Sofina Ready-To-Eat Mortadella Deli Meat Recall: reason, product codes, and other details revealed

Over 15,100 pounds of Ready-To-Eat Mortadella Deli Meat products are being recalled from across the country by Sofina Foods Inc., over a misbranding and undeclared allergen concern. As per the recall notice issued by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the recalled products may contain undeclared tree nut allergens, namely pistachios.

Announced on May 19, 2023, the nationwide recall was initiated after a customer informed the establishment about the discovery of pistachio nuts in ready-to-eat regular mortadella deli meat products during slicing. The establishment soon notified the FSIS about the problem, and a recall was initiated to ensure customer safety.

The recalled Sofina Ready-To-Eat Mortadella Deli Meat products may contain undeclared pistachios (Image via FSIS)

As of now, neither the FSIS nor the establishment has received reports of any illnesses or fatalities regarding the consumption of the recalled products. However, food products contaminated with tree nuts (pistachio) allergens are often linked with allergic reaction symptoms such as tingling in the mouth, dizziness, abdominal pain, light-headedness, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fainting.

Individuals with high sensitivity towards allergens could also be at risk of experiencing life-threatening symptoms such as anaphylaxis attacks, which require immediate medical attention. As such, customers experiencing any of these symptoms after consuming the recalled product are advised to consult a doctor or visit a medical care center at the earliest.

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All you need to know about Sofina Ready-To-Eat Mortadella Deli Meat Recall

The nationwide recall affects nearly 15,165 pounds of Ready-To-Eat Mortadella Deli Meat products that were imported across the country by Sofina Foods Inc., a Markham, Ontario, Canada establishment. Feared to contain undeclared pistachio allergens along with a misbranding problem, the affected deli meat products bear Canada establishment number "224" on the case box.

Produced on March 27, 2023, March 30, 2023, and April 4, 2023, the recalled Sofina Ready-To-Eat Mortadella Deli Meat products were shipped to distribution centers in California, Illinois, Michigan, New York, and Pennsylvania. The recalled products are supposed to be used in retail delis and food service locations across the country.

However, the unexpected presence of undeclared allergens makes the recalled products unsuitable for consumption as they could pose severe to life-threatening allergic reaction risks to people with tree nut (pistachio) allergies.

The recalled Sofina Ready-To-Eat Mortadella Deli Meat products may cause severe to life-threatening allergic reactions (Image via FSIS)

Customers can recognize the affected products by going through the given list of the recalled products along with all relevant details:

1. Various weight cases of "MASTRO MORTADELLA PRODUCT OF CANADA" with product code 10307, lot code BE170418, BEST BEFORE 2023 JL 27 containing 7.6 kgs. clear plastic packages of "IMPORTED MASTRO MORTADELLA PRODUCT OF CANADA" with EST 224, "BEST BEFORE MEILLEUR AVANT" date of 2023 JL 27, and lot code BE170418.
2. Various weight cases of "MASTRO MORTADELLA PRODUCT OF CANADA" with product code 10307, lot code BE170560, BEST BEFORE 2023 AU 02 containing 7.6 kgs. clear plastic packages of "IMPORTED MASTRO MORTADELLA PRODUCT OF CANADA" with EST 224, "BEST BEFORE MEILLEUR AVANT" date of 2023 AU 02, and lot code BE170560.
3. Various weight cases of "MASTRO MORTADELLA PRODUCT OF CANADA" with product code 21130, Lot Code BE170422, BEST BEFORE 2023 JL 27 containing 4 kgs. clear plastic packages of "MASTRO MORTADELLA PRODUCT OF CANADA" with EST 224, "BEST BEFORE MEILLEUR AVANT" date of 2023 JL 27, and lot code BE170422.
4. Various weight cases of "MASTRO MORTADELLA PRODUCT OF CANADA" with product code 21130, Lot Code BE170668, BEST BEFORE 2023 AU 08 containing 4 kgs. Clear plastic packages of "MASTRO MORTADELLA PRODUCT OF CANADA" with EST 224, "BEST BEFORE MEILLEUR AVANT" date 2023 AU 08, and lot code BE170668.

Consumers with pistachio allergies, who may have purchased any of the aforementioned Sofina Ready-To-Eat Mortadella Deli Meat products are strictly advised not to consume them. The recalled deli meat products can either be disposed of safely in a closed bin or returned to the store of purchase for a full refund. The FSIS also believes that some of the recalled products may already be in the refrigerators and freezers of retail delis and food service locations.

Hence, the agency is urging them not to serve the recalled products to customers anymore. Individuals with doubts and queries related to the recall can contact the Sofina Consumer Hotline at 1-855-763-4621. The company can also be reached at [email protected].