Full Breakdown
Reser’s Fine Foods Recalls Misbranded Ready-to-Eat Pasta Salad
6/27/2026, 4:41:03 AM
Recall Overview
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced a recall of 5,300 pounds of a ready-to-eat product labeled “Molly’s Kitchen California Style Pasta Salad.” The product was packaged in 5-pound plastic tubs, bears establishment number P-00874, and carries a use-by date of July 16, 2026. Distribution records show shipments to distributors in Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, New Jersey, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The recall was issued because some tubs may actually contain chicken salad, which includes undeclared egg and milk allergens.
Context
The misbranding occurred when Reser’s Fine Foods, Inc., a Halifax, North Carolina plant, labeled ready-to-eat chicken salad as pasta salad. Egg and milk, major allergens, were not declared on the label. FSIS identified the error after the company reported the mistake and classified the issue as a health risk for those with egg or milk allergies.
Timeline
- June 11, 2026 – Production of the affected tubs.
- July 16, 2026 – Printed use-by date on the packaging.
- June 25-26, 2026 – Reser’s Fine Foods informed FSIS of the labeling error; FSIS issued the public recall notice.
Health Impact
The undeclared allergens—egg and milk—pose a risk of serious allergic reactions for sensitive consumers. FSIS reported no confirmed illnesses or adverse reactions linked to the recalled product. Consumers who have purchased the product are instructed not to consume it, to discard it, or to return it to the place of purchase. Individuals who believe they have experienced an allergic reaction should seek medical attention.
Official Responses
FSIS said the mislabeling could expose allergic consumers to undeclared egg and milk and will perform routine recall-effectiveness checks. Reser’s Fine Foods confirmed the misbranding, reported it to FSIS, and listed a consumer-affairs phone (888-223-2127) and email (consumeraffairs@resers.com) for questions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The product labeled as pasta salad may actually contain chicken salad, which contains egg and milk, known allergens, that are not declared on the product label.” — U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
- “of Halifax, NC, is recalling 5,300 pounds of a ready-to-eat (RTE) product labeled as a pasta salad because of misbranding and undeclared allergens, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.” — FSIS announcement (Food Safety News)
- “According to federal officials, the product was sold as "Molly's Kitchen California Style Pasta Salad," but some containers may instead contain ready-to-eat chicken salad.” — FSIS (USA Today)
- “Consumers are urged not to consume the product and should either throw it away or return it to the place of purchase.” — FSIS (USA Today)
Next Steps
FSIS will continue routine checks to confirm that the recalled product is no longer available to consumers. Questions about the recall can be directed to Reser’s Fine Foods Consumer Affairs at 888-223-2127 or consumeraffairs@resers.com.
