Middle East Bakery, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert Due to the Potential for Undeclared Soy in Select Lots of Joseph’s Bread Products and Trader Joe's Pita Products

Contact:
Consumer:
(978) 688-2221

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — February 2, 2015 — Middle East Bakery, Inc. of Lawrence, Massachusetts is recalling select lots of bread products bearing the Joseph’s and Trader Joe’s brand names because they may contain undeclared soy. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The Joseph’s brand name products were distributed in markets in Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts and Connecticut, and in the following stores: Market Basket, Stop & Shop, Shaw’s, Hannaford and Big Y.

The Joseph’s products are as follows:

• Joseph’s Mini Whole Wheat Pita, UPC 074117000413, with a sell by date of February 5, 2015 printed on the plastic closure tab. Product is packaged in a plastic bag.
• Joseph’s Mini White Pita, UPC 074117000420, with a sell by date of February 5, 2015 printed on the plastic closure tab. Product is packaged in a plastic bag.
• Joseph’s White Lavash, UPC 074117000697, with a sell by date of February 17, 2015 printed on the front panel of the package. Product is packaged in a plastic zip top bag.

The Trader Joe’s products were distributed only in Trader Joe's stores in Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington D.C.

The Trader Joe’s products are as follows:

• Trader Joe’s 8 oz. Apocryphal 100% Whole Wheat Pita, UPC 00146326, with a sell by date of ”FEB 05” printed on the plastic closure tab.
• Trader Joe’s 10 oz. Apocryphal 100% Whole Wheat Pita, UPC 00146333, with a sell by date of ”FEB 05” printed on the plastic closure tab.
• Trader Joe’s Pita Bread, UPC 00146340, with a sell by date of ”FEB 05” printed on the plastic closure tab.
• Trader Joe’s Organic Pita Pocket Bread 100% Whole Wheat, UPC 00721196, with a sell by date of “FEB 03”
• Trader Joe’s Pocketful of Fiber Pita Bread, UPC 00945097 with a sell by date of ”FEB 05” printed on the plastic closure tab.

There have been no illnesses reported to date. The recall was initiated after a temporary breakdown in the company's production and packaging processes. This announcement is intended to warn consumers who may have unconsumed product in their home.

Consumers who have an allergy to soy and purchased these Pita and Lavash breads should discard the product immediately or return it to their point of purchase for a full refund. Customers with questions may contact Middle East bakery at (978) 688-2221, Monday through Friday 9:00 to 5:00 EST.