Trader Joe’s has issued a recall of a brand of black bean tamales, the sixth item the popular grocery chain has recalled since July.
The company said last week that it was recalling packages of Texas Tamale Company Gourmet Black Bean Tamales because they may contain undeclared milk.
“Individuals with an allergy or increased sensitivity to milk are at risk of experiencing a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products,” the Food and Drug Administration said in a statement.
The affected tamales were filled with white cheese and green chile peppers instead of black beans, the FDA said.
Trader Joe’s said no illnesses have been reported in connection with the latest recall and that all potentially affected products have been removed from sale.
Customers have been warned in recent weeks that other products may be contaminated with rocks, insects and metal.
In July, Trader Joe’s said it removed biscuits because they may contain stones and its unexpected broccoli cheddar soup because it may contain insects. On August 17, Trader Joe’s said it was recalling its sunflower and flaxseed multigrain crackers due to possible metal contamination.
The recalls have caused some concern among fans of the grocery chain, which has more than 500 stores nationwide and is known among loyal customers as a hub for unique snacks and prepared foods. Its popularity has even led to Trader Joe’s food review Instagram accounts gaining hundreds of thousands of followers.
Nakia Rohde, a spokeswoman for Trader Joe’s, said in a statement Wednesday: “We err on the side of caution and proactively address issues.” We voluntarily take quick and aggressive action – we investigate potential problems and remove a product from sale if There are doubts about its safety or quality.”
She added that the company is “not waiting for regulators to tell us what to do” and that it communicates news of recalls through signs in stores, on its website and through email notifications.
“The exact timing of these recalls is coincidental,” Ms. Rohde said.
Darin Detwiler, an associate professor of food safety and corporate social responsibility at Northeastern University, said that it’s “good in a way” that Trader Joe’s recalls are so public and transparent because “it’s a sign that things work.”
“Trader Joe’s does an excellent job of ensuring that a recall is not only carried out but also communicated as best as possible,” said Dr. Detwiler.
He added that such recalls are common at grocery stores, but branded stores like Trader Joe’s are receiving more attention. dr Detwiler also pointed out that the cause of the recalls lay with Trader Joe’s suppliers, which are smaller and not typically associated with other stores.
Still, he said, most of the items people buy at Trader Joe’s are ready-to-eat foods or commercially packaged goods, meaning those products require more manufacturing and processing steps. These extra steps mean there are “more opportunities for” defects to occur, such as rocks or metal getting into a product.
“The fact that this company is as public and transparent as it is is a very good sign,” said Dr. Detwiler.
He added: “It’s just a bad hit streak for them.”