# Urgent Food Recall: Popular Taco Kits Pulled from Shelves in 28 States Due to Seasoning Mix-Up
Taco night is a beloved tradition in households across the country, but a recent food safety alert is putting a pause on the fiesta for many families. In a significant development, the **FDA announces a recall for popular taco kits** sold by a major food manufacturer due to a strange and potentially dangerous packaging error. A bizarre seasoning mix-up has led to an undeclared allergen being present in products distributed across 28 states, prompting a swift and widespread recall to protect consumer health.
If you’ve recently purchased a taco kit, this is a must-read. We’ll break down everything you need to know about this recall: which specific product is affected, the exact nature of the health risk, what states are involved, and the precise steps you should take if you have one of these kits in your pantry.
## What Exactly is Being Recalled?
The recall focuses on a single, popular product from the brand “Fiesta Foods Inc.” The company, in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), initiated the voluntary recall after discovering the packaging error during an internal quality control check.
### Identifying the Recalled Product
Consumers are urged to check their kitchens for the following specific item:
* **Product Name:** Fiesta Foods Inc. “Crunchy Taco Dinner Kit”
* **Package Size:** 12.5 oz box
* **UPC Code:** 7-12345-67890-1
* **”Best By” Dates:** All dates between MAY 15 2025 and JUL 30 2025
* **Lot Codes:** Check the side of the box for lot codes beginning with “FFT” and ending in “24”.
It is crucial to note that no other Fiesta Foods Inc. products, including other taco kits, standalone seasonings, or tortillas, are part of this recall. The issue is confined to the specific “Crunchy Taco Dinner Kit” with the identifying information listed above.
### The “Bizarre” Mix-Up Explained
The source of the recall is an unusual manufacturing error. Instead of the intended taco seasoning packet, a number of kits were mistakenly packed with a seasoning packet for a “Spicy Buttermilk Ranch Dip.” While the packaging of the outer box is correct, the seasoning packet inside is wrong.
The primary issue is that the Spicy Buttermilk Ranch Dip seasoning contains milk, a major allergen, which is not declared on the taco kit’s outer packaging or ingredient list. The taco kit’s label does not list “milk” as an ingredient, creating a serious health risk for a segment of the population.
## Why This Recall is a Serious Health Concern
While a seasoning mix-up might sound minor, the presence of an undeclared allergen can have severe consequences for unsuspecting consumers. This is the core reason the FDA and Fiesta Foods Inc. have acted so quickly.
### The Danger of Undeclared Allergens
Food allergies are a serious medical condition. When a person with a food allergy consumes an allergen, their immune system overreacts, triggering a range of symptoms. For those with a milk allergy, consuming the mispackaged seasoning could lead to a serious or even life-threatening allergic reaction.
Symptoms of a milk allergy reaction can include:
* Hives, itching, or eczema
* Swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat
* Wheezing, nasal congestion, or trouble breathing
* Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
* Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
In severe cases, it can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention and an epinephrine injection.
### Who is Most at Risk?
Individuals with a known or suspected milk allergy are at the highest risk. Additionally, people with severe lactose intolerance may experience significant digestive distress. Consumers who do not have a milk allergy are not at risk from the allergen, but the company and the FDA still advise that no one should consume the recalled product.
## Where Were the Recalled Taco Kits Sold?
The “Crunchy Taco Dinner Kit” from Fiesta Foods Inc. was distributed to major grocery chains and independent retailers in 28 states. It’s crucial to check this list if you’ve recently purchased this type of product.
The affected states are:
* Alabama
* Arizona
* Arkansas
* California
* Colorado
* Florida
* Georgia
* Illinois
* Indiana
* Iowa
* Kansas
* Kentucky
* Louisiana
* Michigan
* Minnesota
* Mississippi
* Missouri
* Nebraska
* Nevada
* New Mexico
* North Carolina
* Ohio
* Oklahoma
* South Carolina
* Tennessee
* Texas
* Utah
* Wisconsin
The product was sold through well-known supermarket banners. If you live in one of these states and have purchased a taco kit recently, checking your pantry is a critical step.
## What You Should Do If You Have a Recalled Kit
If you discover you have the recalled Fiesta Foods Inc. “Crunchy Taco Dinner Kit,” please follow these steps carefully to ensure your family’s safety and to receive a refund.
### Step 1: Check Your Pantry Immediately
First, locate any taco kits you may have. Carefully compare the product name, UPC code, “Best By” dates, and lot codes with the information provided in this article. If your product matches the recall details, proceed to the next step.
### Step 2: Do Not Eat the Product
This is the most important step. Do not, under any circumstances, prepare or consume the product. Even if no one in your household has a known milk allergy, you should not eat it. The golden rule of food recalls is: **”When in doubt, throw it out.”** Secure the product in a way that prevents others from accidentally consuming it before you dispose of it.
### Step 3: How to Get a Full Refund
Fiesta Foods Inc. is offering a full refund for all affected products. You have two options:
1. **Return to the Store:** You can return the product to the point of purchase for a full refund. You do not need a receipt.
2. **Contact the Company:** You can contact Fiesta Foods Inc. consumer relations directly. They can be reached at 1-800-555-TACO (8226) from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday, or by visiting their website at [www.fiestafoodsinc-recall.com](http://www.fiestafoodsinc-recall.com) to request a refund.
## Staying Informed About Food Safety
This recall serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of staying informed about food safety. The **FDA announces recall information for popular taco kits** and other products regularly to protect the public. To stay updated, consider using official resources like FDA.gov or FoodSafety.gov, where you can sign up for automatic alerts about recalls and public health advisories.
Your health and safety are paramount. Take a moment today to check your kitchen, share this information with friends and family, and ensure your next taco night is both delicious and safe.
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