In a significant food safety alert, Savannah Bee Company has initiated a nationwide recall of its popular honey barbecue sauce after discovering a critical mislabeling error that failed to declare two major allergens. The recall, announced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, affects the company's HONEY BBQ SAUCE- MUSTARD due to undeclared wheat and soy ingredients, which could trigger severe or life-threatening allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Details of the Recall and Potential Health Risks
The recall was prompted after a customer alerted Savannah Bee Company that the "Honey BBQ Sauce - Sweet" product had been incorrectly labeled as "Honey BBQ Sauce-Mustard." An internal investigation revealed that the mislabeled bottles contained the sweet variant, which includes wheat and soy, but these allergens were not listed on the ingredient statement. This omission poses a serious risk, as wheat and soy are among the nine major food allergens identified by the FDA, alongside milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, and sesame.
Allergic reactions to these substances can range from mild symptoms like hives and lip swelling to severe anaphylaxis, which may involve fatal respiratory issues and shock. Although no illnesses have been reported to date, consumers are strongly advised to discard the affected bottles immediately and contact Savannah Bee Company for a full refund.
Product Information and Distribution
The recalled honey barbecue sauce was distributed nationwide to various retail stores between July 30, 2025, and February 26, 2026. The product is packaged in clear glass bottles featuring an orange Honey BBQ Sauce Mustard label. Key identifiers include the lot number B1L1360525 and a Best Before date of May 16, 2027, both located on the bottle's neck.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges in food labeling and allergen management within the industry. It serves as a stark reminder for consumers to always check product labels, especially if they have known allergies, and for companies to maintain rigorous quality control processes to prevent such errors.
Broader Context of Recent Food Recalls
This recall is not an isolated event, as several other food products have been pulled from shelves recently due to similar allergen-related issues. Earlier this month, Juniper Granola, LLC, based in Rochester, New York, recalled its Chocolate Cherry and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Junebars because they contained undeclared milk and soy. The company became aware of the problem after a customer reported an allergic reaction, leading to an investigation that traced the issue to an oversight in the evaluation process, where non-vegan chocolate chips were mistakenly used during production.
In January, a separate recall involved thousands of units of M&M's products across 20 states. The FDA announced that over 6,000 units had been repackaged by Beacon Promotions Inc. without proper allergen warnings, potentially containing milk, soy, and peanuts. These incidents underscore the critical importance of accurate labeling and the need for heightened vigilance in food manufacturing and packaging to protect public health.
As food allergy awareness continues to grow, regulatory bodies and companies alike are urged to prioritize transparency and safety. Consumers should stay informed about recalls and report any adverse reactions to help prevent future occurrences.
