Federal health authorities have issued an urgent recall notice for Floria Dried Apricots manufactured by Turkana Food Inc., affecting distribution across 19 states nationwide. The recall was initiated due to the presence of undeclared sulfites, a common food preservative that can trigger severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. This recall represents a significant food safety concern that requires immediate consumer action and highlights ongoing challenges in food allergen management and labeling compliance.
The affected products, which carry an expiration date of November 2026, have been identified through specific lot and UPC numbers, enabling precise consumer identification and removal from households. While no illnesses have been reported to date, health officials emphasize the urgency of this recall due to the serious nature of sulfite sensitivity reactions and the widespread distribution of the affected products.
Product Identification and Distribution Details
Specific Product Information
The recalled product has been identified as Floria Dried Apricots, manufactured and distributed by Turkana Food Inc. Consumers can identify the affected products through several key identifiers that should be checked immediately against any dried apricot products in their possession.
The critical identification markers include:
- Product Name: Floria Dried Apricots
- Manufacturer: Turkana Food Inc.
- Expiration Date: November 2026
- Lot Number: #440090478-15-333
- UPC Code: 2539560010
These specific identifiers are crucial for consumers to verify whether products in their possession are part of the recall. The combination of these markers ensures precise identification and helps prevent confusion with similar products from other manufacturers or production runs.
Geographic Distribution Scope
The recall affects products distributed across 19 states, representing a significant portion of the continental United States. This widespread distribution underscores the importance of the recall notice and the potential number of consumers who may have purchased the affected products.
The multi-state distribution occurred through various retail channels, including grocery stores, specialty food retailers, and potentially online platforms. The extensive geographic reach means that consumers across diverse markets and regions need to check their pantries and food storage areas for the recalled products.
Health officials have not yet released a complete list of affected states, but consumers nationwide are advised to check product identifiers regardless of their location, as distribution patterns for specialty food products can sometimes extend beyond initially reported areas.
Retail Channel Impact
The recall affects multiple retail channels and distribution networks, complicating the process of notifying all potentially affected consumers. Products may have been sold through traditional grocery chains, specialty food stores, ethnic markets, health food stores, and online retailers.
The complexity of modern food distribution systems means that the same product may have reached consumers through various pathways, making comprehensive consumer notification challenging. This reality emphasizes the importance of media coverage and consumer vigilance in identifying and removing recalled products.
Retailers in affected areas are being notified directly by the manufacturer and health authorities to remove products from shelves and post recall notices in their stores. However, products already purchased by consumers require individual action to identify and safely dispose of or return the recalled items.
