Gluten Free Recall: Vans All Natural Wheat Free Homestyle Pancakes

Check your freezers! Vans All Natural has recalled a batch of their Wheat Free Homestyle Pancakes for undeclared gluten, wheat, egg and milk. I'm a fan of Vans' products (I just tried the french toast sticks and they were great), and I agree with others that it is very responsible of the company to announce this recall and offer customers a full refund, BUT I have to wonder: how did contaminated products get to consumers? This is what the company said:

“Our customers have trusted Van’s with their special dietary needs for more than 20 years, and their health and safety are our first priority,” said CEO of Van’s International Foods, Eric Kufel. “Van’s has immediately implemented advanced quality procedures above and beyond what we already have in place to ensure the continued safety of our products.”

The voluntary recall was initiated immediately after a packaging operator error, limited to one shift, was discovered. The company has immediately reinforced its Quality Assurance and Packaging procedures and believes that the problem was a one-time incident. Consumers who are allergic to or have sensitivity to wheat, gluten, milk or eggs, should not consume this product. Consumers should return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund or send the box top with the printed lot number to the address below to receive five free coupons for any Van’s waffle, pancake, or French toast stick product 12.4 ounce or smaller.

I hope no one gets sick- getting gluten-ed is zero fun.

More information here: Philadelphia Gluten-Free Examiner and at the Vans All Natural Website