B&G Foods announced this week that it is voluntarily recalling 1,280 cases of its 40-ounce Victoria Marinara Sauce—sold nationwide—because the products may contain traces of cashews that are not declared on its label.
Consumer Reports recently rated Victoria Marinara sauce a top tomato sauce after our team of nutritionists and professional food tasters evaluated 35 tomato-based sauces for nutrition and taste. This recall does not impact our ratings.
B&G Foods was alerted to the safety issue after receiving a complaint from a consumer with a cashew allergy who reported a reaction after eating the sauce. After an investigation and testing indicated the possible presence of cashews in the sauce, B&G Foods initiated the recall in cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration.
The recall applies only to the 40-ounce jars of Victoria brand marinara sauce, which were all produced at the same facility on just one day, with a "best by" date of March 6, 2020. (The date is located on the glass jar toward the bottom). The UPC number on the jars is: 0-70234-00411-2. And there is no risk to consumers who do not have an allergy or sensitivity cashews or tree nuts.
The company did not report which stores received the recalled sauce.
Possible Origins
A spokesperson for B&G foods said it is not yet clear how the cashew contamination occurred or if the sauce was produced in a facility that also processes tree nuts. But most recalls involving undeclared allergens stem from contamination with another product made in the same facility, according to a representative from Kids With Food Allergies, a division of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
"The FDA requires that companies must declare on the label if a product contains any of eight major food allergens, which are milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans," said Charlotte Vallaeys, CR's senior policy analyst. "For tree nuts, the label has to include the specific type of nut that is present." But companies are not required to declare if their products are produced in a facility that also processes tree nuts or peanuts.
According to its website, B&G Foods prides itself on creating products with just a few wholesome ingredients, which are listed on the front label. In fact, the company's tagline is "Ingredients Come First," and it has launched a "#ReadYourLabel" campaign to encourage consumers to be aware of the ingredients in their food.
"The safety of our consumers is our number one priority. We are committed to providing safe, quality products while observing the highest ethical standards in the conduct of our business," said William Herbes, executive vice president of operations at B&G Foods, in a statement.
The Details
Products recalled: 40-ounce jars of Victoria brand marinara sauce with a best-by date of March 6, 2020.
The UPC number on the jars is: 0-70234-00411-2.
The problem: The product may contain cashew traces that are not declared on the label.
The fix: Consumers who have purchased the recalled products can return them to the place of purchase or contact B&G Foods for a full refund or coupon via phone (800-811-9104) or through the company's website.
