Lidl US Recalls Shortbread Cookies in Nine States and DC Over Undeclared Allergens
Key Takeaways
- •Lidl US voluntarily recalled Eridanous Shortbread Cookies because the foreign-language packaging omitted English-language ingredient lists, nutrition facts, and allergen declarations required under U.S. law.
- •The recalled cookies contain wheat, soy, milk, and eggs, which are classified as major food allergens that must be clearly identified on packaged food products.
- •The affected products were distributed to Lidl stores in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia between July 15 and July 22.
- •No illnesses had been reported in connection with the recalled cookies as of the announcement.
- •Customers can return the recalled product to any Lidl store for a full refund without a receipt or call the Lidl US Customer Care Hotline at (844) 747-5435 for assistance.
Lidl US has issued a voluntary recall for a brand of shortbread cookies after discovering that some packages distributed to stores across nine states and the District of Columbia failed to disclose major food allergens on their labels.
The recall covers Eridanous Shortbread Cookies with Chocolate Truffle Coating & Apricot Filling, a product under one of Lidl's private-label brands for its imported European assortment. The cookies were sold in 11.6-ounce (330-gram) boxes bearing UPC 4056489125839. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the affected products were packaged with foreign-language labeling that omitted English-language ingredient lists, nutrition facts, and allergen declarations.
The undeclared allergens include wheat, soy, milk, and eggs. Under the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA), these are among the major food allergens that must be clearly identified on packaged food products sold in the United States. Undeclared allergens consistently rank among the most common reasons for FDA food recalls, as even trace amounts can trigger severe reactions in sensitive individuals, including anaphylaxis.
Lidl, a German discount supermarket chain that entered the US market in 2017, has been expanding its footprint along the East Coast. The recalled cookies were distributed between July 15 and July 22 to Lidl US retail stores in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia.
Lidl stated that no illnesses had been reported in connection with the recalled product as of the announcement.
Customers with allergies or sensitivities to wheat, soy, milk, or eggs should not consume the cookies. Lidl advised consumers to discard the product or return it to any Lidl store for a full refund. A receipt is not required for the return.
Consumers with questions can contact the Lidl US Customer Care Hotline at (844) 747-5435, available Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.
FOX Business reached out to Lidl for additional information, including the number of packages affected by the recall, how the labeling error occurred, and what steps the company is taking to prevent similar issues in the future.
Source: Fox Business Markets