Wesco has issued a voluntary recall of one of its cookie products, citing major concerns about consumers potentially suffering a "serious or life-threatening allergic reaction."
Wesco, based in Muskegon, Michigan, issued the recall on Friday for 750 units of its name-brand Mint No Bake Cookie Bites. According to Monday's recall notice from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the products were determined to potentially contain undeclared peanuts.
The affected units were sold at Wesco convenience store locations in Michigan's lower peninsula and featured the universal product code (UPC) 750308040474. They were sold in 9-ounce plastic cups and were labeled with the following "sell-thru" dates: 03/15/2024, 03/16/2024, 03/17/2024, 03/18/2024.
"The recall was initiated after it was discovered that Wesco Mint No Bake Cookie Bites containing peanut butter were distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of peanuts," the notice explained. "Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by incorrect product formulation within the manufacturing facility's new software system."
As of Monday, the FDA said that "no illnesses have been reported."
Nevertheless, the company has warned consumers that they could "run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products." Anyone who suspects that they have purchased any of the affected products can return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Anyone with further questions about the situation can contact Wesco, Inc. by phone at 231-719-4385, or through email at recall@wescoinc.com.
In a statement, Wesco told Newsweek about steps being taken in response to the problems that led to the recall.
"The label approval process is being revised to account for existing items, including seasonal offerings and product formulation changes," the statement said.
"The label approval process will include a review of product description, ingredient statement, ingredient specification sheets, expiration date/shelf life, allergen statement, precautionary statement, firm name and address, special handling instructions, UPC and retail, lot code, and nutrition facts panel.
"A record of this review will be maintained as part of the firm's food safety plan. The firm has conducted a review of all other product labels to confirm that no other products were impacted," according to the statement.
In its official recall notice, the FDA laid out the reactions that consumers of the affected products might experience if they are allergic to peanuts.
"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 explained.
The recall by Wesco, Inc. comes not long after the FDA reported a similar recall in January by the company Byrne Dairy in Syracuse, New York. In that instance, the company also reported that units of one of its half-gallon chocolate ice cream products were found to potentially contain undeclared peanuts, thus presenting a danger to those with allergies. The affected units were distributed to stores across Upstate New York.
Update 3/12/2024, 3:27 p.m. ET: This story was updated with a statement from Wesco.
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