The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the recall of 21,400 bags of gourmet popcorn sold in 43 states and the District of Columbia.
"The affected labels list incorrect values for certain dietary components, which makes the products misbranded under FDA labeling requirements," Prospector Popcorn company management told NTD. "This recall is related solely to a labeling error and is not the result of contamination, an undeclared allergen, or a defect in the product itself. The popcorn is safe to eat and there is no health risk."
The recall is applicable to 1.5 ounce bags of Prospector Popcorn Chocolate Mocha Gourmet Popcorn, 3.5 ounce bags of Prospector Popcorn Maple Walnut Ice Cream Gourmet Popcorn, 1.5 ounce and 3.5 ounce bags of Prospector Popcorn Fudge Brownie Gourmet Popcorn, and 3.5 ounce bags of Prospector Popcorn Belgian Chocolate Toffee Gourmet Popcorn.
Labeling on Prospector Popcorn Chocolate Mocha Gourmet Popcorn understated carbohydrates and cholesterol, according to federal officials, while the label on bags of Prospector Popcorn Maple Walnut Ice Cream Gourmet Popcorn overstated potassium and Calcium and understated Iron.
Prospector Popcorn Fudge Brownie Gourmet Popcorn labels overstated potassium and calcium, and Prospector Popcorn Belgian Chocolate Toffee Gourmet Popcorn understated iron and overstated Vitamin D.
"When our team was first informed of a labeling error on the Chocolate Mocha SKU, we were already in the process of implementing additional quality control measures that would prevent this type of labeling error in the future," company leaders said. "We immediately ran a full-scale audit of our product line, which uncovered the additional SKUs listed above. Maintaining trust with our customers and retail partners is paramount."
The popcorn in question was sold in Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.
On Aug. 14, the FDA assigned risk levels to each of the recalled flavors. Prospector Popcorn Chocolate Mocha was assessed as a Class 2 recall event while Fudge Brownie, Maple Walnut Ice Cream, and Belgian Chocolate Toffee were each labeled as a Class 3 recall incident.
The expiration date for all varieties is on or before July 10, 2027.
Some 75 percent of workers at Prospector Popcorn self-identify as having a disability. The company has been in operation since 2014.
"Prospector Popcorn exists to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities through meaningful employment," company management added. "We hold ourselves to the highest standard in everything we do. That standard is the foundation of our mission and of our commitment to product quality. We will keep investing in the systems, processes, and resources that ensure the quality, accuracy, and integrity of every product we produce."