FDA issues highest-level recall for ‘non-dairy’ creamer actually containing milk, putting allergy sufferers at risk of life-threatening reactions.
Quick Takes
- MO-CHA brand Premium Non-Dairy Creamer recalled due to containing undeclared milk ingredients (whey powder and casein)
- FDA classified this as a Class I recall – their highest risk level indicating potential for serious health consequences or death
- Approximately 4,500 cases distributed across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut markets
- The Chinese-imported product comes in 2.2-pound packages with a two-year shelf life
- Experts warn milk allergies affect 1-3% of Americans and can cause potentially fatal anaphylactic reactions
Mislabeled “Non-Dairy” Product Contains Dangerous Allergens
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued its most serious classification of recall for MO-CHA brand Premium Non-Dairy Creamer after discovering the product contains milk ingredients not declared on the label. The Class I recall, which indicates a product that could cause serious health consequences or death, was initiated on April 10 and formally classified on April 22. The foreign-imported creamer, distributed by Momo Tea Inc. of Maspeth, New York, has been found to contain whey powder and casein – both derived from milk – creating a significant health risk for those with milk allergies.
“Every three minutes in the United States, someone ends up in an emergency room because of an allergic reaction after accidental ingestion of food. So even when we try hard, these reactions are happening. And if you look at the incidence of anaphylaxis, it has skyrocketed in the last 5, 10, 20 years. And in the U.S., there’s like a 300 to 400 percent increase in the rates of anaphylaxis to foods.” – Dr. Sebastian Lighvani
Distribution and Identification Details
The recalled product was imported from China and packaged in 2.2-pound bags with a two-year shelf life. Approximately 4,500 cases have been distributed throughout New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The FDA’s recall notice covers all units currently on the market, with no specific lot codes or identifiers provided. This widespread distribution means thousands of consumers with milk allergies could unknowingly purchase and consume a product falsely labeled as “non-dairy” while actually containing potentially life-threatening milk proteins.
“Whey proteins can cause serious reactions in those with milk allergies…Milk allergy affects two to three percent of children in the U.S., and one to two percent of adults in the U.S.” – Dr. Anne Marie Singh
Rising Concerns About Food Allergens
This recall highlights growing concerns about food allergen labeling and safety. Medical experts note the dramatic increase in food-related anaphylaxis cases in recent decades, with rates increasing 300-400 percent. Milk allergies specifically affect millions of Americans, with higher rates in children. For these individuals, exposure to milk proteins like those found in the mislabeled MO-CHA creamer can trigger severe immune responses ranging from hives and swelling to life-threatening anaphylactic shock requiring immediate emergency medical intervention.
Other Recent Creamer Recalls
This isn’t the only coffee creamer recall to impact American consumers recently. The FDA also announced a separate Class II recall of International Delight Cinnabon Creamer and Hazelnut Creamer, affecting approximately 75,000 bottles across 31 states. While classified as a lower-risk recall than the MO-CHA situation, the International Delight products were pulled due to premature spoilage issues leading to reports of illness. Consumers who purchased these products should check specific best-by dates and product codes to determine if their items are affected.
The FDA’s aggressive action on these recalls demonstrates the seriousness with which food safety regulators view proper allergen labeling. For individuals with food allergies, accurate ingredient disclosure isn’t merely a consumer preference but a critical life-safety issue. The MO-CHA recall serves as a stark reminder of the potentially deadly consequences when manufacturers fail to properly identify common allergens in their products, particularly when those products are marketed with misleading terms like “non-dairy” while actually containing milk derivatives.
Sources:
- Coffee Creamer Recalled as FDA Sets Highest Risk Level
- The FDA Announces Popular Coffee Creamer Recall Across 31 States
