Wesco, Inc. has initiated a voluntary product recall due to significant concerns regarding the possibility of consumers facing a “serious or life-threatening allergic reaction.”
Headquartered in Muskegon, Michigan, Wesco, Inc. announced the recall on Friday for 750 units of its Mint No Bake Cookie Bites. The Food & Drug Administration’s recall notice on Monday highlighted that these products may contain undisclosed peanuts.
These specific items were retailed at Wesco convenience stores in the lower peninsula of Michigan and were identified by the universal product code (UPC) 750308040474. Packaged in 9-ounce plastic cups, the cookies were labeled with the following “sell-thru” dates: 03/15/2024, 03/16/2024, 03/17/2024, 03/18/2024.
The recall was prompted by the realization that the Mint No Bake Cookie Bites, which include peanut butter, were distributed without indicating the presence of peanuts on the packaging. The issue was attributed to an error in product formulation within the manufacturing facility’s new software system.
As of the latest update on Monday, there have been no reported illnesses associated with this product.
A photograph of cookies in New York City on June 14, 2017. A convenience store chain has recalled units of a no-bake cookie product, citing concerns about undisclosed peanuts. Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images of Housing Works
Despite this, the company has cautioned consumers about the potential risks of severe allergic reactions if they consume these items. Individuals who suspect they have purchased the affected products are advised to return them to the point of sale for a full refund. For any additional inquiries regarding this matter, customers can reach out to Wesco, Inc. via phone at 231-719-4385 or email at [email protected].
Newsweek attempted to contact Wesco, Inc. for further statements via email on Monday. Any responses received will be included in a subsequent update to this story.
In the official recall notification, the FDA outlined the possible allergic reactions that consumers might experience if they have a peanut allergy.
“Symptoms of allergic reaction include: hives, flushed skin or rash, tingling or itchy sensation in the mouth, swelling of the face, tongue, or lips, vomiting and/or diarrhea, abdominal cramps, coughing or wheezing, swelling of the throat and vocal cords, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness,” the notice detailed.
Wesco, Inc.’s recall follows a similar incident involving Byrne Dairy in Syracuse, New York, reported by the FDA in January. In that case, the company disclosed that certain half-gallon chocolate ice cream products might contain undeclared peanuts, posing a risk to individuals with allergies. These affected products were distributed to various stores across Upstate New York.