Giant Eagle Voluntary Recall of Bakery Seasonal Cut-Out Shapes Cookies Due to Undeclared Milk Allergen

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 18, 2015 – Pittsburgh, PA – All lots of Giant Eagle brand seasonal cut-out shapes cookies, baked and sold inside Giant Eagle and Market District supermarkets through March 18, have been voluntarily recalled by Giant Eagle due to an undeclared milk allergen. The affected cut-out cookies were produced in various holiday-themed shapes (see attached sample images), and were sold plain, or decorated with icing or sprinkles. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. The product is safe for consumption by those who do not have milk allergies.

The recalled cut-out cookies were purchased by customers in Giant Eagle and Market District supermarkets in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland and West Virginia. The cookies were sold individually in the bakery service case as well as in clear packages with UPCs of:

77993 90046 1 count seasonal cut-out cookie, 1 ounce
37973 00199 1 count decorated cut-out cookie, 2 ounces
17972 10298 2 count decorated cut-out cookies, 5 ounces
89685 80499 10 count cut-out cookies, 15 ounces
69748 80499 12 count cut-out cookies, 24 ounces.

Giant Eagle became aware of the issue when customers reported cases of illness associated with the cut-out cookies, which prompted further investigation. The product label for the cut-out cookies, which contain milk, omitted milk as an allergen. Additionally, the Company encourages customers with milk allergies to check their pantries and freezers for any seasonal cookies that may have been stored or frozen.

Customers with a milk allergy who have purchased the affected product should dispose of it or return it to their local Giant Eagle or Market District store for a refund. Customers with questions may call Giant Eagle Customer Care at 1-800-553-2324 FREE Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EDT.

In addition to this public communication regarding this recall, Giant Eagle completed its consumer recall telephone notification process. The consumer recall process uses purchase data and consumer telephone numbers housed in the Giant Eagle Advantage Card® database to alert those households that purchased the affected product and have updated telephone contact information in the database.

Please see the attached sample seasonal cut-out cookie images.

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