Trader Joe’s announced a recall for some Texas Tamale Company’s Gourmet Black Bean Tamales products owing to the potential presence of an undeclared milk allergen.
It marks the sixth food recall the California-based chain has announced in five weeks.
Trader Joe’s said on Aug. 23 it was informed by the supplier, Texas Tamale Company, that the products may contain undeclared milk.
“Individuals with an allergy or heightened sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products,” the Houston-based Texas Tamale Company said in its announcement, published on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website on Aug. 25.
The company explained that some milk-containing products—Hatch Green Chile and Cheese Tamales—were “mistakenly packaged in Gourmet Black Bean Tamales bags.” It added, “Any affected product will be filled with white cheese and hatch green chiles instead of black beans.”
The affected products were sold exclusively to Trader Joe’s stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. A total of 1,632 units were affected, according to the announcement.
The products (UPC# 717725000580) have a best before date of 06/19/25 and a Lot code 17023 printed on its packaging. People who bought the products are strongly encouraged to return them to receive a full refund.
“To date, no instances of illness have been reported. However, potentially affected products have been promptly withdrawn from sale,” the company said.
A consumer complaint prompted the recall. It said the products “were disseminated in packaging that failed to disclose the presence of milk.”
“Subsequent investigative efforts have identified a temporary lapse within our packaging processes as the source of this issue,” Texas Tamale Company said, adding, “We deeply regret any inconvenience or apprehension this incident may have caused.”
People who have questions can reach out to Texas Tamale Company at 1-800-T-TAMALE, Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CST).
- Multigrain crackers, which may contain metal;
- Cooked falafel, which “may contain rocks;”
- Broccoli cheddar soup, which “may contain insects;” and
- Two almond cookie products, which also “may contain rocks.”
A Trader Joe’s spokesperson told multiple news outlets that the timing of the recalls being so close is “coincidental.”
Trader Joe’s is privately held by the families that also own Aldi Nord, a German grocer.
