Update on snack recall in four states after FDA announces level of concern

A snack from an Oregon company that was recalled earlier this summer has now been classified as at risk by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Orwaiian LLC of Gresham recalled its Bday Crunch Mochi Crunch snack in August because the product's “contains” statement did not list milk and coconut. All allergens were listed in the product's ingredients list.

The recall, initiated on August 21, affected 720 units distributed in California, Oregon, Washington, Washington DC and Hawaii.

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The affected batches had an expiration date of July 29, 2025 or earlier and are identified by the UPC code 7189147148 and the MFG code MCBD05.

The FDA has now issued a Class II risk classification for the recall, effective September 11.

A Class II recall occurs “in a situation where use of or contact with an illicit product may result in temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or the likelihood of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”

Orwaiian LLC announced Newsweek: “We are working with the FDA and the ODA (Oregon Department of Agriculture) to ensure we take the appropriate steps. All retail recipients have received a recall notification letter.

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“We are working to improve our process by further reviewing our labels through internal and external auditors in accordance with FDA guidelines and requirements.”

The Oregon Department of Agriculture added: “Individuals who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk and/or coconut are at risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.”

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“Customers who purchased the above product between May 18, 2023 and July 29, 2024 are urged to destroy it or return it to the point of sale if they are allergic to milk and/or coconut.”

Milk is one of nine legally defined “major food allergens,” and cross-contamination can trigger the potentially fatal condition of anaphylaxis in people with a milk allergy.

Other major allergens include eggs, fish, crustaceans (such as crab, lobster and shrimp), tree nuts (including coconuts, almonds and walnuts), peanuts, wheat, soybeans and sesame.

Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention and can lead to narrowing of the airways in the lungs, a severe drop in blood pressure and shock, as well as choking attacks due to swelling in the neck and larynx area.

Other symptoms of serious allergic reactions include hives, red skin or rashes, tingling or itching in the mouth, swelling of the face, tongue or lips, vomiting and diarrhea, abdominal cramps, coughing or wheezing, dizziness or lightheadedness, swelling of the throat and vocal cords, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, about 6.2 percent of adults in the United States have at least one food allergy.

In addition to allergy problems, milk also poses a risk for people with lactose intolerance, which is the inability to properly digest a type of sugar found in dairy products.

Symptoms of lactose intolerance include bloating, diarrhea, gas, nausea and abdominal pain, according to the National Institutes of Health. The condition can also lead to long-term health problems because it blocks the absorption of calcium and vitamin D.