On May 5, 2026, the FDA issued multiple Class I and Class II recalls affecting spices, seasoning powders, baked snacks, beverages, and condiments exported to the United States. Key risks include Salmonella contamination in allspice, undeclared allergens (hazelnut, soy, milk, fish, sesame) in products like Kirkland Madeleines and Dragon's Breath sauce, and undeclared artificial colors in Indian-style snacks. Chinese exporters of these categories must verify supplier COAs and label compliance immediately.
1. [Risk 5/5] Salmonella in Spice Powders — Immediate Batch Review Required
The FDA announced a Class I recall for Salute Seasonings All Spice (recall #H-0666-2026) due to Salmonella contamination. This affects all spice blends, seasoning powders, and compound seasonings exported to the US. Contaminated batches may be detained, destroyed, or lead to legal liability.
Action Required (today):
- Audit all US-bound spice/seasoning SKUs (346 in sku_library) and verify suppliers provide Salmonella-negative COA within 3 months.
- Send unverified stock to third-party labs (SGS/Intertek) for expedited testing.
- Contact US buyers proactively, share existing COAs to maintain confidence.
Source: FDA recall #H-0666-2026
2. [Risk 5/5] Undeclared Allergens in Snacks, Sauces, and Beverages — Label Compliance Check
Multiple FDA Class I recalls today: Kirkland Madeleines (hazelnut, soy lecithin, #H-0682-2026), Dragon's Breath sauce (fish, sesame, #H-0665-2026), and Marquez Brothers Horchata (milk, #H-0672-2026). These highlight critical allergen labeling gaps in baked snacks, condiments, and beverage powders.
Action Required (today):
- Cross-check English labels for all US-bound snacks (300 SKUs), beverages (300 SKUs), and condiments (240 SKUs) — ensure ingredient list matches allergen declaration (Contains: ...).
- Watch for hidden dairy (whey, lactose), nuts (peanuts, almonds), and soy (lecithin) in compound seasonings.
- Engage a label review agency or FDA-registered agent for any questionable labels.
Source: FDA recalls #H-0682-2026, #H-0665-2026, #H-0672-2026
3. [Risk 4/5] Undeclared Artificial Colors in Snacks — FD&C Labeling Required
Ethnic Foods Inc recalled Tikka Sev and Punjabi Mix (Class II, #H-0669-2026, #H-0670-2026) for failing to declare FD&C Yellow #6 and Red #40. This affects fried/expanded snacks and colored seasonings exported to the US.
Action Required (today):
- Check all US-bound snacks and seasonings for FD&C Yellow #5, #6, Red #40, Blue #1.
- Ensure English ingredient labels use FDA-standard names (e.g., FD&C Yellow No. 6).
- Submit labels to an FDA-recognized third-party reviewer before shipping.
Source: FDA recalls #H-0669-2026, #H-0670-2026
4. [Risk 4/5] Lead Contamination in Spice Powders — Heavy Metal Testing Needed
Summit Import Spice Powder was recalled (#H-0671-2026) for elevated lead levels. This impacts all spice and seasoning powder exports to the US.
Action Required (today):
- Request heavy metal (lead) COA from all spice/seasoning suppliers.
- Test unverified batches at accredited labs.
- Update supplier qualification criteria to include lead testing.
Source: FDA recall #H-0671-2026
5. [Risk 3/5] Honey Adulteration and Labeling Errors — C4 Sugar and Product Mismatch
Bee Well Honey (#H-0664-2026) was recalled for C4 sugar adulteration, and Pure Palm Medjool Dates (#H-0681-2026) for label mismatch (product was date-coconut balls, labeled as plain dates).
Action Required (today):
- For honey exports: request C4 sugar test reports.
- For dried fruit/candied products: verify product matches label description exactly.
Source: FDA recalls #H-0664-2026, #H-0681-2026
6. [Risk 3/5] FSVP Compliance Warning — Importers Must Verify Supplier Safety
FDA warned three importers for failing to verify imported food safety under FSVP. All US-bound food exporters must have an FDA-registered agent and maintain supplier verification programs.
Action Required (today):
- Confirm your US importers have valid FSVP plans.
- Provide supplier verification documents (COAs, HACCP plans) upon request.
Source: Food Safety News, May 5, 2026