Popular US bakery slapped with warning from the FDA for mislabeling allergens in products
Inspections revealed that Bimbo Bakeries USA had mislabeled a number of products, including those from Sara Lee and Entenmann’s. For example, sesame seeds or nuts were mentioned, even though they were not in the ingredients list.
The FDA conducted inspections in October and November at Bimbo plants producing Sara Lee and Brownberry breads in Phoenix, Arizona, and Topeka, Kansas.
A recent letter from the FDA states that the company’s products are “misbranded” and that allergen labeling serves as an additional measure and not as a substitute for contamination prevention practices, according to a recent letter to the company.
The FDA cited specific Sara Lee products, such as Artesano Brioche and Delightful Multigrain, as mislabeled. These breads were labeled as containing sesame seeds, but the ingredient list and “Contains” statements were incorrect – sesame seeds were not actually used.
Inspections found that Bimbo Bakeries USA had mislabeled some products, including those from Sara Lee and Entenmann’s, by listing sesame or tree nuts that were not present in the ingredients
Bimbo Bakeries has until July 8 to address the labeling problem
“Food labels must be truthful and not misleading,” the authorities said.
“Bimbo Bakeries USA takes our role in protecting consumers with allergen sensitivities very seriously, through good manufacturing practices in our facilities and informative labeling on our packages,” a company spokesperson told FOX Business.
“We are in discussions with the FDA to resolve this matter.”
Sesame has become the ninth most important allergen in the US. This puts new labeling requirements on all foods containing sesame produced and sold in the country.
Bimbo Bakeries has until July 8 to address the labeling problem. The company can initiate corrective actions or defend its labeling practices with the FDA.