Bimbo Bakeries USA Pushes Back on FDA Sesame Warning
Top Bakery Defies FDA Warning Over Sesame Labeling
A top U.S. commercial bakery is pushing back on a Food and Drug Administration warning to stop using labels that say its products contain sesame – a potentially dangerous allergen – when they don’t.
The Stance
Bimbo Bakeries USA, which includes brands such as Sarah Lee, Entenmann’s and Ball Park buns and rolls, appears to be defying an FDA warning sent in June that said the several of the company’s products are “misbranded” because the labels list sesame or tree nuts even though those ingredients aren’t in the foods.
In a response to the FDA, Bimbo officials said they wouldn’t change their sesame labeling. The company said it creates “nationally uniform labels" that prevent people from inadvertently eating foods that can trigger potentially life-threatening reactions. The firm said it was not attempting to avoid legal requirements to avoid cross-contamination in plants.
FDA Stands Firm
FDA officials did not immediately comment on the company’s response. By law, the agency can take actions ranging from recalls to civil fines and criminal charges against firms that fail to heed warning letters.
Food Safety Advocates Speak Out
CSPI and other food safety advocates said the standoff continues a practice that misleads the estimated 33 million Americans with food allergies and results in limited choices for the more than 1.6 million who are allergic to sesame.
"We depend on accurate food labeling to feel safe," said Sung Poblete, chief executive of the nonprofit group FARE, Food Allergy Research & Education. “We depend on accurate labeling to make the food choices that we make.”
Background
The impasse follows a 2023 federal law that requires all foods made and sold in the U.S. to be labeled if they contain sesame.
What Lies Ahead
It’s unclear what action the FDA will take over Bimbo’s refusal to heed a warning letter. The situation highlights the ongoing concerns and debates surrounding food allergens and labeling practices in the U.S.
Conclusions
Bimbo’s stance has raised eyebrows in the food safety community, with some wondering how the company can prioritize inconsistent labeling over the safety and well-being of its consumers. As the standoff between Bimbo and the FDA continues, consumers must remain vigilant and ensure their food choices are based on accurate and reliable information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Bimbo Bakeries USA refuse to heed an FDA warning to stop labeling products as containing sesame?
A: Bimbo officials said they want to create "nationally uniform labels" that prevent people from inadvertently eating foods that can trigger potentially life-threatening reactions.
Q: What are the consequences of failing to comply with FDA warnings?
A: The FDA can take actions ranging from recalls to civil fines and criminal charges against firms that fail to heed warning letters.
Q: What is the FDA doing to address this issue?
A: The FDA is reportedly considering its options for moving forward, including the potential for enforcement actions or continued dialogue with Bimbo Bakeries USA.
Q: How does this controversy affect consumers?
A: Consumers with food allergies are particularly affected, as Bimbo’s stance continues to create confusion and anxiety around food labeling. Accurate labeling is essential for consumers to make informed food choices and maintain a healthy diet.
