Turkana Food Inc. has initiated a recall of specific cases of Floria Dried Apricots due to a lack of disclosure on the packaging regarding the presence of sulfites. The recall affects 352 cases of the dried fruit, which come in 200-gram paper packaging. The decision to recall the product was prompted by routine sampling conducted by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, which revealed the presence of undeclared sulfites in the dried apricots.
Sulfites are commonly used as a preservative in food and beverages, but some individuals may have allergic reactions to them. The recalled dried apricots, with an expiration date of November 2026, bear the lot number “440090478-15-333” and the UPC label “2539560010,” as stated in the recall notice issued by the FDA. Consumers who have purchased Floria Dried Apricots with this specific lot number are advised not to consume the product and to return it to the store of purchase for a refund.
Fortunately, there have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of the dried apricots containing undeclared sulfites. Turkana Food distributed the recalled product in various states, including Florida, Kentucky, Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Texas, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Maryland, Ohio, Alabama, Missouri, and California.
The company, in collaboration with the FDA, is actively investigating the issue to rectify it with the manufacturer. Meanwhile, production and distribution of the dried apricots have been halted. Turkana Food, a family-owned and operated ethnic food distributor based in New Jersey, caters to independent supermarkets, chain stores, and institutions. Their commitment to quality and safety is paramount, and they are working diligently to ensure consumer satisfaction and product integrity.
