The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted information about an allergy alert and product recall initiated by a food company out of the Los Angeles area. The alert and recall were issued because two brands of their fish and shrimp products may contain undeclared eggs. The recalled products were distributed to retail stores in California, Indiana and Illinois.

According to the recall notice, this action was initiated after receiving a consumer complaint of an anaphylactic reaction. Through investigation, it was determined that the formulation of an ingredient in the products was changed to include eggs. The announcement goes on to warn that people who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to eggs run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA) requires that food labels clearly identify the food source names of all ingredients that are, or contain any protein derived from, the eight most common food allergens. These account for 90% of allergic reactions to foods. They include eggs, wheat, milk, crustacean shellfish, fish, tree nuts, peanuts and soybeans.

“Since there is no cure for food allergies, anyone with the condition needs to avoid all foods that contain the allergen they are sensitive to in order to avoid what could be a severe reaction,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing's Huntington Beach facility. “At LA Testing, our laboratories in California work with food manufacturers, distributors, importers, retailers and regulators to assist with all food testing and labeling requirements. We offer a wide range of services that can not only help to prevent costly product recalls, they are also instrumental for protecting consumers and the nation's food supply.”

To learn more about food allergen, labeling or other testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com or www.FoodTestingLab.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794.

About LA Testing

LA Testing is California's leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash, and smoke damage, particulates, and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health, and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro, San Diego, and Ontario.

— WebWireID292772 —