Undeclared Peanuts in Salad Poses Severe Danger to Allergy Sufferers
A nationwide food recall has raised serious health concerns after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued its highest risk warning for a mislabeled salad product. FreshPoint Central Florida Inc. voluntarily recalled a limited number of its Garden Salad 5 oz due to the presence of undeclared peanuts. This recall, originally announced on January 28, 2025, affects select lots of the salad that were distributed in Florida and Georgia. On February 25, 2025, the FDA classified the recall as Class I, the most severe classification, indicating that consuming the product poses a reasonable probability of causing serious health consequences or death.
Undeclared allergens are one of the most common reasons for food recalls in the United States. Millions of people have food allergies, and peanuts are among the most dangerous. According to the FDA, allergic reactions can range from mild symptoms such as hives or rashes to severe anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal condition that can cause throat swelling, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness. Individuals with peanut allergies are at risk of life-threatening reactions even from small traces of peanuts, making accurate labeling a critical safety measure.
The recalled FreshPoint Garden Salad 5 oz can be identified by its lot number 6620223, UPC code 766375733300, and best-by date of February 5, 2025. While only 18 units were affected, the risk to allergic consumers remains significant. FreshPoint has not yet commented on how the mislabeling occurred, but companies have a legal responsibility to ensure their food products are correctly labeled to protect public health.
The Danger of Undeclared Allergens in Food
Mislabeling food products can have devastating consequences for consumers with allergies. People who rely on food labels to make safe dietary choices may unknowingly ingest dangerous allergens, leading to severe reactions that require emergency medical care. The most concerning cases involve anaphylaxis, where an allergic individual’s body goes into shock, potentially resulting in death if treatment is not administered quickly.
Even milder allergic reactions can cause significant harm. Symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and severe abdominal pain can lead to dehydration and require hospitalization. Swelling of the face, throat, or tongue can interfere with breathing, making prompt medical attention essential. Beyond the immediate physical impact, experiencing an allergic reaction can cause lasting emotional distress, particularly for those who live with the constant fear of accidental exposure.
For parents of children with peanut allergies, mislabeled food products present an even greater risk. Young children may not recognize warning signs of an allergic reaction quickly, making it harder for them to seek help in time. Accidental exposure can lead to emergency room visits, the need for epinephrine injections, and long-term anxiety about food safety.
Legal Options for Victims of Food Allergy Incidents
When food manufacturers fail to properly label their products, they can be held legally accountable for any harm caused. Individuals who suffer an allergic reaction after consuming mislabeled food may be able to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer or distributor. These claims typically fall under three categories: manufacturing defects, design defects, or failure to warn. In this case, FreshPoint’s failure to disclose the presence of peanuts on the label could be considered failure to warn, as consumers were not given the necessary information to avoid a potentially deadly allergen.
Victims who experience severe allergic reactions may seek compensation for medical expenses, including emergency treatment, hospital stays, and long-term care for any complications. If an allergic reaction causes a victim to miss work, they may also recover lost wages. Pain and suffering damages can be awarded for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental trauma associated with experiencing a life-threatening allergic reaction.
In cases where a company knowingly disregards safety regulations or repeatedly mislabels food products, courts may award punitive damages to punish the manufacturer and deter future negligence. These damages serve as a warning to food producers that failing to comply with allergy labeling laws will not be tolerated.
Why Legal Representation is Critical for Food Allergy Lawsuits
Filing a product liability claim against a food manufacturer requires a thorough understanding of food safety laws and consumer protection regulations. Companies and their insurers often try to minimize liability by claiming that only a small number of products were affected or that consumers should have been more cautious. Without legal representation, victims may struggle to prove that the mislabeled product caused their allergic reaction.
An attorney can gather evidence, including medical records, product samples, and expert testimony, to demonstrate that the company’s negligence directly led to harm. They can also negotiate with insurance companies and pursue legal action in court if a fair settlement is not offered. Since food manufacturers have legal teams defending their interests, having an attorney ensures that victims have a strong advocate fighting for their rights.
Class-action lawsuits may also be an option if multiple individuals were harmed by the same mislabeled product. These cases can hold companies accountable on a larger scale, leading to improved safety measures and better industry regulations.
Compensation Available in Food Allergy Lawsuits
Victims who file a successful lawsuit may be entitled to compensation for a range of damages. Medical costs, including emergency treatment, hospital stays, and follow-up care, can be recovered. Lost wages due to time off work for recovery or long-term health issues may also be included in the claim.
Pain and suffering damages compensate victims for the physical pain, emotional distress, and anxiety caused by the allergic reaction. Some individuals develop post-traumatic stress after experiencing a severe allergic reaction, leading to ongoing fear and dietary restrictions that impact their quality of life.
If the allergic reaction resulted in wrongful death, surviving family members may seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering. Punitive damages may be awarded if the court finds that the company acted with gross negligence or failed to correct the mislabeling issue despite knowing the risks.
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