Though the company touts its sustainably sourced ingredients, one missing from the package label could cause serious harm for some.
Rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytonutrients, hummus comes close to being considered the perfect snack. In fact, research suggests that regularly adding the chickpea- and tahini-based dip to your plate could lower your odds of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity—even promoting a longer life. Unfortunately, as a new regional recall notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) emphasizes, even the most health-conscious snacks can face production problems that put consumers at risk.
On January 6, Carrot Top Kitchens, a family-owned company based in Bridgeport, Connecticut, recalled five varieties of hummus after discovering that sesame—a major food allergen—was not declared on product labels. According to an announcement citing a warning from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection’s Food and Standards Division, the hummus was distributed in two neighboring states: Connecticut and New York.
The alert states that the hummus was distributed to Rochambeau Farm Store in Bedford, New York, and was also sold at farmers markets throughout Connecticut. While no illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported as of the recall report’s publication, consumers are urged to take the recall seriously.
The recall affects Lemon Garlic, Lime Ginger, White Truffle, Sundried Tomato and Caper, and Cherry Pepper hummus sold under the Carrot Top Kitchens brand. All recalled products are packaged in 8-ounce (226-gram) plastic containers and can be identified by the flavor name printed on the lid. The FDA link also includes an example product photo.
According to the Carrot Top Kitchen website, the company was “founded in 2010 on the belief that farm sourced, small batch production always produces the finest quality.” They note that their ingredients are “sourced locally, seasonally, and sustainably”—their hummus selection is labeled as vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free. In addition to hummus, the company also produces soups, salads, quiches, and pickles.
Health authorities warn that people with a sesame allergy or severe sensitivity could experience serious or potentially life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume the affected hummus.
“Reactions can be unpredictable. Symptoms of a sesame allergy reaction can range from mild, such as hives, to severe, such as anaphylaxis,” warns the food safety organization Food Allergy & Research Education (FARE). “If you have a sesame allergy, keep an epinephrine delivery device with you at all times. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis,” they urge.
Sesame became the ninth major food allergen in the U.S. following passage of the FASTER (Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research) Act in 2021, with mandatory labeling requirements taking effect January 1, 2023, under the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act. As a result, undeclared sesame now triggers FDA enforcement actions similar to those for milk, peanuts, and shellfish.
The FDA notes that customers who purchased any of the recalled products should return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions can contact Carrot Top Kitchens at 203-313-4549. Those wishing to file a complaint may email the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection at DCP.FoodandStandards [at] ct.gov.
For daily wellness updates, subscribe to The Healthy newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading:
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