Welcome to our July 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:

• Clinical trial for children with peanut allergy
• Clinical trial for teens and adults with eosinophilic gastritis (EoG) with or without eosinophilic duodenitis (EoD)

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

Medical Review: July 2024 by John James, MD

Taylor's Sausage, Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Landjaeger Sausage Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

For Immediate Release

July 13, 2024

Contact Information

Vice President, Taylor Sausage, Inc.
Terry Taylor
541-592-4185
taylorsausage@frontiernet.net

Company Announcement

WASHINGTON, July 13, 2024 - Taylor's Sausage, Inc., a Cave Junction, Ore., establishment, is recalling approximately 74 pounds of ready-to-eat Landjaeger sausage products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains soy, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

The shelf-stable, ready-to-eat Landjaeger sausages were produced on Dec. 8, 2023, and packaged on Dec. 19, 2023. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]:

• 14.4 oz. vacuum-packed packages containing 12 pieces of "TAYLOR'S Sausage Hot LANDJAEGER" with lot code "23342-2" and use-by date "12 8 25" represented on the back of the package.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number "EST. 6172" inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations in California and Oregon.

The problem was discovered during routine FSIS in-plant verification activities when FSIS personnel observed that soy, a known allergen, was being used as an ingredient and was not declared on the finished product label.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.

FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers' pantries or refrigerators. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution lists will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

Consumers and members of the media with questions about the recall can contact Terry Taylor, Vice President, Taylor Sausage, Inc., at 541-592-4185 or taylorsausage@frontiernet.net.

Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send a question via email to MPHotline@usda.gov. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.

Summertime is a great chance for kids to work with their hands and have fun with arts and crafts. Food can be found in many arts and craft activities. This includes items like paints (egg, milk, wheat, and soy), crayons (soy) and slime (corn). If your child will be going to summer camp, check with staff about arts and crafts supplies they will be using.

Another example is Play-Doh®. It's a great way to entertain kids at home and at summer programs. But Play-Doh® and other commercial and homemade modeling doughs contain wheat, one of the most common foods that cause allergic reactions.  

You can make wheat-free play dough at home so you can make sure it doesn’t contain any of your child’s food allergens. Here are some alternative recipes for Play-Doh^®. Choose the recipe below that’s best for your child based on their allergies.

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Rice Play Dough

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups rice flour
• 1/2 cup salt
• 2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring/sparkles (optional)

Instructions

Mix flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a large pot. Add water and oil.

Cook over medium heat until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pan (about 5 minutes), stirring constantly.

Add vanilla extract (for smell, not taste). Mix thoroughly. Put play dough on a clean surface. When cool enough to handle, knead lightly and store in an airtight container.

Add food coloring to the water to make colored play dough. Add sparkles during the hand mixing time for sparkly play dough.

Cornstarch Play Dough

Ingredients

• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 pound baking soda
• 1 cup water
• 1/8 teaspoon oil
• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

In a large pot, combine ingredients. Cook over medium heat until “mealy.” Allow to cool on a plate, covered by a damp cloth. Knead well and store in an airtight container.

Sweet Play Dough (Edible)

Ingredients

• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup corn syrup
• 1/2 cup margarine, melted
• Splash vanilla
• Sprinkle salt
• 5 drops food coloring

Instructions

Mix all ingredients, except coloring, until mixture is blended and all one color. Then mix in coloring.

You can shape this and eat it, assuming your child is not allergic to any of the ingredients. Do not make this in advance. Make this when you are going to play with it. It will get hard and become inedible.

Light up the grills and set the table. It’s cookout season!

As you plan small cookouts, barbecues, and other outdoor events, try out these options from our Safe Eats® Allergy-Friendly Recipe Collection.

Appetizers

Buffalo Chicken Dip – Buffalo chicken dip is a popular snack, but traditional recipes contain milk products. Make this version free of egg, milk, fish, gluten, peanut, sesame, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and wheat. Add vegetables or safe tortilla chips or crackers on the side for dipping.

Mock Ranch Dressing or Dip – Try this buttermilk-free version of one American’s favorite condiments. Use it as a dip or a salad dressing.

Hip Dip – This guacamole-like dip replaces avocado with edamame for a dip that can be served with raw vegetables, bread, chips, pretzels, or any dipping option you choose.

Main Dishes

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Kabobs – This crowd-pleaser calls for a marinade that tenderizers and flavors the chicken and mushrooms without soy and other major allergens.

Yamburgers – Looking for a vegan or vegetarian main dish? These patties use yams (sweet potatoes), bread of your choice, and other vegetables for a meat-free and allergy-friendly option.

Corndog Bites – Kids will love these corndog muffins. You can choose your own safe hot dogs for these bite-sized treats. Serve them with Garlic-Free Ketchup made without major allergens.

Turkey Burgers – If you can’t have ground beef due to alpha gal allergy (an allergy to red meat caused by a tick bite) or you want a patty free of major allergens, check out this recipe. Dress the burgers with egg-free and soy-free Mock Mayo, if you choose.

Sides

Millet Tabouleh – You can make this side dish a day or two in advance. It’s also versatile, so you can adapt it as needed to accommodate your family’s allergies.

Southwestern Baked Beans – These flavorful baked beans are a great complement to burgers and barbecue.

Fruited Carrot Salad – Carrots, dried fruit, and a dressing free of major allergens come together to make this refreshing side dish. Our allergy-friendly collection of salads are great side options for barbecues or cookouts too.

Desserts

Choco-Banana “Nice” Cream Sandwiches – Who needs ice cream when you have “nice” cream? Try this refreshing recipe that uses bananas, maple syrup, almond milk, and vanilla in place of ice cream.

Fresh Fruit Cobbler – Cobbler is always a favorite. This allergy-friendly version of cobbler can be made with fresh or frozen fruit of your choice.

Creamsicle Cupcakes – This versatile dessert can be made various ways according to your child’s allergies. But no matter how you make them, the result is the same: they’re delicious!

Summer camps can be great places that help your child build self-esteem and self-confidence, make friends, and work on social skills. When your child has a food allergy, working with the staff and preparing in advance is key to helping your child focus on these skills while staying safe.

Here are some ways you can work with camp staff to be prepared to manage your child’s food allergy.

1. Think about the camp’s challenges and needs.

Consider what type of camp your child will attend. They can range from day camp (half to full day) to overnight camp. Some last all summer, while others offer week-long sessions. Some staff members are local, while others travel from different states or countries.

Every camp is different. Think about the type of camp you will send your child to and how their food allergy may be handled. Some camps are spread out over acres of property which might make them far from area hospitals. Rural camps could have areas with no or limited cell phone coverage. Staff may plan field trips outside of camp for a day or a week.

Think about all of these factors while you’re preparing and working with camp staff to put together a plan for managing your child’s food allergy.

2. Talk with camp staff about how they manage food allergies.

Before your child leaves for camp, talk with camp staff to find out how they handle food allergies. Proper planning and staff training are critical. If possible, meet with the camp director, camp nurse, and food services director.

When you talk to the camp staff, ask the following questions:

• What are the camp’s food allergy policies?
• Will all staff follow the policies at all times in all settings?
• Are health care staff at the camp at all times?
• Are all staff trained regularly on managing food allergies, treating allergic reactions, and giving epinephrine?
• Will they make every effort to include your child in all activities?
• Is the dietary staff trained on reading labels, avoiding cross-contact, and preparing safe food?
• Where will epinephrine be kept? Will it be protected from the heat when outside?
• How does the camp prevent and handle food allergy bullying?

3. Work with staff to create a plan to prevent and treat allergic reactions.

Your child should have an individual health care plan for camp. This is a type of nursing care plan. This will be similar to a school health care plan. It outlines what the camp will do to create and maintain a safe environment for your child.

This health care plan should also include an allergy action plan. This lists symptoms staff should look for and when and how they should treat an allergic reaction.

Work with your child’s allergist to fill out our School or Child Care Asthma/Allergy Action Plan. Or the camp may already have health care plan forms for you to fill out. Give copies to the camp and ask to review them with the camp nurse before camp starts.

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Ask the staff about how they deal with allergic reactions if they do happen. Let them know epinephrine should go with your child everywhere.

4. Share additional resources with camp staff.

Consider sharing additional educational resources with the camp director or nurse to help with camp-wide awareness.

• If your child is allergic to any of the most common food allergens, you can share our food allergy guides for your child’s allergen with the staff.
• Make sure staff are aware food can be found in unexpected places too. Share helpful resources from Kids with Food Allergies (KFA), such as our Non-Food Rewards for Children with Food Allergies handout and our Potential Food Allergens in Preschool and School Activities handout with camp staff.

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Feve Artisan Chocolatier and Dandelion Chocolate Issue Allergy Alert on Undeclared Hazelnuts in Chocolate-Covered Cocoa Nibs

For Immediate Release

June 25, 2024

Contact Information

Dandelion Chocolate
415-349-0942
info@dandelionchocolate.com

Company Announcement

6/24/2024, San Francisco, CA - Feve Artisan Chocolatier and Dandelion Chocolate are voluntarily recalling a single lot code of Feve Artisan Chocolatier x Dandelion Chocolate Chocolate-Covered Cocoa Nibs because the product may contain undeclared hazelnuts. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to hazelnuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

This product is a collaboration between the two companies, produced by Feve Artisan Chocolatier using Dandelion Chocolate. It was sold by Dandelion at their retail stores (in San Francisco and Las Vegas) and via the Dandelion Chocolate website (dandelionchocolate.comExternal Link Disclaimer).

This recalled product is identified in the images below, which include the following information:

• Label: Feve Artisan Chocolatier x Dandelion Chocolate Chocolate-Covered Cocoa Nibs
• Package Size: 4 oz.
• Batch Code: FNDHI4C4
• Expiration Date: 3/14/2025
• (identified by a small, white rectangular sticker on the bottom of the box)

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing hazelnuts was distributed in Chocolate-Covered Cocoa Nibs packaging that did not reveal the presence of this allergen. This issue was isolated to a single lot. No other lot codes, Feve Artisan Chocolatier, or Dandelion Chocolate products are included in this action. No illnesses have been reported.

Customers with a hazelnut allergy should dispose of any recalled products. Customers may call the contact number or email listed below with any questions.

DSD Merchandisers, LLC Announces Voluntary Recall of Deluxe Roasted & Salted Mixed Nuts Due to Undeclared Peanut

For Immediate Release

June 24, 2024

Contact Information

DSD Merchandisers, LLC
1-925-449-2044

Company Announcement

DSD Merchandisers, LLC is voluntarily recalling UPC 6-51433-99651-6 Deluxe Roasted & Salted Mixed Nuts, Sell by: 10/09/24, due to the presence of undeclared peanut. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to specific type of allergen peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

This product is sold to Farm Fresh to You who then distributes through E-commerce through Farm Fresh to You or Full and/or Full Circle subscribers. Farm Fresh to You subscribers are located in California & Nevada. Full Circle subscribers are located in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaksa. These consumers would have received their product through mail. Product is packaged in clear plastic tubs that contain 5oz product. Product label is located at the top of the 5oz tub. The product inside of the tub is a mix of various tree nuts including Cashews, Almonds, Hazelnuts, Pecan Halves, Macadamia and the undeclared ingredient (Peanut). The product label does not contain a name brand only product name (Deluxe Roasted and Salted Mixed Nuts). Sell By printed on the label is 10-09-2024.

The recall was initiated after a consumer contacted DSD merchandisers, LLC through our website to report they purchased product and upon consuming noticed that the product contained peanut which they then noted the label did not note Peanut on the Ingredient Statement nor the Allergen Statement portion of the label the label just contained a packed on same equipment as product containing peanut statement. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company's formulation change processes and packaging label change process.

For more information or assistance regarding this recall, consumers can contact DSD Merchandisers, LLC at 1-925-449-2044 (Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST).

This voluntary recall is being conducted in cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We appreciate your cooperation and apologize for any inconvenience caused.