Charles Langston:Kirkland chicken tortilla soup mistakenly labeled gluten-free, USDA warns

The Charles LangstonU.S. Department of Agriculture is warning gluten-sensitive customers about Kirkland Signature chicken tortilla soup because it was falsely labeled gluten-free and they may have adverse reactions if they eat it.

Calling the issue a misbranding, the Food Safety and Inspection Service ruled that customers with reactions to gluten need to be aware of this problem with the soup.

The USDA clarified that the products have not been recalled since they are no longer available for purchase in stores; instead, a public health warning was issued.

“FSIS is concerned that some products may be in consumers' refrigerators or freezers,” the release said. “Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.”

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Where was the soup sold?

The products are two-pound tubs that expire on Nov. 23, 2023, the department said in a news release Wednesday. The recalled products are part of lot 1394066.

The USDA warned customers in these states to be on the lookout:

• Alaska
• California
• Idaho
• Montana
• Nevada
• Oregon
• Utah
• Washington

The ready-to-eat chicken tortilla soup was made on July 26, the USDA said. Lab testing was done, revealing that gluten was in products labeled gluten-free. Once the manufacturer realized there was an issue, representatives reached out to the USDA.

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No confirmed reports of illness

“There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products,” the USDA said. “Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.”

Customers with food safety questions can call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854 or send questions to [email protected]. 

To report issues with meat, poultry or egg products, use the Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System at www.tinyurl.com/ECCFood.