Undeclared Milk in Recalled Products Poses Life-Threatening Dangers for Allergy Sufferers
The Quaker Oats Company has issued a limited recall of its Pearl Milling Company Original Pancake and Waffle Mix due to undeclared milk, according to an alert from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recall affects two-pound boxes of the mix distributed to retail stores in 11 states, including Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. Consumers who have a milk allergy are at risk of serious or even life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume the recalled product.
The issue was brought to public attention in a press release from Quaker Oats, stating that customers should discard the product immediately if they have an allergy or sensitivity to milk. The FDA emphasized the gravity of food allergies, noting that allergic reactions can range from mild symptoms, such as hives, to severe and potentially fatal anaphylaxis.
The Recall: Key Facts and Details
The recall involves two-pound boxes of Pearl Milling Company Original Pancake and Waffle Mix with a UPC code of 30000 65040 and a best-by date of September 13, 2025, printed on the top panel of the box. The affected products were distributed in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, Utah, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, and Wisconsin.
Consumers may have purchased these products as early as November 18, 2024. No other products from the Quaker Oats or Pearl Milling Company brands are affected by this recall. Customers who possess the recalled product are encouraged to contact Quaker Consumer Relations at 1-800-407-2247 for additional information.
The recall was prompted by the presence of undeclared milk in the pancake mix, which poses a severe risk for individuals with milk allergies. Food allergies affect millions of Americans and are often unpredictable in severity, according to the FDA. For allergy sufferers, even trace amounts of allergens can trigger reactions, emphasizing the importance of proper food labeling.
The Human Impact of Undeclared Allergens
Undeclared allergens in food products pose significant risks to public health, particularly for individuals with severe allergies. Milk, classified by the FDA as one of the major food allergens, can cause allergic reactions that vary in severity. For some, exposure to milk proteins can result in mild symptoms such as itching or swelling. For others, it can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition that causes difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, and, in severe cases, death.
Products like pancake and waffle mixes are common pantry staples, often shared among family members or served at community gatherings. This increases the risk of accidental exposure for individuals with allergies, particularly when undeclared allergens are present. Such exposures can lead to costly emergency medical care, significant emotional distress, and, in the most tragic cases, loss of life.
The recall also underscores the ripple effect of mislabeled products. Families must carefully scrutinize every ingredient label, creating a heightened sense of vigilance that can affect daily routines and social interactions. For individuals already living with food allergies, this recall represents another reminder of the potential dangers lurking in mislabeled or mis-packaged products.
Filing a Product Liability Lawsuit for Undeclared Allergens
Consumers harmed by mislabeled or defective food products have the right to seek legal recourse through a product liability lawsuit. Food manufacturers have a legal responsibility to ensure their products are safe for consumption, which includes providing accurate labeling of all potential allergens.
Victims of undeclared allergens can file a lawsuit to recover damages for the harm they’ve suffered. This process begins with establishing that the product was defective—in this case, due to inaccurate labeling—and that the defect directly caused the injury or harm. Evidence such as medical records, product receipts, and expert analysis can help strengthen a claim.
Lawsuits involving food allergens typically fall under three legal theories:
- Strict Liability: This theory focuses on the defective nature of the product, regardless of whether the manufacturer acted negligently.
- Negligence: Plaintiffs must prove the manufacturer failed to exercise reasonable care in ensuring the product’s safety.
- Breach of Warranty: This claim asserts that the product did not meet the manufacturer’s express or implied assurances of safety.
The Importance of Legal Representation
The legal process for product liability claims can be complex, particularly when taking on large corporations with extensive legal resources. Victims benefit from the guidance and advocacy of an attorney who can handle the intricate details of the case, negotiate with opposing parties, and fight for fair compensation.
An attorney is essential for evaluating the scope of damages, which may include medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. They can also help identify whether punitive damages are warranted to deter future misconduct by the manufacturer. Without proper legal representation, victims may struggle to navigate the complexities of product liability law or risk settling for inadequate compensation.
Damages Victims Can Recover
Victims harmed by the recalled pancake and waffle mix may be entitled to recover damages that address the full extent of their losses. These damages may include:
- Medical Expenses: Reimbursement for emergency treatment, hospitalization, and follow-up care resulting from an allergic reaction.
- Lost Income: Compensation for time missed from work due to illness or recovery.
- Pain and Suffering: Monetary compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the allergic reaction.
- Punitive Damages: In cases where the manufacturer’s negligence is particularly egregious, the court may award additional damages to punish the company and discourage similar actions in the future.
If you or a loved one suffered harm from the recalled Pearl Milling Company pancake and waffle mix, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. The national product injury law firm Parker Waichman LLP is committed to holding negligent manufacturers accountable and helping victims secure justice.
Contact Parker Waichman LLP For A Free Case Review
Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) today for a free consultation and learn how we can assist you in recovering the compensation you deserve. Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our national product injury law firm is ready to assist you.
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