FDA Warns That Undeclared Peanuts Could Lurk In Food Containing Cumin

Life with a severe food allergy can be scary enough, but knowing that sometimes labels are inaccurate and that not all allergens are identified is even scarier. The situation right now where a batch of ground cumin was contaminated with peanuts shows that even spices and spice blends can be dangerous to people with severe enough allergies.

We highlighted many of the cumin-containing items in our food and supplement recall roundup earlier this month, but the problem is that not all items that could contain affected cumin are labeled. The Food and Drug Administration has put out a warning to everyone, warning people with peanut allergies to stay away from foods containing cumin entirely.

People with allergies and their caregiversshould also aware that an ingredients list can simply say “spices” without listing them all. Foods that might contain cumin include meal and seasoning kits for “Tex-Mex” and Indian dishes. Whenever a savory food item doesn’t spell out all of the spices it contains, the FDA recommends that consumers call the manufacturer to check.

Since our roundup, there’s one additional recall to add to the list: Kirby brand seasoned black beans and Goya brand black bean soup also contain the contaminated cumin.

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