Gooder Foods has issued a significant nationwide recall for particular batches of its well-known Goodles macaroni and cheese products. The affected varieties, 'Vegan Is Believin\u2019' and 'Here Comes Truffle,' have been found to contain undeclared milk and cashews, respectively. This oversight presents a severe health hazard for consumers with allergies to these ingredients. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already documented multiple allergic reactions linked to these items. Families who have purchased these products are strongly advised to inspect their pantries, refrain from consuming the recalled items, and contact Goodles for a full refund or to dispose of the products safely.
The recall specifically impacts certain lot codes and best-by dates for both the 'Vegan Is Believin\u2019 \u2013 Plant Based White Cheddar with Spirals' and 'Here Comes Truffle \u2013 Creamy Truffle Flavored Cheddar and Shells' products. For 'Vegan Is Believin\u2019,' lot codes 09725N through 10125N, with best-by dates from July 7, 2026, to July 11, 2026, and UPC 850031990074, are affected. The 'Here Comes Truffle' product recall includes lot codes 10125N, 10425N, and 10525N, with best-by dates between July 11, 2026, and July 15, 2026, and UPC 850031990159. These products were distributed across the country from April to August of the current year.
This recall is particularly critical for families who rely on accurate product labeling to manage severe food allergies. The 'Vegan is Believin'' product, marketed as plant-based and dairy-free, mistakenly contains milk, while the 'Here Comes Truffle' variety, which is not labeled for cashews, has been found to include them. This mislabeling has led to at least eight confirmed allergic reactions, highlighting the potential for life-threatening consequences such as hives, vomiting, swelling, or respiratory distress. Even trace amounts of these allergens can trigger severe responses in sensitive individuals, necessitating emergency medical intervention.
Beyond immediate household consumption, the presence of undeclared allergens in these products poses broader risks. Children often share food in various settings, including schools and daycares, increasing the chance of accidental exposure. Furthermore, inadequate labeling could lead to cross-contamination if these products are prepared near foods intended for allergic individuals. Therefore, all consumers, regardless of whether their household members have known allergies, should exercise caution and ensure these products are not consumed or shared.
Consumers who find they possess any of the recalled Goodles mac and cheese boxes should take immediate action. Verify the flavor name, lot code, UPC, and best-by date against the recall information. Do not consume or serve the product, even if there are no known allergies within your household, to prevent potential reactions in guests or in environments where food is shared. Goodles is offering full refunds for all recalled items. Consumers can either return the product to the original point of purchase or dispose of it. For further questions or to process a refund, Goodles can be contacted directly at 1-888-610-2341.
This extensive recall underscores the critical importance of stringent quality control and accurate allergen labeling within the food industry to protect public health and ensure consumer safety. Consumers are urged to stay informed about product recalls and to prioritize checking food labels carefully, especially when purchasing items for individuals with known allergies.