A popular dairy-free milk alternative is being recalled in more than two dozen states because it could trigger a ‘life-threatening’ reaction.
Massachusetts-based HP Hood LLC recalled five types of its 96oz containers of Lactaid Milk because the products may contain undeclared almond.
People with an almond allergy or sensitivity are at risk of a potentially fatal allergic reaction if they consume the products.
The company discovered traces of almond in its products after routine maintenance processes revealed trace amounts of the food. No illnesses have been reported, the FDA reported.
The products were sold to retailers and wholesalers in 27 states across the country.
The recall applies to products like the above, with best by dates ranging from November to December 2024
Lactaid 2% Calcium Enriched Milk (pictured above) is among the products included in the recall
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The states include in Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
The recall applies to refrigerated 96oz containers of Lactaid products, dairy-free milk alternatives for people with lactose intolerance, with expiration dates ranging from November 2024 to December 2024.
The product lot code is 51-4109 P2.
They include Lactaid Whole Milk, Lactaid 2% Milk, Lactaid 1% Milk, Lactaid Fat Free Milk and Lactaid 2% Calcium Enriched Milk.
The FDA recall notice stated: ‘People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to almonds may run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.’
Almonds are considered tree nuts and fall into a category of foods called drupes, a type of fruit with a fleshy exterior and a shell that covers a seed.
While the estimated number of people with a tree nut allergy varies wildly depending on location and definition of allergy, a 2018 study stated it could range from 0.2 percent of children and 0.5 percent of adults.
Among those with a tree nut allergy, which also includes cashews, pecans and hazelnuts, an allergy to almonds is reported in nine to 15 percent of people, according to Allergy Insider.
Allergic reactions occur because the immune system overreacts to a protein in almonds and triggers a cascade of symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
Lactaid Fat Free Milk (left) and Lactaid 1% Milk (right) are among the products included in the recall
Symptoms can include an itchy mouth and throat, hives, stomach pain, vomiting, shortness of breath, and swelling of the mouth, tongue and throat.
In severe cases, people can go into anaphylactic shock, a severe and potentially deadly allergic reaction.
People with anaphylaxis experience swelling of the throat, making it difficult to breath, trouble swallowing, a weak pulse, and dizziness or fainting.
They can also go into shock, which occurs when the body’s circulatory system is unable to supply enough blood to vital tissues and organs.
Anaphylaxis is treated with epinephrine, or adrenaline, which can be injected into an allergic person’s thigh. Supplemental oxygen, as well as antihistamines and steroids can also help improve a person’s condition.
The exact annual number of fatal anaphylaxis cases in the United States is unknown, but one study estimates between 0.25 percent and 0.33 percent of anaphylaxis patients die, representing between 60 and 100 deaths per year.
