The FDA’s urgent warning focuses on Turkana Food Inc.’s Floria Dried Apricots, which contain undeclared sulfites—chemicals meant to preserve freshness but hazardous to sensitive individuals. Sulfites can trigger symptoms ranging from mild allergic reactions like hives to severe respiratory distress. This undeclared additive bypasses federal safety labeling rules, putting vulnerable consumers at risk of unknowingly consuming a potentially harmful product.
Though no illnesses have been reported yet, the wide distribution of the apricots across states like Florida, New York, and California amplifies concern. Authorities urge anyone with the specific lot number 440090478-15-333 to discard the product immediately. This unfolding health alert reveals the critical importance of transparency in food labeling, as one small oversight can threaten lives across the nation.