Recalls

A California company’s error caused a recall of a Publix store brand product

All Publix stores, including this one in Coral Gables, were hit by the recent deli dip recall.
All Publix stores, including this one in Coral Gables, were hit by the recent deli dip recall. dneal@miamiherald.com

A potentially deadly mistake caused a Los Angeles area company to recall Publix Deli Carolina-Style Mustard BBQ Sauce cups sold in store delis.

Ventura Foods out of Brea, California, said the recalled lot of 2-ounce sauce cups might have “Traditional Sweet & Spicy BBQ Sauce” instead of Carolina-Style Mustard BBQ. Traditional Sweet & Spicy has anchovies. Carolina-Style Mustard BBQ doesn’t have any kind of fish.

While that’s an infuriating problem for people with a taste Carolina-Style Mustard BBQ Sauce and/or a distaste for anchovies, it’s a real problem for people with a fish allergy. The wrong sauce in the cup means the wrong listing of ingredients both on the label and online. People with a fish allergy aren’t warned about the fish inside.

“People who have a fish allergy or severe sensitivity to fish (anchovy) run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products,” the recall notice states.

This concerns just one lot, lot No. APR 08 24B, which has a use by date of April 8, 2024.

Publix Deli Carolina-Style Mustard BBQ Sauce
Publix Deli Carolina-Style Mustard BBQ Sauce Publix

If there’s any chance someone with a fish allergy will dip into the sauce or you really wanted the Carolina-Style sauce, return it to the store for a full refund.

Ask questions about this recall by calling Ventura at 888-500-0086.

This story was originally published January 7, 2024 at 11:32 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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