A recent FDA warning has put Bimbo Bakeries USA at the center of a heated debate over allergen labeling, leaving consumers and agencies at odds.
At a Glance
- Bimbo Bakeries USA challenged an FDA warning over incorrect allergen labeling.
- The FDA found products labeled as containing sesame or nuts without these being present.
- Bimbo claims its labeling protects consumers with sesame allergies.
- The company faces potential FDA actions like recalls or fines.
FDA’s Warning to Bimbo Bakeries
The FDA issued a warning letter to Bimbo Bakeries USA on June 17, 2024. This came after inspections revealed allergen labels listing sesame, walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts without these ingredients being present. The labeling errors affected products, including Sara Lee’s Artesano Brioche and Brownberry’s Whole Grains 12 Grains and Seeds. Such mislabeling violates the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, which mandates truthful ingredient listings. The FDA has requested a response from Bimbo Bakery within 15 days with corrective actions.
Bimbo Bakeries has updated some labels, indicating the presence of hazelnuts, the only tree nut currently used in its products. Despite the FDA’s labeling concerns, Bimbo claims that its approach is to protect sesame-allergic consumers, employing the same packaging to avoid accidental sesame consumption.
@US_FDA has issued a warning letter to Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inc. During two inspections in 2023, FDA found that some of the company’s bakery product labels listed major food allergens which were not actually included in the production formulations. https://t.co/m2cLFTEQnv
— U.S. FDA Human Foods Program (@FDAfood) June 25, 2024
Consumer Advocates vs. Labeling Practices
Consumer advocates, including the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), criticize Bimbo’s labeling practices as misleading for those with allergies. The CSPI has petitioned the FDA to end the practice of listing sesame to prevent cross-contamination risks. Bimbo defends its labeling strategy vigorously, highlighting its intent to protect consumers amidst varying production methods across its facilities. The FDA’s silence on the controversy is striking, leaving open the possibility of further actions like recalls or fines if compliance is not ensured.
“We depend on accurate food labeling to feel safe,” said Sung Poblete, chief executive of the nonprofit group FARE, Food Allergy Research & Education
The broader issue emphasized here is the critical importance of accurate allergen labeling for consumer safety. Accurate food labeling is vital for those with food allergies to make safe and informed decisions. The situation mirrors the increasing demand for transparency and accuracy in an industry where consumer safety should be paramount.
The Challenge to FDA Authority
Bimbo Bakeries finding itself challenging the FDA shows a rare move by a major company defying the federal body. According to the FDA, labeling major food allergens without presence is non-compliant with existing regulations, as outlined in the FASTER Act. The agency emphasizes the need for firms to follow good manufacturing practices and preventive controls to avoid allergen cross-contact.
“It’s so unusual to see a big company like Bimbo calling the FDA’s bluff,” said Sarah Sorscher, CSPI’s director of regulatory affairs.
Bimbo and other companies have begun adding sesame to avoid cross-contamination and liability issues, sparking further debate. The FDA is closely monitoring the situation to protect allergic consumers and has tasked Bimbo Bakeries with addressing these violations. The outcome of this standoff will depend on how Bimbo addresses these issues and its dedication to compliance.
