Jan 9, 2013: BD Flavored Powders-sold to restaurants, smoothie shops, etc. (US)

[GingerPye]

Boba Direct Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in BD Flavored Powders
 
Contact
Consumer:
1-866-487-2622
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 9, 2013 - Boba Direct (BD) announced the voluntary recall of the following BD Flavored Powders: Almond, Avocado, Banana, Blueberry, Café Latte, Cherry, Chocolate, Coconut, Honeydew, Lavender, Lychee, Mango, Matcha Green Tea, Milk Tea, Passionfruit, Peppermint, Pineapple, Red Bean, Strawberry, Taro, Vanilla and Watermelon in the 2.2 lb. plastic bags because of the incorrect label failing to declare milk as the source of sodium caseinate and lactose.  Individuals with allergies to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The product was distributed from December 26, 2012 – January 4, 2013 to cafés restaurants and smoothie shops throughout the United States.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered the packages were mislabeled from the manufacturer. Albeit the ingredients label displays sodium caseinate and lactose, it does not clearly display that it contains milk.

This product is a food safety concern only for people whom are allergic to milk.  There have been no reports to date of any illnesses or adverse health effects associated with the affected products.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been notified of this voluntary recall.

Boba Direct is dedicated to the health and safety of its consumers. Therefore, the company initiated this voluntary recall. We apologize to our consumers and sincerely regret any inconvenience created by this incident.

In the event consumers have purchased this product and may be impacted by the undeclared milk allergen, they may return the product for a full refund. Consumers with questions about this issue may contact Boba Direct’s customer service department from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Central Standard Time, at 866-487-2622.

[twinturbo]

Boba = milk tea = bubble tea. The flavor powder is flavored coffee mate, the creamer with sodium caseinate the casein derivative that's always in the ill-named "non-dairy creamers".

For anyone truly allergic to milk stay far away from boba/bubble tea/milk tea even though there can be fruit smoothies with tapioca pearls made without milk the contamination is what it is. All boba or bubble tea flavor powders will have sodium caseinate.

[GingerPye]

Huh, I didn't know that.  Very good to know.

[twinturbo]

Furthermore virtually all product will be sourced from the same manufacturer regardless of who is reselling it at retail level, meaning any boba/bubble tea supplier will be reselling from nearly the same manufacturer. It's important enough to loop back on myself twice there.

This is a Taiwanese invention and product, I can't think of a single reseller I've seen that could source other than Taiwan origin. That's actually good because it means the flavor powder is good but I also know first hand beside the use of actual cow milk or the casein derivative that peanut and tree nut flavors are EXTREMELY popular, peanut in particular. So unless you're one of those people who demonstrate a high threshold by a history of consuming products like this without reaction I'd wholesale stay away from prepacked boba flavored powder.

The good news is that if you want to DIY at home it's possible to use branded Coffee Mate flavored or unflavored, use the same brewed or instant tea, prepare your own mix-ins at home like coffee jelly, "custard" (no egg instant flan), and tapiocas.

But milk allergic, pass on it completely. Use real fruit make slushies, add tapiocas, maybe some coconut milk. Enjoy.