Prime Food Processing Recalls Dessert Buns Due to Undeclared Milk Allergen
Prime Food Processing LLC has initiated a voluntary recall of over 2,000 cases of their popular dessert buns after discovering that milk, a major food allergen, was not properly declared on the packaging. The recall affects two specific products – the Lava Bun with Salted Egg Yolk and the Lava Bun with Green Tea Flavor – which were distributed to Asian grocery stores across 33 states between April and November 2025. This oversight poses a significant risk to consumers with milk allergies, who could experience severe or even life-threatening reactions if they consume these products unknowingly. The company identified the issue during an internal product review and attributed the problem to “a temporary breakdown in the company’s label review process,” though fortunately, no allergic reactions or illnesses have been reported as of Thursday.
Food allergies affect millions of Americans each year, with milk being one of the nine “major” food allergens recognized by the FDA alongside eggs, fish, wheat, soybeans, crustacean shellfish, sesame, tree nuts, and peanuts. For those with allergies, consuming even trace amounts of these substances can trigger serious medical emergencies. In this case, the allergen came from unsalted butter that was listed in the ingredient statement but not properly highlighted in the required allergen warning. This recall joins numerous other public health alerts issued this year for various issues including potential contamination, undeclared allergens, and other food safety concerns, highlighting the ongoing challenges in food manufacturing and labeling compliance.
The specific products being recalled include 2,243 cases of Prime Food brand Lava Bun with Salted Egg Yolk (UPC number 97903705873, 24 oz, Item #PD4188) with lot codes ranging from 25092 to 25318 and expiration dates from July 2026 to March 2027. Also included is the Prime Food brand Lava Bun with Green Tea Flavor (UPC number 97803705883, 24 oz, Item #PD4198) with the same lot code range and expiration dates. These products were widely distributed throughout the country, reaching Asian grocery stores in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
For consumers with milk allergies, this recall serves as an important reminder of the vigilance required when purchasing food products, particularly those from specialty markets or with complex ingredient lists. Food allergies can develop at any age and vary widely in severity, with reactions ranging from mild discomfort to anaphylaxis requiring immediate medical intervention. The FDA’s allergen labeling requirements exist precisely to protect these vulnerable consumers, allowing them to quickly identify products containing ingredients they must avoid. When these safeguards break down, as in this case, it creates unnecessary risk for those managing food allergies in their daily lives.
Despite the widespread distribution of these products across more than half the country, Prime Food Processing has acted responsibly by initiating the recall once the labeling issue was discovered. The company is urging customers who purchased the affected buns to return any uneaten product along with its packaging to the place of purchase for a full refund. This prompt action demonstrates the food industry’s commitment to consumer safety, even when errors occur. The company has also established a dedicated customer service line at 718-963-2323, available weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, to address any questions or concerns from consumers regarding the recalled products.
The recall serves as an important reminder of the complex challenges facing food manufacturers and regulators in ensuring product safety. With increasing awareness of food allergies and sensitivities, proper labeling has become a critical aspect of food safety programs. When Newsweek attempted to reach the company after hours on Friday, they were only able to leave a message, reflecting the challenges of managing communications during a product recall situation. As consumers become increasingly concerned about food safety and transparency, companies must remain vigilant in their quality control processes, particularly regarding allergen identification and clear communication of potential risks on product packaging. This incident, while fortunately not resulting in reported illnesses, highlights the importance of robust systems to prevent such oversights in the future.
