Dierbergs Markets, a popular supermarket chain in St. Louis, has issued a recall for certain 16-ounce packages of “Premium Home-Style Mashed Potatoes” due to undeclared wheat, which could expose consumers with wheat allergies or celiac disease to serious health risks.
Why It Matters
Food allergies affect millions of people in the U.S., with approximately 6% of adults and 8% of children having at least one food allergy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Allergens in food that are not listed on the packaging can lead to life-threatening reactions, including anaphylaxis, a severe allergic response that requires immediate medical attention.
What To Know
The recall affects “Premium Home-Style Mashed Potatoes” sold at over two dozen Dierbergs locations in Missouri. The affected products are marked with label ID number 92, UPC number 231220006538, and a “sell by” date of January 9, 2025. These packages were removed from store shelves as of Friday. The recall was initiated after wheat, a major food allergen, was found to be undeclared on the product’s labeling.
Dierbergs Markets is working in collaboration with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure the recall is handled properly. The company confirmed that no other Dierbergs-branded products are impacted by this recall. Customers who purchased the affected mashed potatoes should return them to their point of purchase for a full refund. For more information, customers can contact Dierbergs Markets at 1-636-532-8884, available Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time.
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Health Risks for Consumers
Wheat is one of the nine major food allergens identified by the FDA, and exposure to wheat can cause severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include throat swelling, difficulty breathing, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness. Other reactions to wheat may include rashes, hives, itching, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping.
Additionally, individuals with celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that makes the body intolerant to gluten, are at significant risk of complications from consuming wheat-containing products.
What People Are Saying
In a tragic reminder of the potential dangers of undeclared allergens, a fatal incident occurred last year following a recall of Florentine cookies sold by Stew Leonard’s supermarket chain. The cookies contained undeclared peanuts, leading to the death of a woman who had a peanut allergy.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy that should never have happened,” said Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli.
What Happens Next
As all affected packages of mashed potatoes have been removed from Dierbergs stores, it is unlikely that further actions will be taken regarding the recall. At this time, there is no indication of any adverse reactions linked to the product.
