Cava's Spicy Hummus Is Being Recalled Due To Undeclared Sesame

Cava Foods, Inc. is recalling its spicy hummus due to undeclared sesame content. The label failed to list the ingredient, which is required by the FDA to be clearly stated along with other allergen warnings. The FDA recall states that the affected products are eight-ounce tubs, with a best-by date of August 19 and a UPC of 89832800227, Lot# MD023804.

The mislabeled products were sold in Whole Foods Markets, Giant Foods, MOM's Organic Markets, and other independent retailers nationwide. The company was made aware of the contamination after employees from one retail store notified Cava that lids from its spicy labneh were accidentally placed on containers of spicy hummus.

The spicy labneh does not contain sesame and does not list sesame under the allergen warnings on its packaging. Cava's products list the ingredient and allergen information on the lids, so a lid swap could be dangerous for those with allergies.

The company has not yet received any complaints from purchasers who have experienced negative reactions due to the contamination from the swapped lids, according to the FDA. The recall is voluntary.

Hummus is often made with tahini, a paste made from sesame seeds. The addition of tahini is likely the source of the Cava spicy hummus sesame warning. Labneh, meanwhile, is a Greek yogurt-based dip that contains no sesame. Sesame is one of the nine major allergens that is required to be declared on ingredient labels by the FDA. Accidental ingestion can lead to reactions including rashes, swelling, and vomiting. In more severe cases, anaphylaxis or difficulty breathing can occur.

The containers of hummus were available on store shelves for purchase beginning June 16. Customers who bought these mislabeled Cava spicy hummus containers can return the products to the store they originally purchased the hummus from for a full refund.