Officials have issued a public health alert for ready-to-eat beef jerky because some products may contain an undeclared allergen.
The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued the alert for three separate jerky products, including six-ounce Dried Hawaiian style beef crisps original salt and pepper flavor, four-ounce Punahele Jerky Company Inc Uncle K's Beef Crisps and four-ounce Punahele Jerky Company Inc Kilauea Spicy Beef Crisps.
The alert was issued because the products may contain soy lecithin, an allergen. However, this ingredient is not listed on the label, posing a hidden danger to people who have a soy allergy.
The alert applies to products that have best-by dates of February 17, 2027, or prior.
The items were sold at retail stores in Hawaii and online nationwide.
A recall was not issued because the products are not longer available for sale, but officials fear they may still be in people's pantries.
There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions related to the products, according to FSIS.
'FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers' pantries. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase,' the agency said.
Ready-to-eat beef jerky has been recalled due to potential allergic reaction risks.
The recall was not given a classification, but it is possible it will be designated Class I, which refers to 'a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.'
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About 1.5 to 2 million Americans have a soy allergy, making it one of the country's most common allergens.
Symptoms of an allergy include hives, wheezing, coughing, congestion, face and throat swelling and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
This is a life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs very quickly after being exposed to an allergen.
Experts estimate 150 to 200 Americans die from allergen-induced anaphylaxis every year.
It triggers an extreme immune response, leading to dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath and vomiting.
If not treated quickly with epinephrine (adrenaline), which can be administered via injection like an EpiPen or nasal spray, a person can die.
'Anyone concerned about a reaction should contact a health care provider,' FSIS said.
The agency said consumers with questions regarding the public health alert can contact Sabrina Vaughn, Food Safety and QA Compliance Officer, at 808-961-0877.