Texas H-E-B Salad Kits Recalled Over Undeclared Almonds and Soy Allergens

Taylor Farms of Dallas is recalling H-E-B Backyard BBQ Chop Salad Kits distributed in Texas after the products were found to potentially contain undeclared soy and almonds, according to an FDA announcement posted on October 27. Consumers with soy or tree nut allergies face the risk of a serious allergic reaction if they consume the affected kits.

The recall applies to the 13.4-ounce kit packaged in a plastic bag, marked with UPC 041220300457 and a best-by date of October 30, 2026. The products were distributed to H-E-B locations throughout Texas. As of the announcement date, no adverse reactions had been reported.

Reaching the printed best-by date does not eliminate the allergy risk. Because packaged salads often remain in home refrigerators for several days, shoppers should carefully inspect any kits they still have rather than assuming they have already been consumed or discarded.

The hazard can be easy to overlook during a shared meal. Salad kits are commonly combined in a single serving bowl and distributed to multiple people, meaning a child or relative with an allergy could consume the product without ever seeing the original packaging.

Checking Refrigerators Across Texas

Consumers should verify the product name, package size, UPC, and best-by date printed on the bag. Taylor Farms advises customers not to eat the recalled kits and instead dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Customers with questions may contact Taylor Farms at (855) 455-0098, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific time (10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Central time). The recall notice does not specify how the allergens entered the product or how many units were sold. H-E-B operates more than 400 stores across Texas.

This recall is distinct from the Cyclospora outbreak earlier this summer tied to iceberg lettuce recalled by Taylor Farms de Mexico, which the CDC declared over on September 11. It also marks another undeclared allergen issue involving H-E-B salads produced by Taylor Farms in Texas. In 2019, Taylor Farms Texas, a Dallas-based subsidiary, recalled H-E-B chicken Caesar salads containing undeclared anchovies.

Allergy Warning Signs Requiring Immediate Attention

Soy and tree nuts are among the nine major food allergens that U.S. regulations require manufacturers to disclose on product labels. When an allergen is omitted from labeling, consumers who carefully review packaging receive no warning of the potential danger.

According to the recall notice, individuals with a soy or almond allergy or sensitivity “may be at risk of a serious adverse reaction” if they eat the product. Tree nuts are frequently associated with anaphylaxis, and fewer than 10% of individuals with a tree nut allergy eventually outgrow it, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

Food allergy symptoms can emerge within minutes or up to several hours after consumption, according to the FDA’s food allergy guidance. Possible symptoms include hives, flushed skin or rash, tingling or itching in the mouth, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, coughing, wheezing, dizziness, throat swelling, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness.

Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening reaction that can constrict the airways, trigger a sharp drop in blood pressure and shock, and cause throat swelling. The FDA cautions that anaphylaxis may begin with mild symptoms and escalate rapidly without treatment, and that a mild initial reaction does not necessarily indicate a mild allergy.

Anyone experiencing difficulty breathing, throat tightness, swelling of the tongue or lips, or faintness after consuming the salad should administer prescribed epinephrine immediately and call 911. Some individuals experience a secondary wave of symptoms hours or even days after the initial symptoms subside, making medical follow-up essential even after improvement.

Who Faces the Greatest Risk

Children and adults with known tree nut or soy allergies are at the clearest risk, particularly those with a history of severe reactions. Parents preparing school lunches, caregivers serving older relatives, and hosts cooking for gatherings should verify whether any kits were purchased recently.

Individuals who notice mild symptoms—such as an itchy mouth or a few hives—after eating the salad should stop consumption, contact a health care provider, and monitor closely for signs of worsening. Reactions may also be reported to the FDA or to Taylor Farms.

The recall notice does not include an FDA risk classification for this recall.

Key Questions Answered

What product is recalled? The H-E-B Backyard BBQ Chop Salad Kit, 13.4 ounces, UPC 041220300457, best-by date October 30, 2026.

Why was it recalled? The product may contain soy and tree nuts (almonds) that are not declared on the label.

Where was it sold? H-E-B stores in Texas.

Has anyone gotten sick? No adverse reactions had been reported as of the October 27 announcement.

What symptoms should people watch for? Hives, mouth itching or tingling, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, vomiting, wheezing, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. Severe symptoms require epinephrine and emergency medical care.

What should I do with the kit? Do not eat it. Discard it or return it to the store for a full refund.

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