Mac and Cheese urgently recalled across US over risk of 'adverse health consequences'

A popular brand of pre-packaged mac and cheese has been recalled across the United States due to the possible presence of an undeclared allergen, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed.

The item, BEF Foods, Inc.'s Park St. Deli Macaroni & Cheese, is sold exclusively at Aldi stores, and was initially recalled voluntarily on 23 March.

However, on 10 June, the FDA updated the classification on the recall notice, upgrading it to a Class II due to the possible presence of a serious allergen.

The agency reports that Class II describes a ‘situation in which use of, or exposure to, a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote’.

The only higher classification is a Class I, which is enforced when there is ‘reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death’.

The recall of Park St. Deli Macaroni & Cheese, sold at Aldi, has been updated by the FDA (Aldi)

It’s understood that 525,645 packages (58.405 cases) of macaroni and cheese made by the Ohio-based manufacturer may contain soy lecithin, a plant-based food additive and supplement derived from soybeans.

The recall includes the following 31 codes, which can be found on the outer sleeve of the 20-ounce susbtance’s packaging: SUL4839705; SUL4839706; SUL4853771; SUL4853772; SUL4854698; SUL4854700; SUL4854701; SUL4855698; SUL4855699; SUL4855700; SUL4857735; SUL4857736; SUL4857737; SUL4857784; SUL4857785; SUL4866750; SUL4866751; SUL4866752; SUL4866781; SUL4866782; SUL4866783; SUL4866784; SUL4872813; SUL4872814; SUL4872815; SUL4873787; SUL4873788; SUL4886739; SUL4886740; SUL4887698; or SUL4887699.

There is currently no information on which states the product has been distributed to and at what time.

The item may contain a serious allergen, the agency warned (Getty Stock Image)

However, Bloomberg reports that BEF Foods ‘serves clients in the State of Ohio’.

Those who eat the pre-made refrigerated pasta dish and have soy allergies or sensitivities may experience side effects such as skin rashes, vomiting, stomach problems, and a tingling sensation in the mouth.

Gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, diarrhoea, and abdominal cramping, are also likely, as per the Cleveland Clinic.

If you have purchased a recalled ready meal, dispose of it or return it to your local Aldi for a refund.

FOODbible has contacted Aldi and for comment.

Another dairy recall in the United States

Earlier this month, Clover Hill Dairy, a Maryland-based food manufacturer, issued a voluntary recall of its requeson/soft ricotta products after sampling identified Listeria monocytogenes, the FDA confirmed.

The product, sold in individually packaged 10, 12, and 14 ounce clamshell containers and in two and five-gallon buckets, which may have been repackaged, officials stated.

It’s understood the dairy product, distributed from 4 to 30 May, was sold in North Carolina, New York, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey and Washington, DC.

In a new update, experts at the Maryland Department of Health have expanded consumer advisories for all cheese products made by Clover Hill Dairy.

Clover Hill Dairy has issued a recall amid a fatal illness outbreak (FDA/Clover Hill Dairy)

Consumers, retailers and restaurants have been instructed not to ‘eat, sell or serve’ cheese products from Clover Hill Dairy, and should dispose of any product containing them.

As of 14 June, nine individuals across multiple states were infected with the particular Listeria outbreak strain, including a 2023 death which occured in Maryland.

Consumers who are at higher risk for Listeria illness should not eat any soft cheeses made with unpasteurized milk and take extra care when eating soft cheeses made with pasteurised milk.

This is because, although the pasteurisation process can kill the bacteria, it can still become contaminated, a notice warned.