Public Advisory for Undeclared Allergen

NASHVILLE—The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is issuing a public advisory in the Memphis area for an undeclared peanut allergen in chocolate chip cookies and oatmeal raisin cookies produced and packed by Backermann’s Bakery of Whiteville, Tenn.

On April 17, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture conducted routine retail food product sampling in West Tennessee markets. The department’s test results for two products—Backermann’s Bakery chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin cookies with best by date of April 24, 2015—showed positive for the presence of a peanut allergen not disclosed on the product labels.  

The products have been distributed throughout the Memphis area. As of the date of this release, Backermann’s Bakery has contacted its distributors to issue a recall. If the products are found in additional Tennessee stores, the department will embargo these products with best by dates of April 24, 2015, as adulterated and/or misbranded pursuant to the Tennessee Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

As a precaution, the department is alerting consumers with peanut allergies as to the possible presence of peanut allergens in these products. The department is requesting that retail locations remove these products from their shelves and contact their distributor.