The latest recalls by Publix—covering both Rice & Pigeon Peas and Maple Walnut Coffee Cake—underscore the importance of accurate labeling in preventing serious health risks. These incidents highlight ongoing challenges for manufacturers and retailers in ensuring product safety for millions of Americans who live with food allergies.
What To Know
Publix has initiated two separate product recalls involving risks from undeclared allergens.
Food recalls due to undeclared allergens directly impact the safety of consumers with food allergies and sensitivities.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), food allergen mislabeling remains one of the leading causes for food recalls in the United States.
In the first case, ASK Foods, of Palmyra, Pennsylvania, announced a recall of select 32-ounce containers of Publix Rice & Pigeon Peas due to undeclared soy content. The product was sold exclusively in Publix stores in Florida.
The recalled items are identifiable by the top label reading “Publix Rice & Pigeon Peas, Net Wt. 32 OZ (2 LB) 907″ and the bottom label listing “CAVATAPPI PASTA” as the first ingredient, with one of the following codes on the lid: “5387-4,” “5387-5” or “5387-6.”
The rice and pigeon peas were mistakenly packaged in containers labeled for Three Cheese Mac & Cheese, whose ingredient list omits soy—a significant allergen.
No illnesses had been reported at the time of writing. Customers who purchased the product are advised not to consume it and can return it to their Publix store for a full refund.
For further information, ASK Foods can be contacted at (717) 838-6356 x 132 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST, Monday through Sunday.
Separately, The James Skinner has recalled a single lot of Publix Maple Walnut Coffee Cake after discovering some products were incorrectly labeled as Publix Raspberry Coffee Cake.
The error resulted in the omission of walnuts from the ingredient list, posing a possible risk for customers allergic to walnuts.
The affected cakes, distributed to Publix stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, are packaged in 14-ounce clear plastic containers labeled as “Publix Raspberry Coffee Cake,” lot code 5309, SKU 54591, and manufactured on November 5, 2025.
The mislabeling was discovered by a retail store employee. No illnesses or injuries have been reported. Consumers are urged to return the product to any Publix store for a full refund. Customers with questions can contact The James Skinner at 1-800-358-7428 on weekdays between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.
What People Are Saying
ASK Foods said: “People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.”
The James Skinner said: “The product may pose a serious or life-threatening health risk to individuals with a walnut allergy if consumed.”
The FDA told the media last year: “Most recalls in the U.S. are carried out voluntarily by the product manufacturer, and when a company issues a public warning, typically via news release, to inform the public of a voluntary product recall, the FDA shares that release on our website as a public service.
“The FDA’s role during a voluntary, firm-initiated, recall is to review the recall strategy, evaluate the health hazard presented by the product, monitor the recall, and, as appropriate, alert the public and other companies in the supply chain about the recall.”
What Happens Next
Both recalls remain active as of the latest announcements, with companies and the FDA urging consumers to check their pantries and refrigerators for the affected products. For customers seeking more information on recalls and allergen safety, details are available on the FDA Recalls, Market Withdrawals & Safety Alerts page and on Publix’s official recall bulletin board.