Statements from FARE following the FDA issuing a warning letter to Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inc.

In June, the FDA issued a warning letter to Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inc., a measure that FARE believes may be a first-of-its kind event. The letter was further documented by the FDA with what was termed "a constituent update" providing some context for the letter saying: 

On June 17, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning letter to Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inc. because, during two inspections in late 2023, FDA found that some of the company’s bakery products included ingredients that are or contain major food allergens on their labels, but those ingredients were not included in the product formulations. Food products must bear truthful and non-misleading labeling; otherwise, they are misbranded under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act).

FARE released a two-part statement in response to these events, the first from Robert Earl, MPH, RDN, FAND, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, the second from Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, CEO of FARE:

"We thank FDA for its efforts to protect the food allergy community. Just as FARE finds the practice of intentionally adding sesame flour to avoid thorough cleaning or segregating lines to be an act of malicious compliance, including sesame and other food allergens in an ingredient list and ‘Contains statement’ also does a disservice to those with food allergies. Our community relies on accurate product labeling for their health and safety and these findings about Bimbo Bakeries’ products undermine their trust and further limit choices." - Robert Earl, MPH, RDN, FAND, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs

"Given the size and reach of Bimbo Bakeries to American consumers, FARE expects better. Losing the food allergy community's respect also extends to the restaurants and institutions that buy their products, beyond retail packaged products. The food allergy community shouldn’t have to deserve less.” - Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, CEO of FARE