A recall has been issued for a popular cream cheese product from Einstein Bros Bagels due to a packaging error that may pose serious health risks to consumers. The company has recalled 144 cases of its Honey Almond Cream Cheese Spread, which were found to contain undeclared almonds, raising concerns for individuals with almond allergies.
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The error was identified on 27 March and involves a mix-up in packaging, whereby certain cups labelled as “Plain” did not accurately reflect their contents. The lids were correctly labelled as Honey Almond, but the cups contained the misleading information, meaning that those unaware of the discrepancy could be at risk of a life-threatening allergic reaction, as outlined by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The recalled product consists of 6-ounce cups of Honey Almond Cream Cheese Spread with a lot code indicating it is best consumed by 21 July 2026, labelled with both the Honey Almond and Plain identifiers. A spokesperson for Schreiber Foods, the manufacturer, explained that the situation arose from a limited staging issue during packaging.
To ensure consumer safety, Schreiber Foods initiated a voluntary recall after discovering the inconsistency between the labels and the product. They have assured the public that the problem was contained and specific to this lot, confirming that no other products or batches were implicated in the recall.
Currently, no illnesses have been reported in relation to this packaging error. However, the FDA has advised any customers who purchased the affected cream cheese to return it to the point of sale for a full refund. Efforts to rectify the situation have been made in collaboration with Einstein Bros Bagels to mitigate any potential risks.
The recall comes alongside another incident involving a different cream cheese brand, Made Fresh Salads. That company has also announced a recall due to the potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a serious pathogen that can lead to severe infections, particularly harmful to those with weakened immune systems.
The Made Fresh Salads recall affects various cream cheese products with expiration dates extending to 27 February. These were distributed throughout Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and New York City in 5-pound containers. The contamination was discovered during routine monitoring when a mixer used in production tested positive for listeria. After the contamination was confirmed, the mixer was promptly removed from service and the products were recalled.
In both cases, consumers are being urged to exercise caution and return any affected products for a full refund as an essential safety measure. As public awareness increases regarding food allergies and contamination risks, these recalls highlight the importance of accurate labelling and the swift action required to protect consumers’ health.
Representatives from Einstein Bros Bagels have yet to comment further on the situation. Both companies are working alongside regulatory bodies and health officials to ensure that these safety incidents are addressed thoroughly and do not repeat in future production runs. As always, consumers are advised to remain vigilant and informed about the products they purchase.