FDA Issues Urgent Recall for Dried Apricots Sold in Nearly 20 States Over Undeclared Sulfites

Health officials are warning consumers to immediately stop eating Floria Dried Apricots from Turkana Food Inc. after routine testing detected dangerous levels of undeclared sulfites — a chemical preservative that can trigger severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

The recall includes packages with an expiration date of November 2026 and LOT number 440090478-15-333. The product’s UPC code is 2539560010, found on a sticker at the top of the package.

The dried apricots were distributed to stores across 19 states, including:
Florida, Kentucky, Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Texas, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Maryland, Ohio, Alabama, Missouri, and California.

No illnesses have been reported so far.

Why the Recall Matters

Sulfites are commonly used in foods like wine, dried fruits, and processed snacks to preserve freshness. While safe for most people, millions of Americans — particularly those with asthma — are sensitive or allergic to sulfites.

Exposure can lead to symptoms such as:

• Hives or swelling

• Abdominal pain or diarrhea

• Wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath

• Stuffy nose or chest tightness

• In rare cases, life-threatening allergic reactions

Under FDA rules, any preserved food containing more than 10 ppm of sulfites must declare it clearly on the label.

Routine sampling by the New York State Department of Agriculture found that Turkana Food Inc.’s apricot packaging did not list sulfites at all — prompting the nationwide recall.

What Consumers Should Do

The FDA is urging anyone who purchased the product to:

• Stop eating it immediately

• Return it to the store for a full refund

• Dispose of any remaining product if a return is not possible

Consumers with asthma or known sulfite sensitivity should be especially cautious.

Turkana Food Inc. has not yet issued a public statement regarding the recall.

A Broader Reminder

This recall comes two months after Texas Pete pulled its Habanero Buffalo hot sauce due to a bottling mix-up that resulted in unlabeled sulfites. In both cases, the FDA emphasized that undeclared sulfites can pose serious or life-threatening risks for allergic individuals.

For those with sulfite sensitivity, doctors typically recommend having antihistamines on hand and, in some cases, vitamin B12 supplements to help reduce reactions.