AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today June 13, 2026
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has initiated a significant macaroni and cheese recall impacting Illinois and the broader United States. More than 525,000 packages of Park St. Deli Macaroni & Cheese, produced by BEF Foods, Inc., are being removed from store shelves due to the presence of an undeclared allergen—soy lecithin.
FDA Recall Covers Thousands of Cases
The food recall concerns 58,405 cases, each consisting of nine 20-ounce packages. Distributed nationally, including throughout Illinois, the product was mainly sold in plastic tubs within paperboard sleeves. The recall centers on macaroni and cheese packages that may contain soy lecithin without proper labeling, creating risks for individuals with soy allergies.
Reason for the Recall: Allergen Warning
The oversight prompted a class II recall designation by the FDA. This classification is used for situations where there is a moderate health risk—specifically temporary or medically reversible adverse effects. People allergic to soy may experience serious yet generally reversible reactions if they consume these products. This allergen warning is particularly important for families across Illinois who commonly purchase packaged foods for convenience.
BEF Foods Responds to Packaged Food Recall
BEF Foods, the Ohio-based company behind this product, has cooperated fully with federal authorities, issuing a voluntary recall to limit consumer risk. They have urged retailers and consumers to check macaroni and cheese packaging for information about affected products, reinforcing the importance of reading ingredient lists and allergen warnings on prepared foods. The company emphasized its commitment to food safety in light of the incident.
FDA Recall Procedures in Illinois
Retailers in Illinois and elsewhere have been notified and instructed to remove impacted macaroni and cheese packages from shelves immediately. The fda recall process involves coordination with distributors, retailers, and local health authorities, aiming to prevent accidental exposure to undeclared allergens. Illinois consumers are advised to consult the FDA website and local advisories for updates on packaged food recall notices.
Implications for Food Safety and Allergen Management
This large-scale recall spotlights the ongoing challenge of allergy management in the packaged foods industry. The incident underscores the responsibility of manufacturers like BEF Foods to maintain vigilant quality control and the necessity for transparent labeling. Undeclared allergens, such as soy lecithin, can pose significant risks to sensitive individuals. The FDA’s oversight in such matters helps uphold consumer trust in the food safety of products found in Illinois supermarkets.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers in Illinois are encouraged to verify any recently purchased Park St. Deli macaroni and cheese for affected lot codes or packaging. Those with soy allergies should avoid consumption of any recalled product and may contact BEF Foods for further guidance. Disposal or return of affected packages may help prevent potential health risks linked to this macaroni and cheese recall.
A Regional Commitment to Food Safety
The ongoing focus on rapid fda recall response and allergen disclosure is a critical part of protecting public health. As food recalls become more prominent, Illinois communities and retailers remain partners with federal authorities to ensure safety standards are met and that residents receive accurate allergen warning information in a timely manner.
