FDA Issues Risk Warning for Aldi Churro Recall in 13 States

A recall of churro bites due to a potential undeclared allergen has been issued the second-highest risk warning by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Camerican International, Inc., based in New Jersey, announced a voluntary recall of Casa Mamita Churro Bites filled with chocolate hazelnut cream on June 3 after a consumer found a breaded halloumi cheese stick in the product bag, according to the FDA. Halloumi cheese contains milk, which is not an allergen present in the churro bites.

The FDA later issued a Class II risk classification for the recall on July 30.

Newsweek reached out to Camerican International Inc. for comment by email outside of regular working hours.

Why It Matters

A Class II risk classification refers to a situation in which the “use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote,” according to the FDA.

The FDA warned in the initial recall notice that people who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk “run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.”

Milk is one of the nine major food allergens as defined in law. The others are eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans and sesame.

Allergic reactions vary in severity from mild symptoms, such as hives and lip swelling, to life-threatening complications, such as anaphylaxis, that may include fatal respiratory problems.

What To Know

The product impacted by the recall is the following:

Aldi Brand Casa Mamita Churro Bites Filled with Chocolate Hazelnut Cream – 19,080 units – best-by date: 07/14/2025 – Lot number: 01425

The product was distributed to Aldi retail stores in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, according to the FDA recall. The products were distributed in 7.05 oz. cardboard boxes.

As of June 3, no illnesses had been reported in connection with the consumption of the recalled products, according to the FDA.

The recall was initiated after a consumer discovered the presence of a “milk-containing product” in packaging that did not declare the presence of the allergen.

“Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company’s production and packaging processes that has subsequently been corrected,” the FDA said.

What People Are Saying

The Mayo Clinic, on its website: “Milk allergy is an atypical immune system response to milk and products containing milk. It’s one of the most common food allergies in children. Cow’s milk is the usual cause of milk allergy, but milk from sheep, goats, buffalo and other mammals also can cause a reaction.

“An allergic reaction usually occurs soon after you or your child consumes milk. Signs and symptoms of milk allergy range from mild to severe and can include wheezing, vomiting, hives and digestive problems. Milk allergy can also cause anaphylaxis — a severe, life-threatening reaction.”

The FDA, on its website: “People with food allergies should read labels and avoid the foods they are allergic to. The law requires that food labels identify the food source of all major food allergens used to make the food.”

Dr. Sebastian Lighvani, director of New York Allergy & Asthma PLLC, previously told Newsweek: “Every three minutes in the United States, someone ends up in an emergency room because of an allergic reaction after accidental ingestion of food. So even when we try hard, these reactions are happening. And if you look at the incidence of anaphylaxis, it has skyrocketed in the last five, 10, 20 years. And in the U.S., there’s like a 300 to 400 percent increase in the rates of anaphylaxis to foods.”