Trader Joe’s has recalled their popular Hot Honey Mustard Dressing after discovering it contains potentially life-threatening allergens not listed on the label, putting millions of Americans with food allergies at risk.
At a Glance
- Trader Joe’s Hot Honey Mustard Dressing has been recalled due to undeclared peanut, soy, sesame, and wheat allergens
- The recall affects 12-ounce bottles with use-by date May 27, 2025 and product code 80152
- Products were distributed across 18 states and Washington DC
- The FDA issued a Class I risk warning, their highest health risk classification
- No illnesses or customer complaints have been reported, but consumers should return or discard affected products
Nationwide Health Alert Issued
Fresh Creative Foods, the manufacturer of Trader Joe’s Hot Honey Mustard Dressing, has initiated a recall after discovering a labeling error that failed to disclose the presence of major allergens including peanuts, soy, sesame, and wheat. The recall applies to 12-ounce bottles with a “Use By” date of May 27, 2025, and product code 80152. The affected dressing was distributed to Trader Joe’s stores across 17 states and Washington DC, including Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia.
The Food and Drug Administration has classified this as a Class I recall, their most serious category, indicating “a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.” This classification reflects the potentially life-threatening nature of allergic reactions to these undisclosed ingredients, particularly for the nearly 10 million Americans who suffer from food allergies to peanuts, soy, sesame, or wheat.
Severe Health Risks for Allergy Sufferers
Food allergies represent a significant public health concern, with peanut allergies being particularly common and dangerous. Exposure to these allergens can trigger anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can cause swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, and a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Without prompt treatment with epinephrine (adrenaline), anaphylaxis can be fatal. The undisclosed allergens in the mislabeled dressing pose a serious risk to consumers who rely on accurate ingredient listings to avoid potentially life-threatening reactions.
The recall was announced on March 30, 2025, and published by the FDA the following day. While no illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported in connection with this product, the company is taking proactive measures to ensure consumer safety. Given the severity of potential reactions to these allergens, consumers with sensitivities are strongly advised to check their refrigerators for the affected product.
Third Recent Recall for Trader Joe’s
This recall marks the third for Trader Joe’s since February, following earlier recalls of Gerolsteiner Sparkling Natural Mineral Water and Acai Bowl frozen meals. The frequency of these recalls has raised questions about quality control procedures, though the company maintains its commitment to consumer safety. In their public statements, the company emphasizes their proactive approach to addressing potential safety issues.
Customers who have purchased the affected Hot Honey Mustard Dressing are advised to return the product to any Trader Joe’s store for a full refund or to dispose of it immediately. For additional information, consumers can contact Fresh Creative Foods at 888-223-2127, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time. This incident underscores the critical importance of accurate food labeling in protecting consumer health, particularly for those with food allergies who rely on complete ingredient disclosures to make safe choices.
