On May 17, 2024, the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) Food and Drug Branch (FDB) issued a recall alert for Sun Noodle's S&S Cup Saimin frozen saimin products. The company has initiated this voluntary recall due to an undeclared egg allergen present in the product.
Sun Noodle's recall is being implemented because the ingredient label does not inform consumers that the recalled product may contain egg white powder, an allergen. The frozen products are sold in ready-to-heat cups that include a fishcake garnish containing the egg allergen in question. The recalled product has been distributed to local retailers throughout Hawaiʻi since May 2023.
Egg allergy symptoms typically occur a few minutes to a few hours after consuming foods containing eggs. These symptoms range from mild to severe and vary among individuals. Symptoms may include skin inflammation or hives; nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing; digestive symptoms like cramps, nausea, and vomiting; and asthma signs and symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath.
In rare cases, an egg allergy can cause anaphylaxis, a reaction that narrows the airways and can block breathing. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include swelling or tightness of the throat, a severe drop in blood pressure, increased heart rate, chest pain or tightness, rapid pulse, shock, severe difficulty breathing, trouble swallowing, pale blue skin color, and/or dizziness or fainting.
Consumers with an egg allergy or severe sensitivity should notify their health care provider if they have consumed the recalled product. If any signs of anaphylaxis are observed, immediate administration of an epinephrine autoinjector (i.e., EpiPen, Auvi-Q) is advised followed by calling 911 or your local emergency number, as anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate care. According to Sun Noodle, there have been no reports of illness or adverse events attributed to the recalled product to date.
The DOH FDB advises consumers to check the lid for the lot number to verify if they purchased the recalled product. Consumers should not open and eat the recalled saimin if anyone in the household has an egg allergy to prevent exposure and potential symptoms. For any inquiries or concerns regarding this recall, consumers may contact Sun Noodle at 1-888-735-7777 (3:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. HST, Monday through Friday) or by emailing [email protected].