Unexpected Allergen Triggers Recall of Popular Pancake Mix Brand

"Product recall" sign near succulent on orange background.

Quaker Oats recalls thousands of pancake mixes due to undeclared allergen, raising concerns over safety and labeling transparency.

Key Takeaways

The Quaker Oats Company is recalling specific pancake mixes due to undeclared milk allergens.
This recall affects Pearl Milling Company Original Pancake and Waffle Mix in eleven states.
The best-by date for the recalled product is September 13, 2025, with a specific UPC code of 30000 65040.
Consumers with milk allergies risk serious reactions if exposed.
No other Quaker Oats or Pearl Milling Company products are affected by this recall.

Recall Details and Affected Products

The Quaker Oats Company has initiated a recall of 10,000 boxes of Pearl Milling Company Original Pancake and Waffle Mix due to undeclared milk allergens on the packaging. This recall specifically targets two-pound boxes distributed to retail stores across eleven states: Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Utah, and Wisconsin. The affected products bear the UPC code 30000 65040 and have a best-by date of September 13, 2025.

According to Quaker Oats, the product was formerly sold under the Aunt Jemima brand, and consumers with the product are encouraged to either discard it or seek more information from Quaker Consumer Relations. The company is widely communicating the issue through various platforms to ensure that consumers are aware of the potential dangers posed by milk allergens.

Potential Risks for Consumers

Consumers with allergies to milk components face significant dangers from exposure. Milk allergies can trigger severe and potentially life-threatening reactions. The FDA, which highlighted the significance of this recall, stresses the severity of food allergies, noting that allergic reactions can range from mild symptoms like hives and lip swelling to serious anaphylactic reactions that could lead to shock.

“Food allergies and other types of food hypersensitivities affect millions of Americans and their families. Food allergies occur when the body’s immune system reacts to certain proteins in food. Food allergic reactions vary in severity from mild symptoms involving hives and lip swelling to severe, life-threatening symptoms, often called anaphylaxis, that may involve fatal respiratory problems and shock.” – The FDA

Despite the potential threat, the Quaker Oats Company reports that no allergic reactions have been noted thus far. The FDA has used social media to amplify awareness about this recall, providing additional resources to consumers seeking more information about the risks of food allergens.

Safety Instructions and How to Proceed

In response to this allergen mislabeling, the Quaker Oats Company urges those with pancake mix bearing the specified details to dispose of it immediately, particularly if there is any risk of milk allergies. “If consumers have an allergy or sensitivity to milk, they should not consume the product and discard it immediately. Quaker has informed the FDA of this action. Consumers with the product described above can contact Quaker Consumer Relations at 1-800-407-2247 (9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. CST, Monday–Friday).” – The Quaker Oats Company

Quaker’s swift action to address the issue underscores the importance of stringent labeling practices within the food industry, safeguarding consumers’ health and confidence in the products they consume. Ensuring the utmost transparency in product ingredient listings is critical in preventing such incidents and maintaining the efficacy of food safety standards.