Health officials are sounding the alarm over deadly apricots sold in nearly 20 states over fears they contain dangerous levels of undeclared sulfites.
The FDA has asked consumers to stop eating Turkana Food Inc.’s Floria Dried Apricots with an expiration date of November 2026.
Sulfites are used as food additives to preserve freshness and prevent spoilage in various items such as wine, dried fruits and processed foods.
But depending on how much of the additive is present, some people may show sensitivities and can experience reactions like hives, swelling, abdominal pain, diarrhea or in rare cases, life-threatening allergic reactions.
According to FDA regulations, companies are required to declare the amount of sulfites used in each product on every individual packaging.
However, during a routine sampling performed by the New York State Department of Agriculture, the agency found packaging for Turkana Food Inc.’s apricots was missing its product labeling for sulfites.
