Golden raisin recall sparks life-threatening warning

A recall notice shared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers of potentially life-threatening reactions due to an undeclared ingredient in packaged golden raisins.

The notice, which was shared on the FDA website on Monday, warns that those with “an allergy or severe sensitivity to sulfites” should avoid 1-ounce packages of Terrafina Golden Raisins due to the food additive potentially being present without being properly labeled.

The recall was initiated by manufacturer Sunco & Frenchie LLC of Pine Brook, New Jersey after “routine sampling” by state inspectors revealed that the raisins contained sulfites without the ingredient being listed on the packaging.

“Consumers who have purchased Terrafina Brand Golden Raisins are urged not to consume the products and to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund,” the notice states.

The recalled products were sold at retail stores in New York in square-shaped clear plastic tubs with an orange label on the front. The back label indicates that the product was distributed by Smith Valley Foods LLC.

Affected units all have a UPC number of 847938001385 and “Best If Used By” dates of “05/2025” or “08/2025.” Lot numbers for the recalled raisins are GRA240602 and GDR240901.

Those who purchased the raisins and have additional questions or concerns can contact the company over the phone at 973-478-1011 on Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time.

No illnesses related to the recall had been reported at the time of publication.

Newsweek reached out for comment to Sunco & Frenchie LLC via email on Monday night.

While dark-colored raisins often do not contain any added sulfites, golden raisins and other light-colored dried fruits are often treated with sulfur dioxide and sulfites to prevent darkening during the drying process. Sulfites also occur naturally in wine and foods like tomatoes, onions, eggs, garlic and maple syrup.

The presence of sulfites should not spark any major health concerns for most consumers. However, those with a related allergy could be stricken with the sometimes fatal condition of anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis requires prompt medical attention due to symptoms that include throat swelling, difficulty breathing, a sudden drop in blood pressure and loss of consciousness. Other symptoms of serious allergic reactions include rashes, hives, itching, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramping.

Sulfites can also trigger asthma attacks when consumed in high quantities, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Studies suggest that up to 10 percent of people with asthma are sensitive to sulfites.

While sulfites are not on the list, the FDA has designated the following nine food ingredients as “major food allergens:” milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, sesame and soybeans.

About 6 percent of U.S. adults and 8 percent of children have at least one food allergy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.