USDA Issues Public Health Alert for Frozen Burritos Sold at Costco Over Undeclared Egg Allergen
Key Takeaways
- •The USDA issued a public health alert instead of a formal recall because the affected burritos are no longer available for retail purchase.
- •Red's Steak Cilantro and Lime Burrito was found to contain undeclared egg, which is one of the nine major food allergens recognized by the FDA.
- •The affected products were distributed exclusively to Costco warehouse locations in Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota.
- •The undeclared allergen issue was discovered after a consumer found egg inside the burrito and reported it to the company.
- •No adverse allergic reactions have been reported in connection with consumption of the affected product as of the alert's issuance.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a public health alert for a frozen burrito product sold at Costco after it was found to contain an undeclared allergen.
The affected product is Red's Steak Cilantro and Lime Burrito, produced on June 19. According to the USDA, the burritos contain egg that is not listed on the product label. Egg is one of the nine major food allergens recognized by the FDA, and reactions can range from mild symptoms to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Undeclared allergens are one of the most common causes of food recalls in the United States. The items were distributed to Costco warehouse locations in Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota.
A formal recall was not issued because the burritos are no longer available for retail sale. The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), which regulates meat, poultry, and processed egg products, typically issues public health alerts rather than recalls when products are no longer in retail distribution but may still be held by consumers. The USDA cautioned that the products may still be present in consumers' freezers.
The issue came to light after a consumer notified the company upon discovering egg inside the burrito. Red's subsequently reported the matter to FSIS. To date, no adverse reactions have been reported in connection with consumption of the product.
The burritos were packaged both individually and in 10-count cartons weighing 3 lbs. 2 oz. The affected lot numbers, printed on the side of the label, are:
- L1 SD6170 1503
- L1 SD6170 1535
- L1 SD6170 1606
- L1 SD6170 1639
- L1 SD6170 1717
- L1 SD6170 1750
- L1 SD6170 1831
- L1 SD6170 1908
- L1 SD6170 1954
- L1 SD6170 2031
- L1 SD6170 2108
- L1 SD6170 2130
Additionally, the products bear the establishment number "EST. 46069" inside the USDA mark of inspection.
The USDA advises consumers who find any of the affected burritos in their freezers to discard them or return them to the place of purchase. Consumers concerned about allergic reactions are encouraged to contact a healthcare provider.
Red's and Costco did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Fox Business.
Source: Fox Business