Critical Food Safety Alert: Nationwide Recall of Floria Dried Apricots Due to Undeclared Sulfites
Health officials issue urgent consumer warning for dried fruit products distributed across 19 states due to potentially life-threatening allergen contamination
Executive Summary
Federal health authorities have issued an urgent recall notice for Floria Dried Apricots manufactured by Turkana Food Inc., affecting distribution across 19 states nationwide. The recall was initiated due to the presence of undeclared sulfites, a common food preservative that can trigger severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. This recall represents a significant food safety concern that requires immediate consumer action and highlights ongoing challenges in food allergen management and labeling compliance.
The affected products, which carry an expiration date of November 2026, have been identified through specific lot and UPC numbers, enabling precise consumer identification and removal from households. While no illnesses have been reported to date, health officials emphasize the urgency of this recall due to the serious nature of sulfite sensitivity reactions and the widespread distribution of the affected products.
Product Identification and Distribution Details
Specific Product Information
The recalled product has been identified as Floria Dried Apricots, manufactured and distributed by Turkana Food Inc. Consumers can identify the affected products through several key identifiers that should be checked immediately against any dried apricot products in their possession.
The critical identification markers include:
- Product Name: Floria Dried Apricots
- Manufacturer: Turkana Food Inc.
- Expiration Date: November 2026
- Lot Number: #440090478-15-333
- UPC Code: 2539560010
These specific identifiers are crucial for consumers to verify whether products in their possession are part of the recall. The combination of these markers ensures precise identification and helps prevent confusion with similar products from other manufacturers or production runs.
Geographic Distribution Scope
The recall affects products distributed across 19 states, representing a significant portion of the continental United States. This widespread distribution underscores the importance of the recall notice and the potential number of consumers who may have purchased the affected products.
The multi-state distribution occurred through various retail channels, including grocery stores, specialty food retailers, and potentially online platforms. The extensive geographic reach means that consumers across diverse markets and regions need to check their pantries and food storage areas for the recalled products.
Health officials have not yet released a complete list of affected states, but consumers nationwide are advised to check product identifiers regardless of their location, as distribution patterns for specialty food products can sometimes extend beyond initially reported areas.
Retail Channel Impact
The recall affects multiple retail channels and distribution networks, complicating the process of notifying all potentially affected consumers. Products may have been sold through traditional grocery chains, specialty food stores, ethnic markets, health food stores, and online retailers.
The complexity of modern food distribution systems means that the same product may have reached consumers through various pathways, making comprehensive consumer notification challenging. This reality emphasizes the importance of media coverage and consumer vigilance in identifying and removing recalled products.
Retailers in affected areas are being notified directly by the manufacturer and health authorities to remove products from shelves and post recall notices in their stores. However, products already purchased by consumers require individual action to identify and safely dispose of or return the recalled items.
Understanding Sulfite Sensitivity and Health Risks
The Nature of Sulfite Preservatives
Sulfites are a group of chemical compounds commonly used as preservatives in food processing to prevent spoilage, maintain color, and extend shelf life. While generally recognized as safe for the majority of the population, sulfites can trigger severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, making proper labeling essential for consumer safety.
Common sulfite compounds used in food processing include sulfur dioxide, sodium sulfite, sodium bisulfite, potassium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, and potassium metabisulfite. These compounds are particularly prevalent in dried fruits, wines, processed foods, and some medications.
The Food and Drug Administration requires clear labeling of sulfites when present in concentrations above 10 parts per million, as this level can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. The undeclared presence of sulfites in the recalled apricots represents a serious labeling violation that puts vulnerable consumers at risk.
Prevalence and Risk Factors
Sulfite sensitivity affects approximately 13 million Americans, representing a significant portion of the population who must carefully monitor their food intake to avoid potentially dangerous reactions. This condition is particularly prevalent among individuals with asthma, with studies indicating that 5-10% of asthmatic patients may experience sulfite sensitivity.
The condition appears to be more common in adults than children, and certain ethnic populations may have higher rates of sensitivity. Women may be somewhat more likely to develop sulfite sensitivity than men, though the condition can affect individuals of any age, gender, or background.
Risk factors for sulfite sensitivity include existing asthma diagnosis, other food allergies or sensitivities, and certain genetic factors that may influence how the body processes sulfite compounds. However, sulfite sensitivity can also develop in individuals without obvious risk factors, making proper labeling crucial for all consumers.
Clinical Manifestations and Severity
Sulfite sensitivity reactions can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening medical emergencies, making this recall a serious public health concern. Understanding the potential symptoms helps consumers recognize when medical attention may be necessary.
Mild to moderate reactions may include:
- Skin reactions such as hives, rashes, or itching
- Gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Nasal congestion or runny nose
- Headaches or dizziness
- General malaise or discomfort
Severe reactions can escalate quickly and may include:
- Severe breathing difficulties or wheezing
- Chest tightness or pain
- Rapid pulse or heart palpitations
- Severe drop in blood pressure
- Loss of consciousness
- Anaphylactic shock requiring emergency medical intervention
The unpredictable nature of allergic reactions means that individuals who have previously experienced mild symptoms may potentially develop more severe reactions with subsequent exposures, emphasizing the importance of complete avoidance of undeclared sulfites.
