Shortbread cookies sold at multiple Lidl stores are being recalled over fears that they could trigger a life-threatening reaction.
The alert was issued for Eridanous Shortbread Cookies with Chocolate Truffle Coating and Apricot Filling after they were found to contain wheat, soy, milk and eggs that were not listed in English on the packaging.
Officials warned anyone with an allergy or sensitivity to the ingredients could suffer from a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consumed the product.
The cookies were sold in 11.6-oz blue boxes that listed their ingredients in a foreign language, but not in English, on the back.
They were available at every Lidl store in nine US states in the South and Northeast and were on shelves between July 15 and July 22 this year.
No illnesses or injuries have been reported to date.
Anyone who has the products at home has been urged to throw them out or return them to the seller for a full refund. A receipt is not required.
About 30 to 50 million Americans have a milk sensitivity, which can cause digestive issues, hives and swelling. About 6.7 million Americans have a milk allergy, which can lead to severe reactions including life-threatening complications and anaphylaxis.
Shortbread cookies sold at Lidl are being recalled because they contain undeclared wheat, soy, milk and eggs
About six million Americans are also allergic to eggs, while nearly two million have either a soy or wheat allergy.
The recall was ordered after it emerged that the product listed its ingredients in an un-named foreign language, but not in English.
The cookies were sold in the following states: Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virginia.
They were also available in the District of Columbia.
It was not clear how the error was made, but this can happen if products made for a foreign market are imported into the US.
A spokesman for Lidl said: ‘The health and safety of our customers is our top priority.
‘Lidl US regrets any inconvenience related to this voluntary recall. Our Quality Assurance Department is constantly working to ensure that all products on our shelves meet the high-quality standards that we would expect when feeding our own families.
‘We are grateful for all our Lidl US customers who choose to shop with us every day.’
The cookies are sold in blue packaging that lists Eridanous Greek Style and Shortbread Cookies with Chocolate Truffle Coating and Apricot Filling on the front
The above shows the back of the packaging. Inspectors at the FDA said it did not declare four allergens in the product in English
In some cases, the allergies can be so severe that even just allowing milk or eggs to touch the lips can cause someone to have a reaction.
Allergies are caused by the immune system misidentifying a substance as a threat and attacking it, triggering an allergic reaction.
Warning signs of an allergy triggered by consuming something include hives, wheezing, itching or tingling around the lips or mouth, coughing or shortness of breath.
In severe cases, a patient can develop anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction where the airways narrow and can block breathing.
About 82 million people in the US are suffering from at least one allergy.
Those who have a family history of allergies have a slightly higher risk of developing the condition.
Treatment includes avoiding the allergy trigger and taking medications such as antihistamines which can calm the immune system, relieving allergy symptoms.