Health officials are raising urgent concerns about potentially dangerous Floria Dried Apricots sold by Turkana Food Inc., which have been distributed across nearly 20 U.S. states. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has issued a recall for the product due to undeclared sulfites, a food preservative that can cause severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Consumers are being strongly advised to stop eating the apricots immediately and return them to their place of purchase for a full refund. The affected product has an expiration date of November 2026, a LOT number of 440090478-15-333, and a UPC label of 2539560010.
Sulfites are commonly used in food manufacturing to preserve freshness, enhance shelf life, and prevent spoilage. They are often found in items like wine, dried fruits, and processed foods. While sulfites are safe for most people when used in small quantities, they can trigger adverse reactions in individuals with sulfite sensitivity, which affects approximately four percent of Americans—including many people with asthma. Reported reactions include hives, swelling, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and in severe cases, asthma attacks or life-threatening allergic responses. Because of this, FDA regulations require manufacturers to declare the presence of sulfites if levels exceed 10 parts per million (ppm) in any product.
The issue was discovered during a routine inspection by the New York State Department of Agriculture, which found that the Turkana dried apricots contained sulfites but did not include this information on the product’s packaging. This omission violates federal labeling laws designed to protect consumers, especially those with food sensitivities or allergies. Although no illnesses or allergic reactions have been reported to date, health officials warn that the risk remains serious enough to warrant immediate action, particularly given the product’s wide distribution.
The recalled apricots were sold in Florida, Kentucky, Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Texas, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Maryland, Ohio, Alabama, Missouri, and California. With Chicago O’Hare, Los Angeles, and other major transport hubs often distributing goods across multiple states, health experts worry that the apricots may have reached additional locations through secondary retail channels. Consumers who believe they may have purchased the product should check both the LOT number and UPC code to confirm whether their package is affected.
Sulfite-related allergies and sensitivities are well-documented, and symptoms usually occur shortly after ingestion. In addition to digestive and skin reactions, individuals may experience respiratory symptoms, such as wheezing, shortness of breath, sneezing, and chest tightness. For individuals with known sulfite sensitivity, medical professionals often recommend antihistamines or Vitamin B12 supplements as part of their treatment regimen. The FDA banned sulfites from being used in fresh fruits and vegetables in 1986 following an uptick in reported adverse reactions. However, sulfites are still permitted in packaged or preserved foods—as long as they are properly labeled.
This dried apricot recall follows another recent food labeling controversy involving Texas Pete’s Habanero Buffalo hot sauce, which was found to contain Sriracha sauce instead, potentially introducing undeclared sulfites into the mix. The FDA warns that any failure to disclose allergens—particularly one as common and potentially dangerous as sulfites—can pose serious health risks. Turkana Food Inc. has not yet issued a public statement, but the FDA continues to monitor the situation and urges consumers, especially those with asthma or sulfite sensitivities, to remain alert. Anyone experiencing symptoms after consuming the product should seek medical attention immediately.
