'Do not consume' call for 6 Ülker products in the US: Statement from Ülker

12punto FOREIGN NEWS

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a voluntary recall of 6 different Ülker-branded products. The recalled products include Ülker Kekstra Jölebol Mini, Ülker Rulokat, Ülker Biskrem, Ülker Dankek Strawberry Roll Cake, Ülker Dankek Banana Roll Cake, and Ülker Dankek Chocolate Roll Cake. The FDA stated that these products contain undeclared egg, wheat, and milk on their labels.

In a statement made by ZB Importing LLC, the North American company that imports Ülker products, it was warned that individuals with allergies or sensitivities to wheat, egg, or milk could experience serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products. The products were distributed through various retail stores in Ontario, Canada, and the U.S.

According to the FDA's statement, the mislabeling issue arose following a complaint from a consumer who experienced an allergic reaction. It was stated that the issue stemmed from a supplier who failed to correctly declare all allergens while translating the ingredient list. The company stated that it is working with the supplier to implement stricter labeling controls, including an additional verification process for multilingual labels.

The FDA advised consumers who purchased the products in question to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund or to discard them. Consumers can contact the company via the address '[email protected]' for any questions.

Further information regarding the batches and distribution details of the recalled products has been shared on the FDA's official website. In such cases, it is recommended that consumers carefully examine product labels and pay attention to allergen warnings. The FDA noted that it published the announcement of the importer's product recall as a public service.

STATEMENT FROM ÜLKER

Following the news reports about the product recall, a press release was issued by Ülker. The statement included the following remarks:

"Regarding the news reports titled 'Some Ülker products recalled in the US due to incomplete labeling'; this statement is required under the provisions of Article 9, titled 'Verification of News and Rumors,' of the Capital Markets Board's Communiqué on Material Events No. II-15.1:

First and foremost, our company, Ülker Bisküvi, is not the direct party involved in the aforementioned product recall.

The decision for the recall in question does not stem from the product ingredients or packaging. It is the result of incomplete labeling regarding allergens by a company based in the U.S. that distributes a small number of our products by purchasing them from other markets without our knowledge. There are no omissions in the original Turkish packaging of the products. It is understood that the English translation was done incompletely by the distributor company.

We send our products exported to the U.S. with packaging prepared directly in English suitable for that market, and we do not perform any additional labeling.

The company in question noticed the incorrect labeling, recalled the products, and did not provide us with any information regarding these developments. Ülker products are currently being sent to many countries around the world, as well as Turkey, in compliance with all regulations and laws. We are taking all necessary actions while reserving all our legal rights regarding the firm that caused this situation."

News Source: 12punto