A Chinese-imported coffee creamer labeled as “non-dairy” actually contains milk allergens, triggering the FDA’s highest recall warning as thousands of potentially deadly products remain in circulation across the Northeast.
Key Insights
- MO-CHA brand Premium Non-Dairy Creamer has been classified as a Class I FDA recall – the highest risk level – due to containing undeclared milk ingredients
- Approximately 4,500 cases were distributed across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut
- The Chinese-imported product contains dangerous milk-derived ingredients like whey powder and casein without proper allergen warnings
- All units currently on the market are affected, with no specific lot codes identified
- Food allergy anaphylaxis cases have increased 300-400% in recent years, according to medical experts
Potentially Deadly Mislabeling
The FDA has issued its most serious recall classification for MO-CHA brand Premium Non-Dairy Creamer after discovering the product contains undeclared milk ingredients that could trigger life-threatening allergic reactions. The Class I recall, initiated April 10 and officially classified April 22, affects all units of the Chinese-imported creamer distributed by Momo Tea Inc. of Maspeth, New York. The widespread distribution includes approximately 4,500 cases shipped to stores throughout New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
“Every three minutes in the United States, someone ends up in an emergency room because of an allergic reaction after accidental ingestion of food. So even when we try hard, these reactions are happening. And if you look at the incidence of anaphylaxis, it has skyrocketed in the last 5, 10, 20 years. And in the U.S., there’s like a 300 to 400 percent increase in the rates of anaphylaxis to foods.” – Dr. Sebastian Lighvani
The 2.2-pound bags of creamer, which have a two-year shelf life, contain milk-derived ingredients such as whey powder and casein but fail to list milk as an allergen on the product label. This critical omission creates a serious and unexpected health risk for consumers with milk allergies who believe they are purchasing a truly non-dairy product. The FDA’s Class I designation indicates that exposure to the product is reasonably likely to cause serious adverse health consequences or death.
Medical Risks and Growing Allergy Concerns
Health experts are particularly concerned about this recall given the rising rates of severe food allergies in the United States. For individuals with milk allergies, accidental consumption of whey proteins or casein can trigger reactions ranging from mild discomfort to potentially fatal anaphylactic shock. The recall underscores the vital importance of accurate allergen labeling on all food products, especially those claiming to be allergen-free alternatives.
“Whey proteins can cause serious reactions in those with milk allergies…Milk allergy affects two to three percent of children in the U.S., and one to two percent of adults in the U.S.” – Dr. Anne Marie Singh
Unlike some recalls that affect specific batches or production runs, this recall encompasses all MO-CHA Premium Non-Dairy Creamer currently on the market. No specific lot codes or identifiers have been provided, meaning consumers should consider any package of this product potentially dangerous if they have milk allergies. The FDA has not released information on whether any allergic reactions have been reported in connection with the product.
Second Creamer Recall Raises Questions
In a separate but similar incident, the FDA recently announced a Class II recall of International Delight creamers affecting 75,000 bottles across 31 states. This recall involves the company’s Cinnabon Classic Cinnamon Roll and Hazelnut varieties due to premature spoilage issues. Unlike the MO-CHA recall, this situation is less severe, with the FDA classifying it as potentially causing “temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences” where the risk of serious harm is considered remote.
Consumers who have purchased MO-CHA Premium Non-Dairy Creamer should immediately stop using the product and follow FDA guidance for returns or refunds. Those with milk allergies who may have consumed the product should be alert for symptoms of allergic reaction and seek immediate medical attention if they experience difficulty breathing, hives, swelling, or other signs of anaphylaxis. The recall remains ongoing as authorities work to remove all affected products from store shelves.
Sources:
- Coffee Creamer Recalled as FDA Sets Highest Risk Level
- The FDA Announces Popular Coffee Creamer Recall Across 31 States
