FDA Recalls Butter: In a growing food safety alert, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has escalated a butter recall to a Class II risk level following concerns over undeclared allergens. The product in question, European Style Butter Blend manufactured by Bunge North America Inc., was found to contain milk that was not listed on the packaging label.Class II Recall Indicates Moderate Health RiskThe risk reclassification, issued on Wednesday, July 30, places the product under the FDA’s second-highest warning level. According to the FDA, a Class II recall involves “a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”While no illnesses or allergic reactions have been reported so far, the undeclared presence of milk poses a potential health hazard to people with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance.Initial Voluntary Recall Announced in Mid-JulyThe recall began as a voluntary measure by Bunge on July 14, when the company announced it was pulling approximately 64,800 pounds, or 1,800 cases, of its one-pound butter blocks from shelves. The recalled butter was packed in white paperboard cases, each containing 36 one-pound blocks.The affected products carry the lot code 5064036503 and were shipped to 12 distribution centers across the United States and one in the Dominican Republic.Why the Undeclared Milk Is a Serious ConcernMilk is one of the nine major food allergens identified by the FDA, alongside eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame. The FDA mandates clear labeling of such allergens because exposure, even in small amounts, can cause a range of reactions, from mild discomfort to life-threatening symptoms.Food-related allergic reactions may include hives, facial swelling, vomiting, coughing, and skin irritation. More severe responses can result in anaphylaxis, a rapid-onset, whole-body allergic reaction that may lead to shock and, in extreme cases, death.According to the Mayo Clinic, anaphylaxis occurs when the immune system floods the body with chemicals in response to an allergen. This can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, narrowing of the airways, and potential organ failure if not treated immediately.FDA Reiterates Importance of Allergen LabelingIn light of the recall, the FDA has emphasized the importance of allergen labeling and said it continues to enforce regulations requiring companies to clearly list all ingredients and potential allergens on packaging.“More specific labeling requirements exist for foods that can cause allergies or other hypersensitivity reactions,” the agency stated. “These rules are designed to prevent accidental consumption of allergens and to protect consumers with dietary restrictions.”The FDA also advised that anyone who experiences symptoms of an allergic reaction after consuming the recalled butter should “stop eating the food immediately, evaluate the need to use emergency medication (such as epinephrine), and seek medical attention.”Company Yet to CommentAs of August 2, Bunge North America has not issued an updated public statement in response to the FDA’s reclassification and did not respond to a request for comment.Food Safety Under Scrutiny Amid Other Recent RecallsThis butter recall follows a string of other high-profile food safety incidents this year. In recent weeks, more than 110,000 cases of popular chocolate ice cream bars were recalled across 23 states. Target-branded baby food was also pulled from shelves for containing “elevated levels of lead.”