Taylor Farms Honey Balsamic Salad Kit Recall: What Consumers Need to Know
A major recall impacts Taylor Farms Honey Balsamic Salad Kits in 25 states over serious undeclared allergen risks for consumers.
Taylor Farms Honey Balsamic Salad Kit Recall: Urgent Food Safety Alert
Consumers across the United States are urged to check their refrigerators following a significant recall involving the Taylor Farms Honey Balsamic Salad Kit. This popular pre-packaged salad kit has been pulled from shelves after the discovery of undeclared sesame and soy allergens—substances that can pose life-threatening risks to individuals with food allergies. Below, we detail everything you need to know about the recall, including affected products, risk factors, geographic scope, and what steps consumers should take.
The Urgent Reason: Undeclared Sesame and Soy Allergens
The recall was initiated after it was discovered that some Taylor Farms Honey Balsamic Salad Kits may contain Asian Sesame Ginger dressing—which includes sesame and soy—rather than the intended honey balsamic vinaigrette. Sesame and soy are both recognized as severe allergens, capable of triggering serious or even fatal reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Primary allergens involved: Sesame and soy.
- How the mix-up happened: Individual dressing and topping packets from supplier Latitude 36 Foods, LLC, were mistakenly swapped.
- Health risks: Individuals with allergies or severe sensitivity to sesame and soy face the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume the product.
Product Details and Identification
The affected product is the Taylor Farms Honey Balsamic Salad Kit, which is frequently purchased for its convenience and fresh taste. To help consumers identify if they have a recalled item, pay attention to the following details:
- Product Name: Taylor Farms Honey Balsamic Salad Kit
- Package Size: 6-oz and 8.3-oz kits
- Best If Used By Date: Up to and including September 4, 2025
- Product Code: Starts with “TFRS” (found in the upper right-hand corner of the packaging)
These details are critical for consumers to check against their current inventory of pre-packaged salads.
States and Stores Impacted by the Recall
The recall applies to products distributed broadly across the United States, specifically in the following 25 states:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Mississippi
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
The kits were available from national retailers and grocery chains, with major distribution through outlets such as Kroger and its banners, including Fred Meyer, Ralphs, Smith’s, Fry’s, Food 4 Less, Foods Co., and QFC. This wide distribution increases the urgency for consumers in these states to check their purchases.
How the Allergen Error Occurred
The issue traces back to a mix-up involving Latitude 36 Foods, LLC, the supplier of the dressing packets included in Taylor Farms Salad Kits. Instead of the intended honey balsamic vinaigrette, Asian Sesame Ginger dressing packets—containing undeclared sesame and soy—were included by error.
This form of labeling error is among the most hazardous for consumers with food allergies. The absence of clear labeling means allergic individuals have no way of knowing the risk lurking in what appears to be a safe product.
The Risks and Dangers of Undeclared Allergens
| Allergen | Potential Reaction | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Sesame | Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction), hives, swelling, difficulty breathing | Life-threatening |
| Soy | Swelling, digestive distress, respiratory issues, anaphylaxis | Severe |
Allergic reactions to sesame and soy can escalate rapidly, sometimes resulting in death if untreated. Even small amounts can be dangerous for those with severe allergies.
Actions Consumers Should Take Immediately
If you have purchased a Taylor Farms Honey Balsamic Salad Kit, it is essential that you:
- Check the label: Ensure your kit’s product code begins with “TFRS” and note the “Best If Used By” date.
- Do not consume: If your kit matches the recall details, do not eat it—even if you do not have known allergies, as families and guests may be at risk.
- Dispose safely: Discard the product immediately to prevent accidental consumption.
- Refunds available: Take your receipt or product packaging (if safe) back to the store for a full refund.
- Contact customer service: Taylor Farms recommends reaching their customer care team at 855-455-0098, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT, for additional support.
Current Status and Reporting
As of the latest update, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled Taylor Farms Honey Balsamic Salad Kits. The company and regulatory agencies, including the FDA, continue to monitor the situation closely. Official communications urge consumers to remain vigilant and proactive in checking their food products.
No other Taylor Farms products or brands are affected by this recall.
Why Undeclared Allergen Recalls Happen
Recalls for undeclared allergens are among the most common food safety incidents in the United States. They typically occur due to:
- Labeling errors: Mismarked packages, missing allergen disclosures, or incorrect ingredient lists happen during manufacturing or packaging transitions.
- Supplier errors: As seen in this case, external suppliers provide incorrect ingredients or packaging as part of kit assembly.
- Production mix-ups: Changing batches without thorough cleaning between runs can result in cross-contact with allergens.
- Inadequate checks or automation errors: Failing to spot and remedy issues before distribution can lead to large-scale recalls.
For allergy sufferers and their families, vigilance and careful label inspection are always recommended, even for trusted brands.
Best Practices for Consumers: Preventing Allergen Exposure
- Always read the entire label before purchasing or consuming any pre-packaged food item, even if you have bought it before.
- Stay updated on recalls: Check food safety and recall announcements from the FDA and local health departments.
- Ask questions: If you or a family member has a food allergy, never hesitate to reach out to brands or store staff to ask about ingredient sourcing and product safety.
- Register for recall alerts: Many grocery stores and chains offer e-mail or text alerts for recalls related to the brands they carry.
What to Do if Exposure Occurs
If someone with a sesame or soy allergy consumes a recalled salad kit:
- Monitor for immediate symptoms, such as hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or vomiting.
- Administer emergency medication, such as epinephrine (EpiPen), if prescribed.
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if symptoms seem to subside.
- Report the incident to your healthcare provider and the FDA’s MedWatch program for adverse event reporting.
Summary Table: Key Facts About the Taylor Farms Recall
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Taylor Farms Honey Balsamic Salad Kit |
| Package Sizes | 6-oz, 8.3-oz |
| Codes | “TFRS” + Best If Used By up to Sep 4, 2025 |
| Main Allergens | Sesame, Soy |
| Supplier Error | Asian Sesame Ginger dressing included instead of Honey Balsamic |
| Distribution | 25 states, national grocery chains |
| Illnesses Reported | None as of latest update |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What product is being recalled?
A: The Taylor Farms Honey Balsamic Salad Kit, specifically the 6-oz and 8.3-oz packages with codes starting “TFRS” and Best If Used By dates up to September 4, 2025.
Q: Why is this salad kit being recalled?
A: Kits may contain undeclared sesame and soy allergens due to the inclusion of Asian Sesame Ginger dressing packets, posing major risks to those with allergies.
Q: Which states are affected by the recall?
A: Twenty-five states are impacted, including Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia.
Q: Have any illnesses been reported in connection to the recalled kits?
A: No illnesses have been reported as of the most recent updates. However, the risks of severe allergic reaction remain serious for susceptible individuals.
Q: What should I do if I purchased this salad kit?
A: Do not consume the product. Dispose of it safely, and bring your receipt or product packaging to the place of purchase for a refund. Contact Taylor Farms customer care for additional support at 855-455-0098.
Q: Are any other Taylor Farms products affected?
A: No. The recall specifically applies only to the Honey Balsamic Salad Kit described; all other Taylor Farms products are not affected.
Food Safety Resources and Contacts
- For additional questions, call Taylor Farms Customer Care at 855-455-0098, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT.
- Follow recall updates and new advisories through the FDA Food Safety portal and your local health department’s food safety resources.
- Stay informed with your local grocery store’s recall alert system, if available.
An informed consumer is a safe consumer—always review labels and pay attention to food safety alerts to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy.
