Noodle recall map shows states affected by FDA’s highest alert

A recall of noodle cups feared to contain a potentially deadly allergen was classified as the highest possible health risk this week—a move that affects consumers across four states.

More than 37,000 cases of “S&S Cup Saimin—Noodles with Soup & Garnishes” were recalled in May after officials discovered the dishes may contain undeclared egg white powder. The product, manufactured by Sun Noodle, was shipped across the U.S. and Newsweek has now created a map showing the affected states: Hawaii, California, Nevada and Utah.

Eggs are one of the nine major allergens identified by the FDA and could prove fatal to allergic consumers, the agency said in an update when it classified the recall as a “Class I” risk level this week. The category is reserved for the most serious cases and is used “when there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”

The affected products began to roll off the production lines in May last year until the issue was finally discovered 12 months later in May this year. (Any products produced before May 2023 should have now been discarded due to expiration dates and so were not subject to the recall.) The items included in the recall are:

• Year 2023: Lot codes 1623129 — 1623365
• Year 2024: Lot codes 1624001 — 1624129

There have been no known reports of consumers falling sick after eating the noodles.

Consumers who bought the noodle cups should return them to their place of purchase for a full refund, manufacturer Sun Noodle said.

The company released a statement following the recall stating: “We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience or concern this may cause and assure our customers that we are taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety and quality of our products.”

Newsweek reached out to Sun Noodle by email on Tuesday, seeking an update on the progress of the recall.

The FDA says egg is one of nine foods that account for the most serious allergic reactions in the United States; the other major allergens include wheat, peanuts, shellfish, milk, fish, soy, sesame, and tree nuts.

Allergic consumers may experience a range of symptoms of varying severity, such as a swollen tongue, hives, or vomiting, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But in the most extreme cases, consumers may suffer from anaphylaxis, which can lead to death.

Recalls are issued if there are concerns that a food product may be harmful in some way, such as when testing reveals that products are infected with potentially deadly bacteria, or amid fears that foods could be contaminated with a foreign object from the manufacturing process.

There have been several high-profile recalls lately. For example, on Friday, the Publix supermarket chain announced a recall of some Green Life Farms’ Hydroponic Baby Arugula packages over concerns they could be contaminated with the food poisoning bug salmonella.

Consumers have various rights when an item they’ve purchased is hit by a recall, with food recalls typically offering full refunds. Here is a Newsweek explainer of what is involved and how to receive a refund.