Lidl US Recalls Frozen Vegetables Across Multiple States

"Recall" stamp over blurred grocery store shelves.

Lidl US recalls frozen vegetables in nine states due to undeclared milk allergen, prompting safety concerns and a full refund offer.

At a Glance

  • Lidl US recalls Taste of Deutschland Buttered Vegetables due to undeclared milk allergens
  • Recall affects 10.5 oz boxes with UPC 4 056489 122876 distributed between October 21, 2023, and December 19, 2024
  • No illnesses reported; FDA discovered issue during routine inspection
  • Affected products sold in Delaware, D.C., Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia
  • Customers advised to return products for a full refund, no receipt required

Undeclared Allergen Prompts Recall

Lidl US has initiated a recall of its Taste of Deutschland Buttered Vegetables due to a critical labeling oversight. The frozen vegetable products, packaged in green 10.5oz boxes with UPC 4 056489 122876, failed to declare milk as an allergen on the label. This error was uncovered during a routine FDA inspection, highlighting the importance of regulatory oversight in food safety.

The recall spans nine states where Lidl US operates: Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia. The affected products were distributed and sold between October 21, 2023, and December 19, 2024, potentially exposing consumers to undeclared milk allergens for an extended period.

Health Risks and Consumer Action

While no illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall, the potential health risks for individuals with milk allergies are significant. Cow’s milk allergies can trigger a range of symptoms from mild discomfort to severe anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention. Even those with milk intolerance may experience digestive issues if they unknowingly consume these products.

Lidl US issued a statement which said, in part, “The health and safety of our customers is our top priority.”

The company is taking proactive measures to address the situation. Customers who have purchased the recalled Taste of Deutschland Buttered Vegetables are urged to return the product to any Lidl store for a full refund, regardless of whether they have a receipt. This no-questions-asked policy aims to ensure that all potentially affected products are removed from circulation and consumer households.

Company Response and Consumer Support

In response to the recall, Lidl US has established a dedicated customer support line to address concerns and questions. Consumers can reach the Lidl US Customer Care Hotline at (844)-747-5435 for additional information or assistance regarding the recall. This move demonstrates the company’s commitment to transparency and customer service during a challenging situation.

The company has emphasized its unwavering dedication to product safety and quality assurance. By voluntarily initiating this recall and cooperating fully with FDA regulations, Lidl US aims to maintain consumer trust and uphold its reputation for food safety. This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in food labeling and the critical importance of accurate allergen information for consumer safety.

Broader Context of Food Safety

This recall is not an isolated incident in the food industry. Recent months have seen various food recalls due to contamination with E. coli, plastic, and listeria, underscoring the constant vigilance required in food production and distribution. Consumers are advised to stay informed about food recalls and to carefully check product labels, especially if they have known food allergies or sensitivities.

As the food supply chain becomes increasingly complex, incidents like the Lidl US recall highlight the need for robust quality control measures and the importance of rapid response systems when issues are identified. Regulatory bodies, food manufacturers, and retailers must work in tandem to ensure that food safety standards are consistently met and that consumers are promptly informed of any potential risks.

Sources:

  1. https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/nutrition/milk-recall-sparks-warning-across-the-country/ar-AA1qVoRM
  2. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/lidl-recalls-taste-deutschland-buttered-vegetables-due-undeclared-milk-allergens
  3. https://www.newsweek.com/frozen-vegetable-recall-lidl-sparks-warning-2004997