3,310 units of Harry London Chocolate Pecan Caramel Stars have been recalled because the label failed to list wheat and several dyes contained in the candy that could pose serious health risks to people with food allergies. The recall was announced on January 4, 2010. Undeclared allergens are not a new problem for Harry London Candies. It announced a recall of its Peanut Butter Cream Egg in March, 2009 because the label omitted egg whites contained in the product.
Unlisted Food Colors
The Harry London Chocolate Pecan Caramel Stars label fails to list FD&C colors:
Yellow #5Red # 40Blue #1
While many are focusing on the unlisted wheat, the food dyes may be just as important. The label on the recalled candy does state that the product was manufactured on equipment shared with wheat and other allergens - peanuts, tree nuts, soybeans, milk, and eggs. Consumers with wheat allergy are at least given some indication, although inadequate, that the product might pose a problem for them. People with intolerance to dyes are simply left in the dark.
As opposed to wheat allergy, most food dye intolerances are not true allergies, and therefore not life-threatening. However, Yellow #5 is a known exception which can cause a true allergic reaction and can trigger asthma attacks.
Even for those who are merely have an intolerance, rather than a potentially fatal allergy, consuming the dyes can cause significant problems. The omission of any ingredient on a label is simply unacceptable.
Wheat Allergy and Celiac Disease
Wheat allergy and celiac disease are not the same thing, but both require the avoidance of wheat. The symptoms caused by ingesting wheat in both conditions can be very severe.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to wheat can include:
HivesStuffy noseSwelling, itching, and irritation of the throat and mouthItchy eyesNausea or vomitingAbdominal crampsDiarrheaAnaphylaxis – potentially fatal
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that damages the small intestine over time when sufferers consume gluten, including wheat gluten, which triggers the inappropriate immune system response. Celiac disease has gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal symptoms including:
Abdominal painDiarrheaNausea and vomitingUnexplained weight lossJoint painBone diseaseAnemiaHair lossHypoglycemiaBehavioral changesDepressionFatigueSeizuresNose bleeds
The only treatment for celiac disease itself is to eat a gluten-free diet. Additional treatments, such as vitamin and mineral supplementation, are sometimes necessary to treat conditions secondary to celiac disease.
