A PANTRY favorite found in homes across the US is being pulled from shelves over a potentially deadly mix-up.
The packaging mistake involves an ingredient that could trigger life-threatening allergic reactions in some people.
The error could cause life-threatening reactions (stock image)[/caption]
The recall was announced from East Hanover, New Jersey, on July 8 by Mondelēz Global LLC.
Four specific product types are included in the nationwide recall due to a mislabeling issue involving peanut butter cracker sandwiches.
According to the FDA, some individually wrapped packets were incorrectly labeled as the Cheese variety.
The packets actually contain Peanut Butter, posing a serious risk to individuals with peanut allergies.
While the outer cartons are correctly labeled with a peanut allergen warning, the inner mislabeling could mislead consumers.
This error could put people with a peanut allergy at serious risk.
If someone with a peanut allergy eats any product that contains peanuts, their body can react severely because their immune system sees peanuts as a harmful substance.
They can experience reactions ranging from mild symptoms like itching and swelling to severe, life-threatening anaphylaxis that affects breathing and requires immediate emergency treatment.
Mondelēz issued the recall voluntarily after discovering the problem through internal checks.
The company traced the issue to defective film packaging rolls used during manufacturing.
The recalled items include the 11.4 oz 8-pack, 27.6 oz 20-pack, and 55.2 oz 40-pack cartons of the peanut butter sandwich crackers.
Also impacted is the 27.3 oz 20-pack variety carton, which includes the Peanut Butter version.
The products were made in the US and sold in stores across the country.
Only cartons with specific “Best When Used By” dates – ranging from November 1 to November 9, 2025, and January 2 to January 22, 2026 – are impacted.
Peanut Allergy Reactions
If someone with a peanut allergy eats any product that contains peanuts, their body can react severely because their immune system sees peanuts as a harmful substance
Mild to Moderate Reactions:
- Hives or skin rash
- Itchy mouth or throat
- Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting
- Runny nose, sneezing, or watery eyes
Severe Reactions (Anaphylaxis):
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or face
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Drop in blood pressure
- Rapid heartbeat
- Dizziness or fainting
- Loss of consciousness
Anaphylaxis is life-threatening and requires immediate treatment, usually with an epinephrine injection (like an EpiPen) and emergency medical care.
Products labeled solely as RITZ Cheese Cracker Sandwiches and other Mondelēz items are not affected.
Consumers are urged to check both outer and inner packaging.
People with peanut allergies have been advised to discard of the product immediately and not eat it.
So far, there have been no injuries or illnesses reported in connection to the recalled items.
Mondelēz said corrective steps are underway to prevent the issue from recurring.
“This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the US Food and Drug Administration,” the notice added.
Mondelēz didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment by The U.S. Sun.
Some RITZ cracker packs labeled as Cheese actually contain Peanut Butter (stock image)[/caption]
