The FDA has recalled Turkana Food Inc.’s dried apricots after the New York State Department of Agriculture found the packaging “failed to list sulfites on the product label.” Sulfites, used as preservatives, can trigger allergic reactions, especially in people with asthma or sulfite sensitivity.
FDA rules require sulfite levels above “10 parts per million (ppm)” to be declared on packaging. The recalled apricots are marked LOT number 440090478-15-333 and UPC 2539560010, distributed in multiple U.S. states including Florida, New York, Texas, and California.
Although “no illnesses have been reported,” the FDA advises consumers not to eat the product and to return it for a refund. Turkana Food Inc. has not commented publicly on the issue.
About 4 percent of Americans—around 13 million people—are sensitive to sulfites. Symptoms may include hives, abdominal pain, coughing, wheezing, or even anaphylaxis. Experts recommend antihistamines or Vitamin B12 supplements for relief.
This recall follows a recent incident in which Texas Pete withdrew its Habanero Buffalo hot sauce after bottles were found to contain Sriracha sauce with undeclared sulfites.
