Widespread recalls of snack pastries originating from the Turkish brand Ülker have raised significant health concerns across North America, as several products were found to contain undeclared allergens. The recalls, announced by ZB Importing LLC, the U.S. distributor of the popular snacks, involve six different types of pastries and impact 31 U.S. states and parts of Ontario, Canada.
The issue surfaced after the company received reports of allergic reactions linked to their products, which were found to contain undeclared wheat, egg, and milk—common allergens capable of prompting serious health issues among sensitive consumers. "The issue originated from a supplier who inadvertently failed to fully disclose all allergens during the translation of the ingredient list," Ülker explained. They emphasized the potential risks: "People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to wheat, egg, or milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products."
The recall affects:
- Ülker Kekstra Mini with Strawberry (5.3 oz foil pack) - UPC: 8690766082307
- Ülker Rulokat Hazelnut Wafers (6 oz plastic cylinder) - UPC: 8690766086473
- Ülker Dankek Roll Cake with Strawberry (8.3 oz foil pack) - UPC: 8690504066828
- Ülker Biskrem with Cocoa Biscuit (10.6 oz foil pack) - UPC: 8690504114628
- Ülker Dankek Roll Cake with Chocolate (3 oz foil pack) - UPC: 8690504067979
- Ülker Dankek Roll Cake with Banana (8.3 oz foil pack) - UPC: 8690504067986
The affected products can be returned to the point of purchase for full refunds. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which has published recall notices as part of public health measures, has reinforced the need for clear labeling practices to prevent such occurrences.
This recall isn't isolated to Ülker. Trader Joe's also announced recalls related to another product, their Organic Acai Bowls, on February 14, after foreign plastic was detected within some of the bowls. This follow-up recall compounded concerns about food safety among consumers, particularly with products purchased from popular retailers. Trader Joe's stated, "Out of an abundance of caution, please discard any Trader Joe’s Organic Acai Bowls, as the product may contain foreign material (plastic), or return them to your neighborhood Trader Joe’s store for a full refund." Thankfully, no injuries have been reported from this contamination.
The scope of recalls across various brands highlights significant lapses in food safety protocols and labeling compliance among distributors and suppliers. These incidents serve as reminders of the importance of thorough ingredient disclosure, especially for those at risk of allergic reactions.
To prevent future incidents, ZB Importing LLC has pledged to tighten their label verification process with their suppliers. They acknowledged the need for increased scrutiny on multilingual labeling, which can lead to serious public health risks as illustrated by this recall.
Consumers are urged to pay close attention to product labels and to immediately return any recalled items. The Food and Drug Administration continues to monitor the situation closely and emphasizes the importance of safe food handling and proper labeling.