A popular non-dairy coffee creamer sold in the Northeast has been recalled due to undeclared milk ingredients that pose serious health risks for people with milk allergies.
What Happened?
MO-CHA brand Premium Non-Dairy Creamer, imported by Momo Tea Inc. of Maspeth, New York, was voluntarily recalled after it was found to contain milk-derived ingredients like whey powder and casein. However, the product label did not declare milk as an allergen.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified the recall as Class I, the most serious level, meaning the product could cause severe illness or death.
About 4,500 cases of the product were distributed across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Why Is This Important?
Food safety laws require all major allergens, including milk, to be clearly stated on packaging. Missing this information can be life-threatening to those with milk allergies.
Milk allergy symptoms range from mild reactions like hives, rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and breathing difficulties, to severe anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency causing throat swelling, low blood pressure, trouble breathing, and loss of consciousness.
Product Details
- Imported from China
- Packaged in 2.2-pound bags
- Shelf life of two years
- Ingredients include glucose syrup, refined vegetable oil, whey powder, sugar, and food additives
No specific lot codes or unique identifiers were mentioned; all units on the market are subject to recall.
Expert Opinions
Dr. Sebastian Lighvani, an allergy specialist in New York, told Newsweek that allergic reactions to food are common and that severe reactions like anaphylaxis have increased drastically over the past two decades in the U.S.
Dr. Anne Marie Singh, a pediatric allergist and professor, explained that whey proteins can trigger serious reactions in people with milk allergies, which affect about 2-3% of children and 1-2% of adults in the U.S.
What Should Consumers Do?
- If you have this creamer, do not use or consume it.
- Return the product to the store or dispose of it safely.
- If you experience allergy symptoms after consuming the product, seek immediate medical help.
Current Status
The FDA says the recall is still ongoing. Consumers with questions can monitor FDA announcements or contact Momo Tea Inc. for more information.
