Federal and state officials have issued a recall for several hummus products sold in parts of the Northeast after discovering an undeclared, potentially life-threatening allergen.
The US Food and Drug Administration announced a Class II recall of five hummus varieties produced by Carrot Top Country Kitchens LLC, citing the presence of sesame, a major food allergen that was not listed on product labels. A Class II recall indicates a risk of temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.
Connecticut’s Department of Consumer Protection said the affected products were sold at East Coast specialty food stores, including the Rochambeau Farm Store in Bedford, New York, and at various farmers’ markets across Connecticut.
The recalled flavors are:
- Lemon Garlic
- Lime Ginger
- White Truffle
- Sundried Tomato and Caper
- Cherry Pepper
While no illnesses or allergic reactions have been reported so far, officials stress that consumers with sesame allergies face serious risks if the products are consumed.
“Customers who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to sesame are vulnerable to serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if affected products are consumed,” the FDA said in a statement.
Why Sesame Is Dangerous
Sesame became the ninth major food allergen required to be clearly disclosed on US food labels in 2023, joining peanuts, milk, eggs and shellfish. The allergy affects nearly two million Americans, including both children and adults.
Allergic reactions to sesame can begin within minutes to two hours after exposure. Early symptoms may include hives, itching, swelling of the lips or face, nausea, stomach cramps, or sneezing. In severe cases, reactions can escalate rapidly into anaphylaxis, a medical emergency marked by airway constriction, a dangerous drop in blood pressure, and shock.
The only medication capable of reversing anaphylaxis is epinephrine, commonly administered via an auto-injector such as an EpiPen. However, emergency medical care is still required, as symptoms can return hours later in what is known as a biphasic reaction.
Although anaphylaxis-related deaths are rare—estimated at 100 to 225 annually in the US—health officials emphasize that undeclared allergens pose a significant risk, including to people who may not yet know they are allergic.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers who purchased the recalled hummus products are advised not to consume them and to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Carrot Top Country Kitchens is based in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and the recall remains ongoing as regulators monitor compliance and distribution.
