WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Department of Agriculture is warning consumers about frozen Betterballen meat and poultry products that were mislabeled and may contain undeclared allergens. The Food Safety and Inspection Service said the items include sesame, which was not listed on the packaging, and, in the beef product, Worcestershire sauce containing anchovy, also not declared.
The public health alert covers frozen, not ready-to-eat products that were produced on Oct. 15, Oct. 16 and Oct. 27. Federal officials said no recall was requested because the products are no longer available for purchase, but some may still be sitting in refrigerators or freezers at home.
Which Betterballen products are covered by the alert
FSIS identified three product types in clear vacuum-packed packaging. They are 6-piece Bami Rolls with “BEST BY” October 2027 and lot codes BR-2026-01 and BR-2026-02.
The alert also includes 10-piece Saté Kroketten with “BEST BY” October 2027 and lot code SK-1026-01, along with 12-piece Bitterballen with “BEST BY” October 2027 and lot code BB-1026-01. Each product carries establishment number “EST. M3177” or “EST. P3177” inside the USDA mark of inspection.
How the allergen problem was found during a routine label review
Inspectors discovered the issue during a routine FSIS review of product labels. The agency said the problem was misbranding because the packaging did not properly disclose allergens that were present in the food.
Sesame is a known allergen, and the beef product also contains anchovy, which is a fish allergen. Because those ingredients were not listed on the label, FSIS issued the alert to warn people who may not know the products contain ingredients that could trigger a reaction.
Where the products were sold and how far they may have spread
Lowlands House sold the products for internet sales nationwide, giving them a broad reach across the United States. FSIS said they may also have been sold at a festival and a farmers market in Greer, South Carolina.
That combination of online sales and in-person events means the products could have ended up in a range of households. Federal officials are urging people to check their freezers, especially if they bought specialty items from the company or encountered them at the South Carolina events.
No confirmed illnesses have been reported so far
FSIS said there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions linked to the products. Even so, the agency said anyone worried about a possible reaction should contact a health care provider.
The warning reflects the concern that undeclared allergens can cause serious problems for people with food allergies, even when the product is frozen and has been stored for some time. Officials are treating the items as a public health issue because consumers may not realize what is inside them.
What consumers should do if they bought the products
Anyone who purchased the Betterballen items should not eat them, FSIS said. The agency advises consumers to throw the products away or return them to the place of purchase.
Officials are especially concerned that some of the products may still be in home refrigerators or freezers. Consumers should compare the product name, lot code and “BEST BY” date before using any frozen meat or poultry item from the brand.
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