An Ohio company announced this week that it is recalling six sandwiches that are sold in vending machines and micro markets in three states.
An undeclared sesame allergen led Sheehan Brothers Vending to voluntarily recall its Cheeseburgers, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Italian Mini Subs, Pepperoni Pizza Sub, Chili Cheese Coney, and BBQ Riblet w/Coleslaw.
The ready-to-eat items were sold throughout all of Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Eastern Indiana, according to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) alert.
Sheehan Brothers Vending issued the voluntary recall after it was discovered that sesame was present in a vendor-supplied bread product used in some of the sandwiches but not disclosed on the ingredient label, according to company spokesperson Matt Ryan.
“Thankfully, no illnesses have been reported to date, and we are working closely with the Ohio Department of Agriculture and our supplier to ensure that this type of oversight never happens again,” Ryan told NTD in an email.
The sandwiches were sold from July 2 to July 8.
The FDA is urging consumers with a sesame allergy or sensitivity who have purchased any of the sandwiches to dispose of them and contact Sheehan Brothers Vending for a replacement pack.
Sheehan Brothers Vending has not had a product recall until now, according to Ryan.
“We have taken swift corrective action to prevent future issues, including updating all labels, pulling affected products, and reinforcing our ingredient verification protocols with all vendors,” Ryan added.
“Sesame was only recently added to the list of federally regulated food allergens as of 2023,” food industry expert and Fruit Slabs CEO Brandon Dorsky told NTD. "There could be food products produced in the United States that are still in circulation and contain sesame and the sesame is not boldly identified as an allergen on the label."
The FDA states on its website that the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education and Research Act of 2021 recognized sesame as the 9th major food allergen. As of Jan. 1, 2023, sesame is required to be declared on food labels.
The other major food allergens are milk, eggs, fish, Crustacean shellfish, Tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans.
"Sesame allergies, in general, are on the rise in the United States," Dorsky added.