Popular Children's Snack Recalled As FDA Sets Highest Concern Level - Newsweek

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has declared the highest level of concern for a popular children's snack, following a company-initiated recall.

The product, Sensible Portions Garden Veggie Straws, was found to contain undeclared milk, posing a significant risk to individuals with milk allergies.

The FDA has deemed the recall Class 1, defined by the FDA as: "a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death."

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Newsweek reached out to Garden Veggie Snacks for comment online on Thursday.

Veggie straws and other vegetable-based snacks are often marketed as healthy and convenient options for children. They have experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by increasing consumer demand for healthier snack options.

"While marketed as a healthier alternative, an undeclared allergen, especially one from the 'top 9' food allergens, can turn this option into a potentially life-threatening choice for individuals with food allergies," Sung Poblete, Ph.D., RN, CEO of FARE [Food Allergy Research & Education] told Newsweek in a statement via email on Thursday.

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"Beyond the immediate health risks, inaccurate labeling undermines the trust of food allergy consumers who diligently read labels to protect themselves and their families from accidental exposure.

"Clear, reliable, and complete food packaging labels are essential to maintain the safety and confidence of the more than 33 million people in the U.S. with the disease of food allergy."

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The overall veggie chips market, which includes veggie straws, was valued at roughly $12.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to $22.8 billion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.2 percent over the next decade, according to Future Market Insights.

The growth is largely fueled by rising health consciousness, demand for convenient snacks, and the popularity of plant-based diets.

Across the U.S., brands have capitalized on these trends by marketing veggie straws as a healthier alternative to traditional chips. This appeal has contributed to their growing popularity, particularly among families and children, as they offer a perceived balance of taste and nutrition.

According to the Child and Adult Care Food Program website: "When it comes to vegetables that have been processed and packaged as veggie straws or sticks, you must analyze the ingredients and the form in which it was prepared. Although veggie straws may have lower total fat value when compared to potato chips, you may see a rise in sodium.

"Veggie straws are typically fried and contain little nutrients. These would not be considered a substitute for getting proper nutrition that you would get by eating whole vegetables because generally, these products contain an insufficient amount of vegetables per serving."

On the Garden Veggie Snacks website, which includes the Garden Veggie Straws, the company has games for children and says: "Garden Veggie Snacks have been delighting taste buds of all ages for over 15 years. It all began with an idea of how to make a snack that was not only delicious but also better-for-you.

"That sparked the launch of Garden Veggie Straws and since then we've been bringing happiness to families with our variety of snack options."

The company also has a notice on its website about the recall. It advises that anyone who has purchased the affected product should discard it and contact the company for a full refund at https://gardenveggiesnacks.com/contact-us/. Consumers can also call 866-993-5748 with general inquiries Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET.

Full details of the recall are as follows:

Distributed to distribution centers and depots in the map below:

Emma Marsden is a freelance news reporter for Newsweek who has lived in the U.K and the U.S. Her interests are trending news, politics, crime, culture, travel, and entertainment. Emma has worked for broadcasters BBC and ITV, and written for Johnston Press, Asian Standard newspaper, Reach PLC, and Valnet. Emma holds a first-class honors degree in Journalism and English, a masters with distinction and a pending PhD in creative writing. She is currently writing her first novel in the genre of Domestic Noir. Languages: English and some Welsh.

Emma Marsden is a freelance news reporter for Newsweek who has lived in the U.K and the U.S. Her interests ...Read more