Elevated risk U.S. Food and Drug Administration

President Brand Licorice plum recall: Potential or Undeclared Allergen – sulfites Unapproved color – Amaranth (E123)

Recall published 1+ years ago

Potential or Undeclared Allergen – sulfites Unapproved color – Amaranth (E123)

President Brand Grains & cereal — recalled grains & cereal
Photo published by U.S. Food and Drug Administration with the recall notice.

The hazard: Undeclared allergen or ingredient

An ingredient subject to mandatory disclosure was left off the packaging, which is what the agency classes as misbranding.

What the notice says: Consumers who have severe sensitivity to sulfites run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product

Why it matters: An ingredient that U.S. law requires to be declared is present but missing from the label. People who avoid that ingredient cannot make a safe choice from the packaging.

Symptoms and when to call a doctor

An undeclared allergen is a danger only to people allergic or intolerant to that ingredient. For everyone else the food is safe. Reactions range from an itchy mouth, hives, stomach cramps or vomiting through to anaphylaxis — swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, a tight chest, wheezing, a sudden drop in blood pressure or collapse. If anaphylaxis is suspected, use an epinephrine auto-injector straight away and call 911, even if the symptoms seem to settle, because a second wave can follow hours later.

This page is general information, not medical advice. If you feel unwell, a clinician who can see you is the only person able to judge your case.

Recall details

Published
May 1, 2025
Risk level
Elevated risk
Issued by
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Brand
President Brand
Product type
Grains & cereal
Distribution
Nationwide
Reports of harm
No illnesses or allergic reactions involving this product have been reported to date.

Products covered by this recall

Licorice plum

What the company announced

East CK Trading, Inc. of Long Island City, NY, is recalling its 8-ounce packages of “Licorice Plum” food treats because they contained undeclared sulfites and unallowed color, Amaranth (E123). Consumers who have severe sensitivity to sulfites run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product

The recalled “Licorice Plum” were distributed nationwide in retail stores and through mail orders. The product comes in an 8-ounce, clear plastic bottle. The product UPC code is 0077-20729

No illnesses or allergic reactions involving this product have been reported to date.

The recall was initiated after routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of sulfites in the 8 ounce packages of “Licorice Plum” which were not declared on the label. The consumption of 10 milligrams of sulfites per serving has been reported to elicit severe reactions in some asthmatics. Anaphylactic shock could occur in certain sulfite sensitive individuals upon ingesting 10 milligrams or more of sulfites. Analysis of the “Licorice Plum” revealed they contained 29.1 milligrams per serving.

Consumers who have purchased 8-ounce packages of “Licorice Plum” are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-718-857-0008

Reproduced from the company announcement posted on fda.gov. Links and contact forms in the original are not repeated here; the official notice below has them.

Check your product

The notice names 1 code you can read straight off the package. Type the one printed on yours and the list below narrows to it.

Package size

Match the net weight or the piece count on the front of the pack.

  • 8 ounce

Codes are lifted verbatim from the FDA — Company recall announcements notice. A code that is missing here may still be covered — the official notice is the complete list.

What to do about Allergen

President Brand — An ingredient subject to mandatory disclosure was left off the packaging, which is what the agency classes as misbranding.

  1. Read the official notice above for the exact ingredient involved, then check whether anyone in your home avoids it.
  2. Report any reaction to the FDA so it is recorded against this recall.
  3. If nobody here avoids it, the product is safe to eat; the refund is still available if you would rather return it.
  4. If someone does avoid it, stop serving it and check anything already cooked with it.

Refunds, and what else you can claim

The purchase price is the floor, not the ceiling. Where a recall caused you a real cost, say so.

  • Claim the refund at the store first; it is the fastest route and needs the least paperwork.
  • If you bought several packs over time, list them. Firms routinely settle for more than a single unit when a customer asks.
  • Medical costs, lost earnings or a spoiled event are not handled at the service desk. Write to the company contact on this page instead, with dates and documents.
  • Keep copies of everything you send. If a recall caused harm, that file is what any later claim rests on.

Remedy named in the notice: Consumers who have purchased 8-ounce packages of “Licorice Plum” are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Company contact: Eats CL Trading, Inc. — Consumers: Jeff Boehner, 1-718-857-0008

The official notice

This page summarises a notice published by U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The agency notice is the authoritative version — read it before you act, and treat it as the final word if anything here looks different.

Open the FDA — Company recall announcements record U.S. Food and Drug Administration recalls

Questions people ask about this recall

Why was President Brand grains & cereal recalled?

Potential or Undeclared Allergen – sulfites Unapproved color – Amaranth (E123) Consumers who have severe sensitivity to sulfites run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product

How do I know if I have the recalled product?

The notice does not publish package codes for this recall. Compare the product name, size and the purchase window against the official FDA — Company recall announcements record, and contact the company if you are unsure.

What should I do with it right now?

Read the official notice above for the exact ingredient involved, then check whether anyone in your home avoids it.

Can I get my money back?

The notice says: Consumers who have purchased 8-ounce packages of “Licorice Plum” are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Where was the recalled product sold?

It was distributed nationwide.

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