FDA Issues Highest Risk Warning for Chicken Salad Sandwich Recall

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified a recall of nearly 12,000 prepackaged chicken salad sandwiches as a Class I recall, the most serious risk level.

What You Should Know

Cromer Food Services, based in South Carolina, voluntarily recalled the sandwiches on March 27. The recall happened after an FDA inspection found that the product’s packaging did not list milk as an ingredient, which is a major allergen.

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The recalled product is a chicken salad on white bread sandwich, packaged in 4.3-ounce servings. The affected items were distributed under UPCs 31166 and 13172, with use-by dates between January 3 and April 2, 2025.

In addition to milk, the sandwiches contain other allergens such as eggs, wheat, and soy. A total of 11,772 units are part of the recall.

The sandwiches were distributed between December 26, 2024, and March 24, 2025 in Georgia and South Carolina, mainly sold in Micro Markets and vending machines.

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No illnesses have been reported so far, and the recall is ongoing.

Why This Recall Is Important

Milk is one of the nine major food allergens that must be clearly listed on packaging. These allergens include milk, soy, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and sesame. They cause most food allergy reactions in the U.S.

Symptoms of food allergies can include:

• Skin problems like hives and rashes
• Stomach issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps
• Breathing difficulties like wheezing or coughing

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In severe cases, allergies can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction involving throat swelling, low blood pressure, breathing problems, and unconsciousness.

Expert Views

Dr. Sebastian Lighvani, allergy specialist, said: “In the U.S., someone goes to the emergency room every three minutes due to accidental food allergies. Rates of anaphylaxis have increased 300 to 400 percent over the past 5 to 20 years.”

Clinton Mathias, nutrition professor, said milk allergy is the most common allergy in infants and children, affecting about 0.5–3% of kids under 3 years. While many outgrow it, milk allergy remains common in adults too.

What To Do If You Have the Recalled Sandwiches

• Do not eat the sandwiches.
• Throw them away safely or return them to the purchase location for a refund.
• For questions, call Cromer Food Services at 1-800-922-3174.

SOURCE