Syosset Firm Recalls Potentially Dangerous Waxberries Nationwide

SYOSSET, NY — A Syosset company has issued a nationwide recall of waxberries that federal officials said could contain undeclared ingredients of sulfite and cyclamate. Sulfites could pose a possibly life-threatening risk to people with severe allergies, and cyclamate is not an approved ingredient, the FDA said in a recall notice Wednesday.

Lin's Waha Int'l Corp. recalled its 8.11-ounce packages of Suantianyangmei Waxberry and Bingtangyangmei Waxberry. The clear, plastic containers of berries were distributed to retailers nationwide.

No illnesses involving these products have been reported, the FDA said.

Suantianyangmei Waxberry contains the UPC code 6948576407226. The date March 12, 2020, is also stamped on the box.

Bingtangyangmei Waxberry contains the UPC code 6948576407219. The date Feb. 13, 2020, is stamped on the box.

The ingredients were found during routine sampling by state food inspectors and an analysis by the food laboratory workers. Ingesting just 10 milligrams of sulfites per serving can lead to severe reactions in people with asthma or anaphylactic shock for those with a severe allergy, the FDA said. The berries each contained at least 12.85 milligrams per serving.

Consumers who bought the recalled berries should return them to the store for a full refund.

Waxberries are a round, purple or red fruit with a textured exterior. The interior flesh is soft with a "sweet tart flavor," according to specialtyproduce.com. A single hard seed sits in the center.