In a cautionary reminder of the importance of accurate food labeling, a recall has been issued for a popular ready-to-eat product distributed in workplace vending machines and micro markets across two southeastern U.S. states. The concern? A potentially life-threatening allergic reaction tied to an undeclared milk allergen.
What Happened?
On Thursday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Cromer Food Services, Inc.—a company based in South Carolina—has voluntarily recalled its chicken salad sandwiches on white bread due to the presence of milk not listed on the ingredient label.
Milk is one of the top nine major food allergens, and its omission on packaging can pose serious health threats to individuals with milk allergies. For consumers who rely on accurate labels to avoid allergic reactions, such oversights can have severe or even fatal consequences.
Where Were the Sandwiches Sold?
According to the FDA, the recalled sandwiches were:
- Packaged in clear plastic containers
- Distributed to vending machines and micro markets in Georgia and South Carolina
- Sold between December 26, 2024, and March 24, 2025
While the FDA did not specify all locations, Cromer Food Services’ website notes that their products are commonly found in Cromer Corner vending areas—specifically in cities like Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson, South Carolina.
These self-serve breakroom snack areas are typically found in workplaces, hospitals, and schools, making the risk even more widespread due to the nature of the high foot traffic in these environments.
How to Identify the Recalled Product
The affected chicken salad sandwiches can be identified by:
- Product type: Chicken salad on white bread
- Size: 4.3 oz
- UPC codes: 31166 or 13172
- Use-by dates: Ranging from January 3, 2025, to April 4, 2025
- Date code placement: On either the left or right side of the barcode
Consumers should check any recent sandwich purchases to see if their item matches these identifiers. If so, do not consume it.
Health Risks of Undeclared Milk
For individuals who are allergic to milk, ingesting even small amounts can result in a range of symptoms that may escalate quickly. According to the Cleveland Clinic, these include:
- Hives or skin rashes
- Stomach pain, cramps, or nausea
- Swelling of the lips, face, or throat
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal allergic reaction that requires immediate medical intervention
While milk allergies are more commonly diagnosed in children, adults can also be severely affected. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over 6 million people in the U.S. suffer from a milk allergy, making clear labeling critical.
What Should Consumers Do?
If you have purchased or consumed the affected sandwich, here’s what the FDA recommends:
- Do not eat the product
- Dispose of the sandwich immediately
- Or, return it to the place of purchase for a full refund
- Contact Cromer Food Services, Inc. at 1-800-922-3174 for more information. Representatives are available 24/7 to assist with concerns.
At the time of publication, no illnesses or allergic reactions related to the recalled sandwiches have been reported. However, health officials urge consumers to remain vigilant.
Why This Matters
This recall highlights the ongoing issue of food labeling inaccuracies, which can endanger the health of unsuspecting consumers. In recent months, the FDA has issued multiple recalls for undeclared allergens—including milk, peanuts, and soy—across a variety of prepackaged foods.
For busy professionals grabbing lunch on the go, it’s easy to assume that prepackaged food is safe. But with so many Americans relying on vending machines and micro markets for daily meals, accurate ingredient labeling becomes a matter of public health—not just convenience.
A Pattern of Recent Recalls
Cromer’s recall is part of a growing trend of food safety alerts involving mislabeled allergens. Just this month:
- A popular tortilla chip brand was recalled in 13 states for undeclared dairy
- Coca-Cola products were pulled in 2 states over packaging errors
- A grocery chain issued a recall for multiple types of deli meats
These incidents serve as a reminder to always read labels carefully and check for updates from the FDA recall database or your local news outlet.
Stay Informed
To protect yourself and your loved ones from potentially dangerous food products, it’s a good idea to:
- Subscribe to FDA recall alerts
- Follow food safety news from trusted sources
- Download food recall apps or use your smart speaker to stay up to date
You can also subscribe to The Healthy by Reader’s Digest newsletter for daily updates on food safety, wellness tips, and healthy living news.
Author: Emily Surpless
Emily is the Editor for The Healthy by Reader’s Digest. With over a decade of digital content experience, she focuses on health, lifestyle, and consumer safety. Previously, she worked as a Senior SEO Manager and has bylines on health, food, and entertainment across major platforms.
Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.
