Recall of bread crumbs upgraded to most urgent as FDA warns of ‘reasonable chance of death’
Health authorities have warned of an urgent recall of bread crumbs due to potentially life-threatening allergic reactions.
Colorado-based VH Foods Inc has recalled its Outside the Breadbox bread crumbs because they may contain undeclared egg and milk.
The hidden ingredients pose a serious threat to the millions of Americans with egg and milk allergies, with reactions ranging from mild symptoms like hives and swelling to anaphylaxis, a potentially deadly condition that can cause difficulty breathing.
The recall included 4,497 eight-ounce packages sold as clear, stand-up pouches. The lot code for affected products is 0325 and the UPC is 873799001554. The ‘best by’ date is May 25, 2026.
Affected products were distributed in Colorado retail stores and nationwide through mail orders between November 24, 2025, and December 1, 2025.
No illnesses have been reported.
Though the recall was initiated last month, the FDA on Thursday updated its classification to Class I, which indicates ‘a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.’
Class I is the agency’s most serious classification.
Nearly 5,000 bags of bread crumbs have been recalled over the risk of undeclared milk and egg allergens (stock image)
The FDA said the recall was the result of ‘an isolated incident occurring on one production date’ due to a temporary breakdown in the company’s production and packaging processes.
According to the agency, the recall was initiated after the company discovered the egg and milk product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of eggs or milk.
Consumers who purchased affected products have been urged to return them to their place of purchase for a full refund.
Symptoms of an allergy include hives, wheezing, coughing, congestion, face and throat swelling and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
This is a life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs very quickly after being exposed to an allergen.
Experts estimate 150 to 200 Americans die from allergen-induced anaphylaxis every year.
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Pictured above are the recalled Outside of the Bread Box bread crumbs
A severe milk or egg allergy can cause life-threatening anaphylaxis. Immediate treatment with an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) is critical to stop it (stock image)
It triggers an extreme immune response, leading to dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath and vomiting.
If not treated quickly with epinephrine (adrenaline), which can be administered via injection like an EpiPen or nasal spray, a person can die.
About 6 million Americans, or two percent of the population, has an allergy to cow’s milk, most of whom are children. Roughly one percent of US children have an allergy to eggs, but the condition is less common in adults, affecting, 0.1 to 0.6 percent.
Customers with questions can contact the company at 1-719-633-3434.
