Recalls

Here’s why a public health alert was issued for a food item sold only at Publix stores

A Publix storefront.
A Publix storefront. Miami Herald File

A mixup between bacon-cheddar smothered chicken and chicken cordon bleu created a food allergy danger that put Publix in a USDA public health alert.

According to the alert, a customer found the label for aprons Ready to Eat Meal for One Chicken Cordon Bleu on the back of the metal container that had aprons Ready to Eat Meal for One Bacon-Cheddar Smothered Chicken. That would be a minor problem, except the former doesn’t have egg and the latter does.

That means if someone with an egg allergy checks the back of aprons Bacon-Cheddar Smothered Chicken, sees that egg isn’t listed among the allergens and doesn’t notice that it’s the wrong rear label, that there could be a serious or even life-threatening issue upon consumption.

A public health alert has been issued for this Aprons meal.
A public health alert has been issued for this Aprons meal. USDA
The back label erroneously applied to the aprons Bacon-Cheddar Smothered Chicken.
The back label erroneously applied to the aprons Bacon-Cheddar Smothered Chicken. USDA

This alert covers aprons Bacon-Cheddar Smothered Chicken with a use by date of 9/21/2022. They were sold only at Publix stores in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. A recall wasn’t issued because the meals, in 12-ounce metal containers, no longer are for sale.

READ MORE: Why more than 38,000 Healthy Choice Power Bowls have been recalled

The label of Apron’s Ready to Cook Meal for One Bacon-Cheddar Smothered Chicken
The label of Apron’s Ready to Cook Meal for One Bacon-Cheddar Smothered Chicken USDA

If you have one of these meals and there’s no chance someone with an egg allergy will eat it, carry on as normal. If someone with an egg allergy might eat it, throw it out or return it to the Publix of purchase for a refund.

If you have questions about this, call Tampa Bay Fisheries Retail Compliance Manager Diana Butz, Retail Compliance Manager at 813-752-8883, ext. 208.

READ MORE: Your favorite snack was recalled? What it means, what to do and how to get your money

This story was originally published September 17, 2022 at 10:41 AM.

David J. Neal
Miami Herald
Since 1989, David J. Neal’s domain at the Miami Herald has expanded to include writing about Panthers (NHL and FIU), Dolphins, old school animation, food safety, fraud, naughty lawyers, bad doctors and all manner of breaking news. He drinks coladas whole. He does not work Indianapolis 500 Race Day.
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