Trader Joe’s has issued an urgent recall of its Sesame Miso Salad with Salmon sold in 18 states after discovering an undeclared allergen that could cause serious reactions in millions of Americans. The recall was announced in coordination with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The recall affects salads that mistakenly contain parmesan cheese packets instead of crispy onions. Parmesan contains milk, posing a danger to the estimated 30–50 million Americans with lactose intolerance and approximately 6.6 million with milk allergies.
In total, 500 units of the salad—produced by Taylor Fresh Foods Illinois and marked with a ‘Use By’ date of April 28 or 29, 2025—have been pulled from shelves in:
Alabama, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
While no illnesses have been reported, customers are strongly urged to discard the product immediately if anyone in the household has a milk allergy. Even trace amounts of dairy can pose a serious threat to individuals with severe sensitivities.
Milk allergies can trigger severe immune responses, including hives, swelling of the lips or face, wheezing, vomiting, or even anaphylaxis — a life-threatening condition that can cause the throat to swell shut and restrict breathing. This reaction can escalate within minutes and requires immediate medical attention. Milk is the third most common cause of anaphylaxis, following peanuts and tree nuts, and accounts for a significant number of emergency room visits annually. In the U.S., an estimated 500 to 1,000 people die from anaphylaxis each year, many of whom were unaware they were exposed to an allergen.
In contrast, lactose intolerance is not life-threatening but can still cause considerable discomfort. It occurs when the body lacks the enzyme lactase, which is needed to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk. Symptoms typically begin within 30 minutes to two hours after consumption and include nausea, bloating, gas, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. While not dangerous, these symptoms can disrupt daily life and are particularly problematic for children, the elderly, and those with other digestive issues.
For questions, customers can contact Trader Joe’s customer service at (855) 455-0098, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.
