This Popular Bagel Has Just Been Recalled Because of Allergen Issues

Damascus Bakery is voluntarily recalling some of its Bantam Classic Bagels due to undeclared allergen issues. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), one production lot of the classic bagels (plain bagels stuffed with plain cream cheese) was accidentally exposed to an item with an undeclared egg allergen. This means that individuals with an egg allergy might be at risk of a severe or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the bagels in this lot.

Alongside milk and peanuts, egg is one of the most common food allergies, according to the Cleveland Clinic. An allergic reaction can include the following symptoms: skin rash, hoarse voice, shortness of breath, cough, itchy mouth or throat, swollen lips, tongue or eyelids, lightheadedness, abdominal pain, or vomiting. On the more serious end, you might experience anaphylaxis, the most severe allergic reaction to food. This is when the body goes into shock, the blood pressure drops and the bronchial tissues (which help to transport air) swell. Anaphylactic shock requires immediate treatment in the form of an adrenaline shot to save the person’s life.

Fortunately, no adverse reactions related to this lot of bagels have been reported. If you are concerned about whether you have purchased one of the affected products, look for the best by date printed on the left side of the carton and on the top of the bag. On the recalled product, it will read May 27, 2023. The popular stuffed bagels also are available in flavors pretzel, blueberry, french toast, and garden veggie, but it’s only the classic flavor that has been affected. 

Bantam Bagels are sold throughout the U.S. in 16,000 stores, including Starbucks. This means that bagel-lovers across the country will need to check if the recall applies to their product. In 2013, the bagel brand was founded by husband-and-wife team Nick and Elyse Oleksaks in their Brooklyn apartment, eventually opening a small shop on Bleecker Street, Manhattan. The couple rose to prominence on the ABC show Shark Tank in 2015, when they were offered a $275,000 deal by shark Lori Greiner. 

It’s been a big few weeks for product recalls, with skin-care brand Jergens voluntarily recalling its Ultra Healing Moisturizer because it might contain traces of Pluralibacter gergoviae, a type of bacteria that usually poses low medical risk to most people but can result in infections in people with weakened immune systems. A single lot of Great Value Buttermilk Pancake and Waffle Mix is also currently being recalled nationwide after fragments of a cable were found in some boxes.

If you have purchased the affected bagels, Damascus Bakery advises you to dispose of the bagels immediately and phone Bantams Bagels Customer Service at 866-451-6744 for a replacement coupon.

Related:

• These Popular Salad Dressings Have Been Recalled Due to Undeclared Eggs
• A Frozen Spinach Recall Is Impacting These 9 States
• Bagged Salad Recalled in 10 States Due to Possible Listeria Contamination