Molly’s Kitchen Pasta Salad Recall: 5,300 Pounds Recalled Over Undeclared Egg and Milk Allergens

Consumers across seven U.S. states are being advised to inspect large tubs of Molly’s Kitchen California Style Pasta Salad after a labeling mistake prompted a food recall. Federal officials say some containers sold as pasta salad may actually contain ready-to-eat chicken salad, exposing people with egg or milk allergies to ingredients that are not listed on the label.

The recall involves approximately 5,300 pounds of product manufactured by Reser’s Fine Foods. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall after the company reported that a packaging mix-up had resulted in chicken salad being placed into containers labeled as pasta salad.

Although no illnesses or allergic reactions have been confirmed, officials are urging consumers not to ignore the recall because some of the affected tubs could still be stored in household refrigerators.

How the Labeling Error Happened

Unlike recalls linked to bacteria or foreign objects, this incident stems from a product identification error. According to FSIS, ready-to-eat chicken salad was mistakenly packaged in containers intended for Molly’s Kitchen California Style Pasta Salad.

The incorrect label does not mention egg or milk, even though both ingredients are present in the chicken salad. Federal food labeling rules require major allergens to be clearly declared so consumers can make informed purchasing decisions.

Reser’s Fine Foods notified FSIS after identifying the packaging issue, leading to the recall announcement issued on June 25, 2026.

Product Information Consumers Should Check

The recall applies only to a specific production lot. Consumers should compare the information printed on the container with the following details:

• Product: Molly’s Kitchen California Style Pasta Salad
• Package: 5-pound plastic tub
• Production Date: June 11, 2026
• Use By Date: July 16, 2026
• Establishment Number: P-00874, printed on the side of the container
• Recall amount: Approximately 5,300 pounds

States Where the Recalled Product Was Distributed

According to FSIS, the affected product was shipped to distributors in the following seven states:

• Alabama
• Florida
• North Carolina
• New Jersey
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Virginia

While the initial shipments went to these states, consumers who recently purchased a large tub of Molly’s Kitchen pasta salad should still check the package details if they believe they may have the recalled product.

Why Undeclared Allergens Matter

This recall is classified as a misbranding and undeclared allergen recall, not a contamination event. The food itself may appear normal, but missing allergen information can create a serious health risk for individuals with egg or milk allergies.

Egg and milk are recognized as major food allergens under U.S. labeling laws. People with allergies or sensitivities could experience symptoms ranging from skin irritation and digestive problems to breathing difficulties or anaphylaxis after consuming the mislabeled product.

Because the recalled item is sold as a ready-to-eat refrigerated food, consumers may eat it immediately without realizing that the contents do not match the label.

Why This Recall Was Issued Quickly

Food manufacturers are expected to notify regulators when they discover labeling errors that could affect consumer safety. In this case, Reser’s Fine Foods informed FSIS after determining that ready-to-eat chicken salad had mistakenly been packaged as pasta salad.

Rapid recalls help retailers remove affected products from store shelves while alerting consumers who may already have purchased them. Even though no illnesses have been reported, acting quickly reduces the risk of accidental exposure to undeclared allergens.

What Consumers Should Do

FSIS is concerned that some recalled products may still be stored in consumers’ refrigerators.

If you purchased the affected Molly’s Kitchen California Style Pasta Salad, do not eat it. Instead, throw the product away or return it to the retailer where it was purchased.

Consumers with egg or milk allergies should not taste the product to determine whether it contains pasta salad or chicken salad, as even a small amount could trigger an allergic reaction.

Questions about the recall can be directed to Reser’s Fine Foods Consumer Affairs by calling 888-223-2127 or emailing consumeraffairs@resers.com.

Where to Find Official Recall Information

Consumers can find the latest recall announcements and food safety updates on the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) website.

Food recalls involving undeclared allergens continue to highlight the importance of checking product labels before consumption. Readers tracking recent consumer safety alerts can also visit the latest updates on Swikblog for more recall and public safety coverage.