Slices of chocolate cake have been recalled after a packaging mix up.
Kalo Foods LLC has voluntarily recalled packages of its All Natural KALO Chocolate Cake Gluten Free after it was found that incorrect products were put in some containers. Some products labeled as chocolate cake are actually slices of carrot cake that contain soy, a major allergen, which is not declared on the label.
The recall has now been given a Class II risk classification by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A Class II recall is “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.”
Packages included in the recall bear a UPC code of 8 53407 00418 4. All 84 affected products were shipped to North Carolina and Virginia only.
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Food allergies occur when your body issues an immune response to certain foods when consumed. There are nine major allergens declared by the FDA that must be included on all food packaging: soy, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, milk, egg, crustaceans (shellfish), fish and sesame.
Symptoms of allergic reactions include rashes, hives, itching, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, swelling of the throat and vocal cords, and coughing or wheezing.
Anaphylaxis is the most serious type of allergic reaction and is considered a medical emergency, with symptoms including throat swelling, difficulty breathing, a sudden drop in blood pressure and loss of consciousness. If you believe you or another person is suffering from anaphylaxis, you should dial 911 immediately.
According to regulatory compliance company Traceone, allergen contamination was responsible for almost 40 percent of recalls issued by the FDA and the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) between 2020 and 2024.
Dr. Darin Detwiler, professor of food policy and corporate social responsibility at Northeastern University, told Newsweek there are several steps you should take if you believe you’ve had a reaction to an undeclared allergen in a food product.
“First and foremost, get medical help to address your symptoms and ensure your health and safety. Notify the FDA and local health departments about your illness or allergic reaction. This can help prevent others from getting sick,” he said.
He advised to always “keep the packaging and any remaining product” as this “can be important for any investigation and potential legal action.”
“If the illness or allergic reaction was due to negligence or contamination, you may have grounds for a legal claim,” Detwiler continued. “Consulting with a lawyer who specializes in food safety and product liability can help you understand your rights and options for seeking compensation.”
