Consumers Beware: The FDA’s Latest Class I Recall Involves Pearl Milling Company’s Pancake & Waffle Mix
Food recalls are nothing new, but when the FDA escalates a recall to its highest risk level, it’s time to pay attention. Quaker Oats, a subsidiary of PepsiCo, has been forced to recall thousands of boxes of Pearl Milling Company Original Pancake & Waffle Mix due to undeclared milk, a serious allergen that could lead to life-threatening allergic reactions for unsuspecting consumers.
If you recently stocked up on pancake mix, keep reading—we’re breaking down everything you need to know about this urgent food safety alert, what products are affected, and what steps you should take.
🚨 What’s Happening with the Quaker Oats Recall?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially upgraded Quaker Oats’ recall to a Class I designation on February 13, 2025. This means the recalled product poses a significant health risk—including the potential for severe allergic reactions or death in sensitive individuals.
This recall originally began on January 14, 2025, when Quaker Oats announced that its two-pound boxes of Pearl Milling Company Original Pancake & Waffle Mix contained undeclared milk. The problem was first detected by a retail partner, and upon further investigation, Quaker Oats determined that certain batches of its pancake mix had been cross-contaminated with milk.
🚫 No illnesses have been reported so far, but the recall is being taken seriously due to the high risk it poses to those with dairy allergies.
📋 Recalled Pearl Milling Pancake & Waffle Mix – Product Details
If you purchased Pearl Milling Company Original Pancake & Waffle Mix in the past few months, check the UPC code and best-by date against the recall details below.
| Product Name | UPC Code | Best-By Date | States Distributed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pearl Milling Company Original Pancake & Waffle Mix (2 lb box) | 30000 65040 | September 13, 2025 | Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Utah, Wisconsin |
If your pancake mix matches both the UPC code (30000 65040) and the best-by date (September 13, 2025), DO NOT consume it—especially if you or anyone in your household has a milk allergy.
🔎 Why Is This Recall So Serious?
This recall falls under the FDA’s Class I category, meaning the product could cause severe illness or death. While milk is harmless to most people, those with milk allergies or severe lactose intolerance could suffer from anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.
What’s the Risk of Consuming This Pancake Mix?
✔️ Mild symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, bloating
⚠️ Moderate symptoms: Hives, swelling, difficulty breathing
❌ Severe symptoms: Anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires an EpiPen and emergency care
Food allergies affect millions of people worldwide, and undeclared allergens are one of the leading causes of hospitalizations from food recalls.
🛑 What You Should Do If You Have This Product
If you have purchased this pancake mix, follow these three steps immediately:
1️⃣ Check your box – Look for the UPC code (30000 65040) and best-by date (September 13, 2025)
2️⃣ Dispose of the product – If it matches, DO NOT consume it; throw it away
3️⃣ Contact Quaker Oats for a refund – Call 1-800-407-2247 (Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST) for reimbursement
⚠️ Do NOT donate the product—it should be completely discarded to prevent exposure to high-risk individuals.
🔄 A Pattern of Recalls: Is Quaker Oats Slipping on Food Safety?
This isn’t Quaker Oats’ first food recall. Here’s a look at their recent history:
📅 December 2023 – Over two dozen granola bars and cereals were recalled due to Salmonella contamination
📅 March 2021 – Thousands of bags of Quaker Rice Crisps were recalled for undeclared soy
While food safety issues can happen in any company, repeated undeclared allergen recalls raise concerns about Quaker’s manufacturing and quality control processes.
🤔 Why Are Food Recalls Increasing?
The number of food recalls has surged in recent years, due to:
✅ Better food safety testing – Contaminants and allergens are now detected faster
✅ More transparency & regulations – Companies are under increased pressure to act quickly
✅ Supply chain complexity – Large food manufacturers process millions of products, increasing the risk of cross-contamination
With Quaker Oats closing its 55-year-old Danville plant in June 2024 (following repeated Salmonella findings), it’s clear that quality control issues need to be addressed.
❓ FAQs About the Quaker Oats Recall
What should I do if I already ate the recalled pancake mix?
If you do not have a milk allergy, you are not at risk. However, if you experience any allergic reactions, seek medical attention immediately.
Can I get a refund for my recalled pancake mix?
Yes, you can contact Quaker Oats Consumer Relations at 1-800-407-2247 for reimbursement.
What’s the difference between a Class I, II, and III recall?
- Class I: High risk (serious illness or death)
- Class II: Moderate risk (temporary or reversible harm)
- Class III: Low risk (violations unlikely to cause harm)
This Quaker Oats recall is Class I, the most serious category.
📢 Final Thoughts: Check Your Pantry & Stay Informed
This latest Quaker Oats recall serves as a wake-up call—even trusted brands can experience serious food safety failures. If you purchased Pearl Milling pancake mix, double-check your box and dispose of any affected products immediately.
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📢 Stay informed. Stay safe. And always check your labels.
