Thousands of cans of condiments are being recalled because they may be contaminated with a dangerous acid.
California-based Mangalm LLC is recalling approximately 3,000 cans of assorted pickle sauces because of potential contamination with erucic acid from mustard oil.
The recall was initiated in January by the company but was just classed by the FDA on Tuesday.
It is a class II, indicating 'a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.'
The products were distributed in California, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington.
The recall includes Tops Gold branded mixed pickle, mango pickle, lime pickle, khatta meetha pickle, stuffed red chili pickle and green chili pickle condiments.
It applies to 12-can and two-can cases of cans ranging in size from 31.74 ounces to 158.73 ounces.
Erucic acid is a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid that gives mustard its liquid and viscous consistency. It is common in South Asian cooking, but erucic acid is linked to potential cardiac issues.
In animal studies, high intake of the substance has been linked to heart lesions and myocardial lipidosis, the accumulation of fat within the heart muscles.
The FDA has restrictions on erucic acid in mustard oil for use in food in the US and it is classified as not Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS).
It is frequently sold in the US labeled as 'external use only.'
It is not known how the erucic acid got into the recalled condiments.
Specific recalled products include 31.74-ounce cans of Tops Gold mixed pickle with a UPC of 8904288611380 and 158.73-ounce cans with a UPC of 8904288612950.
The same sizes apply to Tops Gold mango pickle with UPCs of 8904288611373, 8904288611915 and 8904288613025.
Cans of Tops Gold lime pickle in 31.74-ounce cans with a UPC of 8904288611397 are also part of the recall, as are 33.51-ounce cans of Tops Gold khatta meetha pickle with a UPC of 8904288611427.
Tops Gold stuffed red chili pickle in 31.74-ounce cans with a UPC of 8904288611953 are also being recalled, along with Tops Gold green chili pickle in 31.74-ounce cans with a UPC of 8904288612837.
All of the products have 'product of India' stamped on them.
The FDA notice did not specify what to do with the products if consumers are in possession of them, but in recalls, it is advised to not eat the product and throw it away or return it to the place of purchase.