Urgent Recall of Cream Cheese Spreads Over Undeclared Almonds Sparks Allergy Alert

More than 100 tubs of cream cheese sold by popular bagel chains have been urgently recalled after a potentially deadly undeclared ingredient was discovered. The recall spans four states—Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Wyoming—and involves products distributed to Einstein Bros. Bagel locations. Wisconsin-based Schreiber Foods, Inc. is voluntarily recalling 144 cases of Honey Almond Cream Cheese Spread due to a critical labeling error. The product contains almonds, which were not listed on the packaging, posing a severe risk to individuals with almond allergies.

The recalled cream cheese comes in six-ounce plastic tubs labeled with Einstein Bros. Bagel branding. Each tub features a Honey Almond lid but is paired with a Plain cup label, creating a dangerous mismatch. The 'best by' date on the bottom of the cup reads July 21, 2026. Consumers are urged to check for this specific date and the mismatched packaging. While no illnesses have been reported yet, the FDA emphasized the gravity of the situation, warning that almond exposure could trigger anaphylaxis—a life-threatening allergic reaction that can lead to death if not treated immediately.

The recall was prompted after a shipment of mismatched lids and cups was discovered. The FDA confirmed that the lid correctly identifies the product as Honey Almond, but the cup incorrectly labels it as Plain, omitting the almond ingredient. An investigation revealed a limited packaging staging issue that has since been resolved. However, the FDA stressed that the problem is confined to the recalled products, and no other batches are affected.

Consumers who purchased the product with the lot code "Jul 21, 2026LO" and mismatched cup and lid are advised to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. For further assistance, the company's website offers contact options. Almonds are classified as tree nuts, a category that includes Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, and others. An estimated 4 million Americans have tree nut allergies, with almond allergies ranking as the third most common type.

Anaphylaxis, the severe reaction triggered by allergen exposure, can cause hives, swelling, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. In extreme cases, the throat and airways may swell shut, leading to suffocation. Epinephrine auto-injectors, such as EpiPens, are the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis and must be administered immediately. The FDA's advisory underscores the importance of vigilance, particularly for individuals with food allergies.

This recall follows a separate incident involving Made Fresh Salads, where hundreds of tubs of cream cheese were pulled from shelves due to listeria contamination. That recall was classified as Class I by the FDA, indicating a high risk of serious harm or death. Both incidents highlight the ongoing challenges in food safety and the critical role of consumer awareness in preventing health crises.