Breakfast Sandwich Recall — What Consumers Need to Know

Ahead of the Christmas holiday, the Canadian government issued a recall on alpha brand Plant-based Breakfast Sandwich – Meatless Sausage due to an undeclared milk ingredient. Milk is reportedly the most undeclared allergen, and is one of the most common food allergens in children. Per Mayo Clinic, Cow's milk is the usual cause of milk allergy, but milk from other animals may also cause a reaction. An allergic reaction usually occurs soon after one consumes milk. The symptoms range from mild to severe and can include wheezing, vomiting, hives, and digestive problems. It can also cause anaphylaxis — a severe, life-threatening reaction.

The recall occurred because the milk was not listed on the label. Because the product was not sold nationally, customers were encouraged to check to they had any of the recalled products in their possession. If so, the were instructed to not consume any recalled products, especially if they had any allergy or were sensitive to milk. They were also told not to not serve, use, sell or distribute recalled products, and/or immediately discard or return recalled products. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening reaction that narrows the airways and can block breathing. Milk is the third most common food, following peanuts and tree nuts, to cause anaphylaxis.

The best treatment for a milk allergy is to avoid milk and products that contain milk. Many may outgrow the allergy as they age, as an allergy can occur at any time during one's life, and one can also become immune. 

There were several reaclls during the holiday season. Just days before Christmas, Almondy AB recalled Almondy Almond cake with Daim after a metal piece has been found in the product, which makes it unsafe to eat, per the Food Standards Agency. The cake is sold in IKEA stores. In addition to the online website posting, point-of-sale notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling the cake. The notices explain to customers why the product is being recalled and tells them what to do if they have bought the product. Anyone who has already purchased the item is encouraged to return it or discard it immediately.