy Life Foods discontinued their chocolate bar and lentil chip products. This includes their seasonal mini varieties.

Enjoy Life will continue to make their baking chocolate products. You can use Enjoy Life’s product locator and online grocers like Instacart, Amazon, iHerb, Vitacost, Thrive Market, Walmart, and Target to buy remaining inventory of their chocolate bars and lentil chips.

You can find other chocolate and chip options in Kids with Food Allergies’ (KFA’s) Allergy-Friendly Foods and Safe Eats® Allergy-Friendly Recipe Collections.

You can also make molded chocolates and candies easily with safe for you chocolate chips or large bars. Here are some recipes to get you started:

• Molded Chocolates - Create chocolates in any shape or flavor you choose.
• Mini Chocolate Crisps - Crunchy, versatile, and bite-sized chocolate pieces.
• No-Bake Chocolate Dainties - Made with rice cereal, rice milk, sugar, and cocoa for a simple no-bake treat.
• Buckeye Candies - This popular treat is modified to be free from the most common allergens.

What alternative chocolates have you found? Share in the comments!

Join us for a free, on-demand webinar on eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in young children.

EoE Care for the Littles: New Treatments and Tips from Caregivers Like You

WATCH NOW

Learn about new treatments, managing symptoms, and caring for your own mental health as a caregiver.

During the webinar, you’ll also hear answers to common caregiver questions such as:

• How do I know which foods my child should avoid?
• What should I tell other parents when my child goes on a playdate?
• How can I help my child feel less anxious before eating?
• Where can I find a therapist familiar with EoE?

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. Announces Voluntary Recall of Large Asian Sesame Salad with Chicken Due to Presence of Undeclared Egg Allergen

For Immediate Release

November 08, 2024

Contact Information

Wegmans Food Markets
1-855-934-3663

Company Announcement

RECALL DATE: NOVEMBER 8, 2024

SOLD AT WEGMANS: Yes

REASON FOR RECALL:
Possible Undeclared Egg Allergen

HOW TO IDENTIFY THE RECALLED PRODUCT:

UPC:

• Large Asian Sesame Salad with Chicken and Asian Peanut Dressing – Any Product with UPC starting with 2-27306
• Packed Dates: 11/5 – 11/8
• Sell By Dates; 11/7 – 11/10

REFUND INFORMATION: All product may be returned for a full refund.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Wegmans Food Markets at 1-855-934-3663 Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM or Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Gilster - Mary Lee Corp. Issues a Recall for Undeclared Egg Allergen in Bowl & Basket Onion Soup Mix

For Immediate Release

November 12, 2024

Contact Information

618-826-2361 ext. 32301 or, 573-547-8345 ext. 20001

Company Announcement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 12, 2024 - Gilster-Mary Lee, 520 Old St. Mary’s Road, of Perryville, Missouri, is voluntarily recalling two lots of Bowl & Basket Onion Soup Mix, UPC 41190-08394 at the consumer level because it may contain undeclared egg. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to egg run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The only lots involved are Bowl & Basket Onion Soup Mix, packaged in 2 oz. cartons which have a Best By date of SEP 27 25 E07 & OCT 11 25 E09 (UPC# 41190-08394). Consumers should return the product to the store for a full refund or discard it.

The product was distributed to Wakefern distribution centers in Elizabeth, NJ. Gilster-Mary Lee Corp. became aware of the mispackaging after receiving a customer complaint. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this coating mix.

For questions, consumers can call Gilster-Mary Lee Corp. at 618-826-2361 ext. 32301 or, 573-547-8345 ext. 20001 from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm CST Monday - Friday.

Welcome to our November research update! Getting involved with research is an important way to impact food allergy treatments, education, and awareness.

This month, we are highlighting research opportunities and news on:

• Food allergies and anaphylaxis
• Increased psychology referrals for children with food allergy
• Under-the-tongue epinephrine use in oral allergy syndrome (OAS)

Note: The links below will take you to external websites.

Latest Food Allergy News

Food Allergy

Psychology Service Referrals Are Increasing for Children with Food Allergy
Over the past 10 years, anxiety related to food allergies has greatly impacted both children and their parents. But access to mental health support is often limited. A recent study reviewed 250 cases from 2013 to 2023 where children with food allergies were referred to psychological services. On average, the children were allergic to 2 foods. Over half had a severe allergic reaction in their lifetime. Food-related anxiety affected 69% of patients, while 12% faced quality of life issues. About 60% of those referred attended at least 1 psychology appointment, averaging 5.5 follow-ups within a year. Referrals for food allergy anxiety rose sharply from 2013 to 2023, with a greater increase in 2023. This highlights the growing need for expanded psychology services to support children with food allergies and their families and caregivers.

Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS)

Anaphylm™ (Epinephrine) Sublingual Film Has Positive Results from Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) Challenge Study
Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) – also called pollen-food allergy syndrome (PFAS) – is a type of allergy that can cause your mouth or throat to itch when you eat certain fruits or vegetables. Recently, Aquestive Therapeutics announced positive results from its OAS study for their product, Anaphylm. Anaphylm is an under-the-tongue epinephrine film designed to treat severe allergic reactions. The study tested Anaphylm in adults with OAS, focusing on its ability to relieve symptoms like swelling and tingling caused by allergens. Results showed that Anaphylm resolved symptoms quickly, with complete relief in 12 minutes. This response time is much faster than the initial 74 minutes without Anaphylm. The study met all primary and secondary goals, and Anaphylm was well-tolerated with only mild or moderate side effects. Aquestive plans to submit Anaphylm for FDA approval in early 2025 and hopes to launch the product in 2026. Anaphylm could offer another alternative to current epinephrine treatments for severe allergic reactions.

Chick-fil-A announced changes to their waffle fry ingredients. As of November 2024, the coating on their waffle potato fries now contains pea starch.

This ingredient change is updated on the company’s website. Because pea is not a top allergen, there is no allergen warning for this ingredient on their website or mobile app. You can find detailed allergen and ingredient information for your local restaurant on their website.

Always make sure to check the website or local restaurant for their ingredients. Always read labels carefully. Ingredients may change without warning. Ingredients can also vary based on region. Companies are required to provide up to date ingredient and allergen information, but they are not required to alert consumers about changes.

School parties and celebrations can be lots of fun but often involve food. If your child has food allergies, check out these tips to keep the fun and avoid food allergy reactions.

1. Partner with your child’s teacher before the party.

A few weeks before the party, contact your child’s teacher to find out how you can help make the party more allergy friendly. Sometimes teachers rely on room parents to help plan parties. Be sure to talk to the room parent too if needed. Here are some questions you can ask:

• Will food be provided for all the children (such as cupcakes, candy, chips, etc.)?
• Will the children be exchanging any gifts or cards that may have candy or treats attached?
• Will the teacher notify other parents and guardians about food allergy concerns?
• Will the teacher remind the children not to share food?
• Can you support the teacher by volunteering during the party or providing resources about food allergies from Kids with Food Allergies (KFA)?
  
  

If your child has a 504 plan that outlines how the school will handle your child’s food allergy during parties, this might be a good time to review it with your child’s teacher.

2. Make sure there are safe foods for your child.

Talk with the teacher or person in charge of the party in advance to find out what type of food will be at the party. If you can’t be sure that the food provided will be safe, send similar food for your child. This can sometimes cause confusion with younger kids who don’t understand why a classmate has different food. Talk to your child about how to handle questions from other students or parents.

KFA’s Allergy-Friendly Foods Collection is a great starting point when looking for packaged treats and candies free from the top allergens.

3. Encourage non-food treats.

Celebrations don’t always call for food! Non-food treats can be just as fun and are inclusive for children with all types of diet restrictions. They are healthier too. Kids love items like stickers, pencils, and other trinkets. Download KFA’s Non-Food Rewards at School handout and share it with your child’s teacher.

4. Recommend non-food activities.

When the kids are having fun, they probably won’t miss the food.

Instead of eating, kids can do fun activities in line with the theme of the party. Here are some ideas:

• Allow children to design and create handmade cards for classmates, teachers, and family using construction paper, paper doilies, glue, stickers, and other craft materials.
• Make paper flowers from tissue paper and pipe cleaners.
• Make a paper garland for the classroom.
• Allow children to decorate a mailbox or paper bag to use to collect their cards or treats.
• Have the class work together to decorate a bulletin board or the room door.
• Create origami shapes.
• Make friendship bracelets for classmates to share.
• Make little critters from pom-poms, felt, pipe cleaners, and googly-eyes.
• Host a poetry or story reading.
• Have children bring in games, puzzles, LEGOs, and other activities from home to share in small groups or simply use classroom games.
• Do Mad Libs, crossword puzzles, math problems, word searches, and writing prompts to go with the party theme.
  
  

5. Remind your child of age-appropriate food allergy management skills.

Remind your child not to eat anything if they don’t know if it is safe. Tell your child to check with you or a trusted adult about whether or not they can eat a certain food. Remind them not to share food.

You could also make an agreement with your child that they will not open candies or cards until you can check them together to see what is safe. Have some fun things to swap for anything that is not safe to eat.

Elevation Foods Issues Recall Due to Undeclared Soy in Hannaford Seafood Salad

For Immediate Release

October 31, 2024

Contact Information

Elevation Foods
+1 (978) 646-8950 x 104

Company Announcement

Danvers, Massachusetts. R. Walters LLC dba Elevation Foods is recalling 1,668 units of mislabeled Hannaford Seafood Salad 12oz because it contains an undeclared Soy allergen. Consumers with an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The recall extends to the following labels and package sizes.

• Hannaford Seafood Salad 12oz
  • UPC: 0 41268 25161 2
  • Best By: 11/13/2024, 11/14/2024
  • Units: 1,668

The Use by can be found printed on the lid of the container.

The product is only sold in Hannaford stores. The product is sold in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and New York. The products were distributed between 10/25/24 to 10/29/24 with Use by of 11/13/24 and 11/14/24. Hannaford has been notified and has removed the product from store shelves.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the printer of the labels for Hannaford Seafood Salad had provided Elevation Foods with labels that did not match the current product formulation. These labels were created for an upcoming formulation change and were shipped to Elevation Foods in error.

To date, Elevation Foods is not aware of any reports of consumer illness related to this product.

Consumers who purchased the impacted product specified above should not consume the products and can return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Elevation Foods during regular business hours, Monday-Friday 9am-4pm +1 (978) 646-8950 x 104.

When you manage food allergies, and other conditions like asthma or eczema, health insurance can be very important. But health care can also be confusing. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) gives people the opportunity to get health insurance if they can’t get coverage through an employer, Medicare, Medicaid, or elsewhere. People with ACA coverage also cannot be denied for pre-existing conditions.

These resources will walk you through the process, answer common questions and help you learn more about health insurance.

Health Insurance Marketplace Guide for Asthma and Allergies

What is open enrollment? How do you enroll in a Marketplace plan on HealthCare.gov? What’s the difference between a Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum plan? What do you need to consider if you have food allergies or asthma? Get answers to these questions and more, with additional resources so you can be prepared before you sign up for Marketplace insurance.

Understanding Health Care Changes

Each year, there are new changes to the ACA. Before you purchase a plan, you need to be aware of changes for the upcoming year. This summary of ACA changes provides helpful information like essential terms and how to get more help.

What to Do If You Can’t Afford Epinephrine Devices

Even with health insurance, life-saving epinephrine might not be affordable for everyone. Learn what options are available and how to reduce your out-of-pocket cost on the epinephrine devices currently available in the U.S.

Updated October 2024

Grand Central Bakery Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Egg in U-Bake Pie Crust, U-Bake Apple Pie, U-Bake Marionberry Pie, and U-Bake Chicken Pot Pie

For Immediate Release

October 26, 2024

Contact Information

Grand Central Bakery
503-232-0575
retailfeedback@grandcentralbakery.com

Company Announcement

October 25, 2024, Grand Central Bakery Portland, OR and Seattle, WA is recalling U- Bake frozen pie products and frozen pie dough because they may contain undeclared egg. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to eggs run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product

The affected U-Bake Pie Crust, U-Bake Apple Pie, U-Bake Marionberry Pie, and U-Bake Chicken Pot Pie products have expiration dates between 02/01/2025 and 04/20/2025. These pie products were sold between August 1, 2024, and October 20, 2024, and are packaged in clear plastic packaging with Grand Central Bakery branded sticker labels containing product identity. The expiration date sticker can be found on the exterior of the packaging.

U-Bake Pie Crust, U-Bake Apple Pie, U-Bake Marionberry Pie, U-Bake Chicken Pot Pie were sold at all Grand Central Bakery Café located in Portland, OR and Seattle, WA. Grand Central Bakery Café locations are listed below:

Seattle Area:

• Burien - 626 SW 152nd St, Burien, WA 98166
• Eastlake - 198 E Blaine St, Seattle, WA 98102
• Wallingford - 1607 N 45th St, Seattle, WA 98103
• Wedgewood - 7501 35th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115

Portland Area:

• Beaumont - 4440 NE Fremont St, Portland, OR 97213
• Cedar Mill - 12595 NW Cornell Rd, Portland, OR 97229
• Hawthorne - 2230 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214
• Hillsboro - 118 SE 2nd Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97123
• Mississippi - 714 N Fremont St, Portland, OR 97227
• Multnomah Village - 3425 SW Multnomah Blvd, Portland, OR 97219
• Sellwood - 7987 SE 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97202
• Woodstock - 4412 SE Woodstock Blvd, Portland, OR 97206

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was initiated after an employee noted that egg was added to the above pie dough products and distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of egg.

This recall is being made with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Customers who still have the affected product on hand are advised to contact our GCB café support team at retailfeedback@grandcentralbakery.com or our website’s contact page https://www.grandcentralbakery.comExternal Link Disclaimer to receive a refund. Customers may also contact Grand Central Bakery at 503-232-0575 Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Atwater’s Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Tree Nuts in “Spider Web Tart”

For Immediate Release

October 28, 2024

Contact Information

Atwater’s
410-644- 3435

Company Announcement

Atwater’s of Baltimore, MD, is recalling its clam shell packages of spider web tarts sold 10/19/24 and 10/20/24 because they contain undeclared almond flour. People who have allergies to tree nuts run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The recalled spider web tarts were distributed on 10/19/24 and 10/20/24 at the following farmers markets located in the MD/DC/VA area: Arlington Courthouse, Falls Church, H Street, Mount Pleasant, Silver Spring, Dupont Circle, Greenbelt, and Westover. The product was in a clear clam shell plastic package marked with a green Atwater’s “Spider Web Tart” label on top and a Julian date of 292 labeled on the bottom.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem and none were sold in retail stores.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the almond containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of almonds, see below for photos of both the product and packaging in question. Subsequent investigation indicated the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company’s production and labeling processes.

Consumers who purchased spider web tarts on 10/19/24 and 10/20/24 at any of the listed farmers markets are urged to call or email Atwater’s directly to return the product and initiate a refund. Consumers may call Atwater’s Mon-Fri from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm EST at 410-644- 3435 or email us at info@atwatersfood.com.

Kellanova (formally Kellogg Company) announced that starting October 2024, Rice Krispies Chocolatey Peanut Butter products will contain almond and hazelnut ingredients.

This change only affects the Chocolatey Peanut Butter variety. No other Rice Krispies Treats flavors are affected, and it does not impact any shared line warnings. The Chocolatey Peanut Butter Rice Krispies variety is made at a separate facility from the other Rice Krispies varieties.

This allergen change will be clearly noted on the front of the packaging. Almond and Hazelnut will also be added to the ingredient list and allergen statement.

Remember to read every label, every time. Ingredients can change at any time. Look on packages for the most up-to-date ingredient and allergen information.

Thank you to Kellanova for alerting us about the ingredient change to share with the community. We appreciate their efforts to inform consumers.

Kids with Food Allergies (KFA), a division of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), worked with researchers from Children’s Hospital Colorado and Baylor University and other experts to develop a food allergy treatment decision guide. The tool compares food allergen avoidance to oral immunotherapy (OIT).

This decision guide is a 4-page document that compares 2 treatment options and a short questionnaire for caregivers to fill out about their wants and needs from a food allergy treatment.

Download, print, and share

To create this tool, AAFA and KFA community members took a brief survey about the tool on how helpful it would be for the decision-making process. Results of the survey were published in the journal “Allergy.”

Your voice is an important part of research. You provide valuable insights into the daily management of food allergies. This can help researchers develop more resources and educational tools that better serve the needs of people living with food allergy.

Con Yeager Spice Company Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Soy and Wheat in Trail Bologna Meat Processing Kits

For Immediate Release

October 21, 2024

Contact Information

Con Yeager Spice Company
724-202-6513

Company Announcement

The Con Yeager Spice Company of Zelienople, PA, is recalling its TRAIL BOLOGNA MEAT PROCESSING KITS, because they may contain undeclared soy and wheat. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy and wheat run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if this product is consumed.

The recalled Trail Bologna Meat Processing Kits were distributed nationwide through wholesale distribution, retail stores, and mail order via https://www.conyeagerspice.comExternal Link Disclaimer

Trail Bologna Meat Processing Kits come in 17.88 Ounce pouches, UPC code 797442404137. Affected pouches are marked with lot # B241851006 and with a Best by Date of 2-08-27. The lot and date can be found on the front center of the pouch.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered by a customer that their box of Hickory Jerky Kits contained Trail Bologna Meat Processing Kits. Hickory Jerky kit contents were inadvertently packaged inside of Trail Bologna Meat Processing kit pouches.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

Production of the product has been suspended, while the company’s ongoing investigation determines the cause and corrects the problem.

Consumers who have purchased Trail Bologna Kit pouches, Lot B241851006, are urged to contact Con Yeager Spice for return and replacement. Distributors who have purchased boxes of Hickory Jerky are urged to inspect the contents of their cases for Trail Bologna kits and contact Con Yeager for return and replacement. Consumers with any questions may contact Customer Service or Sales at the Con Yeager Spice Company at 724-202-6513, 8 AM EDT through 4:15 pm EDT, Monday through Friday.