Horsham, Pennsylvania – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning to a major U.S. bakery for misleadingly labeling products with potentially harmful allergens that were not actually present. Bimbo Bakery USA, known for producing popular brands like Thomas’, Entenmann’s, Sara Lee, Oroweat, and Ball Park Buns and Rolls, was found to have mislabeled their products by including sesame or tree nuts on their labels when these allergens were not part of the ingredients.
After conducting inspections in October and November 2023 at Bimbo plants in Phoenix and Topeka, Kansas, FDA officials confronted the company with their findings. The FDA emphasized that accurate allergen labeling is crucial and should not be used as a substitute for preventing cross-contamination in manufacturing facilities.
The FDA specifically pointed out that certain Sara Lee bread products, including Artesano Brioche, Delightful Multigrain, Artesano Golden Wheat, and Artesano Smooth Multigrain, were misbranded due to false sesame seed ingredient statements on their labels. The agency stressed the importance of food labels being truthful and non-misleading.
In response to the FDA’s warning, a spokesperson for Bimbo Bakery USA stated that they take consumer safety regarding allergens seriously and are working with the FDA to address the issue promptly. As the largest commercial baking company in the U.S., Bimbo Bakery USA reassured consumers of their commitment to adhering to good manufacturing practices and accurate labeling.
In 2022, a new law was enacted requiring food products in the U.S. to be labeled if they contain sesame, recognized as the country’s ninth major allergen. The FDA requested that Bimbo Bakery USA take corrective actions within 15 days of the warning or provide evidence of compliance with labeling standards. The company has until July 8 to respond to the FDA’s concerns.