Dessert Recall Map as Warning Issued in Six States

New York-based company Aahu Barah has issued a recall of several boxes of its dessert Apricot Roll over some products containing undeclared sulfites.

According to a news release shared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors discovered the undeclared sulfites after analysis by the department’s Food Laboratory. Those who have a sensitivity to sulfites are at risk of a serious or life-threatening reaction if they consume products containing the undeclared allergen, read the release.

The recall applies to 19 boxes of the 14-ounce apricot rolls, which were sold in clear plastic bags and packaged with the Aahu Barah label on the front and back. The expiration date of the rolls included in the recall is December 2025. The UPC code of the affected products is 882475000279.

The boxes were distributed in retail stores across six states: New York, Texas, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Georgia.

Under FDA guidelines, the presence of sulfites must be declared on food products if the sulfites present are at 10 parts per million or more. Sulfites are not one of the nine major allergens required to be listed on a food products label under the Food Allergy, Treatment, Education and Research Act.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, sulfites are chemicals used as preservatives in food, beverages and medications. Around 4 to 5 percent of people with asthma also have some sort of sulfite sensitivity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 7.4 percent of the U.S. population had asthma in 2021.

Sulfites can trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions in those who are sensitive. Symptoms of a sulfite allergy or sensitivity include wheezing; shortness of breath; chest tightness; coughing; sneezing; a stuffy or runny nose; and hives, according to the Cleveland Clinic’s website. In rare occasions, severe allergic reactions can be trigged by exposure to sulfites, which can cause difficulty breathing or swallowing; flushing of the skin; fast heartbeat; dizziness vomiting; and diarrhea.

Those who have asthma or other food allergies are more likely to react to sulfites. According to the FDA release, there have been no reported illnesses or allergic reactions associated with the recall.

Consumers who have purchased an apricot roll under the recall are urged to return it to the retail store where they purchased it, for a full refund. Any questions about the recall can be directed to Aahu Barah at 516-396-0710.