Washington, D.C. — Federal food safety officials are urging consumers in seven states to check their refrigerators after thousands of pounds of ready-to-eat pasta salad were recalled because of a labeling error that could pose a serious health risk to people with food allergies.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall on June 25, stating that approximately 5,300 pounds of the product may contain undeclared egg and milk, two of the major food allergens recognized in the United States.
Officials said consumers with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients should avoid eating the recalled product.
Why the Pasta Salad Was Recalled
According to federal officials, the recall was initiated after Reser’s Fine Foods discovered that some containers labeled as Molly’s Kitchen California Style Pasta Salad may actually contain ready-to-eat chicken salad.
Because chicken salad includes egg and milk ingredients that are not listed on the pasta salad label, consumers with allergies could unknowingly be exposed to allergens capable of causing serious or potentially life-threatening reactions.
The company notified FSIS after identifying the packaging mistake. At this time, officials say no illnesses or allergic reactions have been reported in connection with the recall.
Recalled Product Details
Consumers should check for the following product:
- Product: Molly’s Kitchen California Style Pasta Salad
- Package Size: 5-pound plastic tub
- Use By Date: July 16, 2026
- Production Date: June 11, 2026
- Establishment Number: P-00874 (printed on the side of the container)
Anyone who has this product should verify the packaging information before consuming it.
States Included in the Recall
According to FSIS, the recalled product was distributed to food distributors in the following seven states:
- Alabama
- Florida
- North Carolina
- New Jersey
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Virginia
Officials noted that some of the affected products may still be stored in consumers’ refrigerators.
What Consumers Should Do
Federal food safety officials advise consumers not to eat the recalled product. Instead, customers who purchased the affected pasta salad should either:
- Throw the product away immediately, or
- Return it to the retailer where it was purchased for a refund or proper disposal.
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Consumers with egg or milk allergies are especially encouraged to carefully check any recently purchased Molly’s Kitchen California Style Pasta Salad before consuming it.
No Illnesses Reported, but Officials Urge Caution
Although no confirmed illnesses have been linked to the recall so far, FSIS says mislabeled products involving undeclared allergens can present significant health risks.
Food allergies can cause reactions ranging from mild symptoms to severe medical emergencies, making accurate product labeling critical for consumer safety.
Officials continue monitoring the recall and encourage anyone with questions about the affected product to contact the retailer or follow updates from federal food safety agencies.
Consumers are also reminded to regularly check their refrigerators and pantries for recalled food products, particularly those involving undeclared allergens.
Have you ever been affected by a food recall? Do you think food manufacturers should face stricter penalties for labeling mistakes involving allergens? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.