Consumers at Risk of Life-Threatening Allergic Reactions from Sulfite-Contaminated Raisins
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified the recall of Paras Premium Golden Raisins as a Class I recall, the highest risk level, due to the presence of undeclared sulfur dioxide (sulfites) in the product. Apna Wholesale, the company responsible for the raisins, initiated the recall on January 7, 2025, affecting its 7-ounce and 14-ounce packages of the product. On February 18, 2025, the FDA officially classified this recall as high-risk, warning that consumption of these raisins could result in severe or life-threatening allergic reactions for individuals sensitive to sulfites.
The raisins, which were sold in clear packaging at Apna Bazar Farmers Market stores in New York and Massachusetts, contain 56.8 milligrams of sulfites per serving—a level significantly higher than the 10-milligram threshold that has been reported to cause serious reactions, particularly in asthmatic individuals. The FDA has stressed that exposure to sulfites at these levels could trigger anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
The UPC numbers associated with the recalled products are 818051014811 and 818051014828, and a total of 598 cases of the contaminated product were distributed. While there were no reported illnesses as of January 22, 2025, the FDA’s investigation is still ongoing, and consumers are urged to avoid consuming the product and return it to the store for a full refund.
The Dangers of Undeclared Allergens in Food Products
Food allergies affect millions of people across the U.S., and reactions to certain allergens can range from mild irritation to life-threatening anaphylaxis. In the case of Paras Premium Golden Raisins, the undeclared sulfites pose a severe health risk to individuals who have a known sensitivity or allergy to these preservatives.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction can develop within minutes to hours after consuming the contaminated product. Some of the most serious symptoms include swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness, all of which can occur if the reaction progresses to anaphylactic shock. People with asthma are particularly vulnerable, as sulfite exposure can cause severe respiratory distress, leading to wheezing, coughing, and potentially suffocation if not treated immediately.
For many allergy sufferers, consuming a product with undeclared allergens is dangerous because they have no way of knowing the food contains the allergen before consuming it. Unlike a mild food intolerance, an allergic reaction can escalate rapidly, requiring emergency medical intervention. Epinephrine injections (such as an EpiPen) are often the only way to reverse the effects of anaphylaxis, but in severe cases, hospitalization may be required.
The FDA’s strict labeling requirements exist to protect consumers from these kinds of dangers, ensuring that individuals with food allergies can make informed decisions about what they eat. In cases like this, where a product fails to disclose a known allergen, the manufacturer can be held accountable for any harm caused by the defect.
Legal Options for Victims Harmed by Contaminated Food Products
Consumers who have suffered severe allergic reactions due to the undeclared sulfites in Paras Premium Golden Raisins may have grounds to file a product liability lawsuit against Apna Wholesale. Food manufacturers have a legal obligation to properly label their products, and failing to disclose allergens is considered a serious breach of that responsibility.
Victims who experienced allergic reactions after consuming the recalled raisins could have multiple legal claims, including:
- Failure to Warn: If the packaging failed to list sulfites as an ingredient, the company could be held liable for failing to provide necessary warnings.
- Negligence: Food manufacturers have a duty to ensure that their products meet federal safety and labeling standards. The presence of undeclared sulfites suggests a failure in quality control and oversight.
- Strict Liability: Under product liability law, manufacturers can be held responsible for distributing dangerous or defective products, even if they did not act negligently.
The Product Liability Lawsuit Process
A product liability lawsuit follows several key steps to help injured consumers seek justice and compensation. The process begins with gathering evidence—including medical records, proof of purchase, and witness testimony—to establish that the recalled raisins caused the allergic reaction. Medical documentation is critical, as it links the victim’s suffering directly to the product in question.
Once sufficient evidence is collected, a formal complaint is filed against Apna Wholesale and any other responsible parties. The lawsuit will outline how the company’s failure to disclose sulfites caused harm, citing FDA regulations that require clear allergen labeling. During the discovery phase, both sides will exchange evidence and may bring in expert witnesses, such as medical professionals or food safety specialists, to support their arguments.
Many product liability cases are resolved through settlement negotiations, where the company agrees to compensate victims without proceeding to trial. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case will go to trial, where a judge or jury will determine whether the company should be held liable and how much compensation the victim deserves.
Why Victims Need an Attorney for a Product Liability Claim
Handling a product liability case without legal representation can be overwhelming, particularly when going up against large corporations with extensive legal teams. An attorney plays a crucial role in ensuring that victims receive fair compensation by building a strong case, negotiating aggressively with the company’s lawyers, and advocating for the injured consumer in court.
A lawyer can help gather medical evidence, identify key witnesses, and determine the full extent of damages a victim may be entitled to. Many victims underestimate the long-term impact of a severe allergic reaction, which can lead to permanent health complications, lost wages due to time off work, and significant medical expenses. Having a lawyer ensures that all of these factors are taken into account when seeking compensation.
Compensation Available in a Food Contamination Lawsuit
Victims who suffer harm from an undeclared allergen in a food product may be entitled to recover several types of damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: Covers costs related to emergency treatment, hospitalization, and ongoing medical care.
- Lost Wages: Compensates victims who had to miss work due to their illness or hospitalization.
- Pain and Suffering: Addresses the physical and emotional distress caused by the reaction, including trauma from a near-death experience.
- Punitive Damages: If the company’s failure to disclose sulfites is found to be particularly reckless, additional damages may be awarded to punish the manufacturer and deter future negligence.
If you or a loved one suffered a severe allergic reaction after consuming Paras Premium Golden Raisins, you may have a case against the manufacturer for failing to disclose dangerous allergens. The product liability attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP are committed to holding negligent food companies accountable and ensuring that injured consumers receive the compensation they deserve.
Contact Parker Waichman LLP For a Free Case Review
Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) today for a free consultation to discuss your legal rights. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages related to this recall. Regardless of where your injury occurred, our national product injury law firm is ready to assist you.
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