A mix-up in labels has sparked a food safety alert across Michigan as Home Style Foods Inc. makes a preemptive strike to protect its consumers. The company, based in Hamtramck, has initiated a voluntary recall for 43 cases of its "Kowalski Simply Sides - Jack's Potato Salad" due to a labeling error that has left egg allergens undeclared — a serious risk for those with allergies. The potentially affected product was distributed to various retailers across the state, including 21 Kroger locations, with other stores like Diamond Dot Market, Holiday Market Royal Oak, Larry's Foodland, and Tenuta's Market also on the list, the company said.

The food faux pas came to light after a routine documentation review by the company's Quality Assurance team, and while no illnesses connected to the product have been reported so far, consumers with egg allergies could face serious, even life-threatening reactions upon consumption, the recall acknowledges that the top and front labels correctly identify the product, however, the back tag erroneously displays information for "Very Berry Strawberry," leading to a mismatch in allergen reporting. The affected potato salad comes in a 16oz round plastic deli cup and is marked with a sell-by date of April 29, 2024, as detailed in statements published by agencies like CBS News Detroit and Food Manufacturing.

Acting by food safety protocols and in coordination with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Home Style Foods is urging customers who purchased the mislabeled potato salad to return it for a full refund, as indicated in reports by ClickOnDetroit. Any consumers seeking further information or assistance regarding the recall can reach out directly to Home Style Foods Inc. at their contact number.

Home Style Foods' prompt decision to recall the product emphasizes the importance they place on consumer health and adherence to labeling standards—especially for those with dietary restrictions, the company's responsive measure helps avoid potential adversities and reflects a commitment to public welfare and transparency in food manufacturing the recall, although voluntary, signals an ongoing effort to ensure that food labels accurately represent the ingredients within, and serves as a critical reminder for consumers to remain vigilant about verifying product information.