This latest recall could have severe consequences for consumers with milk allergies, as even trace amounts of milk can trigger fatal reactions. The issue arose when a customer discovered the wrong product inside the clear plastic containers, leading to a full-scale investigation. With this in mind, the public is being urged to take immediate action to avoid any potential harm.
Undeclared Milk in Red Lentil Soup
On 11 December 2025, Bakkavor USA, a North Carolina-based company, announced the recall of 16-ounce Meal Simple Red Lentil Dal Soup. According to the company, the soup was mispackaged with poultry and rice soup that contains milk. This mistake was first identified after a customer alerted H-E-B, prompting the company to initiate a recall. The affected product was sold in clear plastic cups with the “BEST BY” date of 1 January 2026 printed on the bottom, and it was distributed in Texas between 3 November and 8 December 2025.
The mislabeling is especially concerning for those with milk allergies, which can cause serious reactions such as anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that food recalls due to undeclared allergens are one of the most common causes of food safety alerts, and even small amounts of an allergen can lead to severe health consequences. Bakkavor has assured the public that it is investigating the cause of the labelling error, but no illnesses have been reported yet.
Consumers who have purchased the recalled soup are advised to return the product to the store for a full refund. For individuals with milk allergies, the risks posed by such mislabelling are substantial. Milk allergies affect roughly 2-3% of children in the United States, and can lead to life-threatening symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, and even death if not treated immediately.
Food Safety and the Ongoing Problem of Allergen Labelling
This recall is not an isolated incident but part of a larger trend of food allergen-related issues. Undeclared allergens are a serious concern for food manufacturers and retailers alike, as they can result in both public health crises and costly recalls. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), allergen-related food recalls are among the most frequent causes of safety warnings in the food industry.
Despite regulations that require food producers to list all major allergens, including milk, eggs, and peanuts, errors in packaging and labelling continue to occur. Bakkavor USA’s recall underscores the vulnerability of consumers who rely on accurate food information for their health and safety. While it is still unclear what led to this specific mix-up, the company has assured the public that it is working closely with health authorities to rectify the situation and prevent similar mistakes in the future.
The FDA has emphasised the importance of clear, accurate labelling, and manufacturers are encouraged to double-check their product’s allergen status to avoid incidents like this one. Food safety experts also recommend that consumers remain vigilant about reading labels, especially those with known allergies, and report any inconsistencies they might encounter.
For now, consumers are urged to be aware of the recall and to take appropriate action if they have purchased the affected soup. As the investigation continues, Bakkavor USA has vowed to improve its packaging and labelling processes to prevent similar issues from arising in the future.
