Clearwater, FL — FDA Alert: Baked Beans May Contain Undisclosed Allergen

Clearwater, FL (May 8th, 2025) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is urging consumers to check their pantries for Vietti Food Group brand’s Yellowstone Brown Sugar Molasses Baked Beans. It was found that certain products contained soy but failed to list it on the label. For individuals with soy allergies, that omission can be dangerous, and in some cases, life-threatening.

If you or someone in your household had an allergic reaction after eating canned beans, you may have legal grounds to pursue compensation. At Light & Wyatt Law Group, our Clearwater product liability lawyer can explain your options, and help you hold negligent product manufacturers and retailers accountable. 

Why the Canned Beans Were Recalled

On May 2, 2025, Vietti Food Group announced the recall of its 15 oz. cans of Yellowstone Brown Sugar Molasses Baked Beans with Bacon due to the presence of undeclared soy. The affected products were distributed to retail locations in multiple states, including Florida.

Full details regarding the products affected by the recall can be found on the FDA website.

The company discovered the labeling error after an internal review found that the product had been formulated with a soy-containing ingredient, but the soy allergen was not listed on the final label.

At the time of the recall notice, no illnesses had been reported. However, consumers with a soy allergy or sensitivity are urged not to consume the product, and to either dispose of it or return it to the place of purchase.

The Health Risks of Undeclared Soy

Soy allergies can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild irritation to serious, potentially fatal reactions. For some people, even a small amount of soy can trigger a rapid response that includes:

• Skin reactions, such as hives or redness
• Respiratory issues, including wheezing or shortness of breath
• Digestive symptoms like nausea, cramping, or vomiting
• Anaphylaxis, a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction

Prompt medical care is often required, especially when respiratory symptoms or anaphylaxis are involved. If someone was hospitalized after consuming a mislabeled food product, there may be grounds for legal action.

Legal Standards for Food Labeling in Florida

Federal law, specifically the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA), requires manufacturers to list the eight most common food allergens on product packaging, including soy. In Florida, companies also have a legal duty to ensure their products are safe and properly labeled before they reach store shelves.

When that duty is violated and someone gets hurt, the injured person may be entitled to compensation through a product liability or negligence claim. The key question is whether the manufacturer or distributor failed to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm.

Can You Sue for an Allergic Reaction Caused by a Mislabeled Food Product?

Yes. In Florida, if you suffer an allergic reaction because a food product was improperly labeled, you may have a right to compensation through a product liability claim. These claims are designed to hold manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable when dangerous defective products cause harm due to defects or inadequate warnings.

Most food-related product liability cases fall into one or more of the following legal categories:

Manufacturing Defects

These types of defects occur when a product becomes unsafe due to an error in the manufacturing process. For example, a batch of food might be contaminated or improperly processed in a way that introduces allergens or foreign materials, even though the product was designed correctly. A single defective batch may still expose the manufacturer to liability if it causes illness or injury.

Design Defects

A design defect refers to a flaw in the product’s formulation or recipe that makes it dangerous by nature, even when it is manufactured according to plan. These cases are more common in pharmaceuticals or consumer products but can also apply to food items that are inherently dangerous to a segment of the population and lack proper warnings or safe alternatives.

Failure to Warn or Label

Under both federal regulations and Florida law, food manufacturers have a duty to inform consumers of allergens that are present in their products. Failing to do so may constitute negligence if the manufacturer failed to exercise reasonable care in preparing or labeling the food product. In other cases, the manufacturer may be held liable regardless of intent or negligence, simply because the product was sold in an unreasonably dangerous condition.

What to Do If You’ve Been Affected by the Canned Beans Recall

If you believe you or someone in your family had an allergic reaction after consuming the recalled beans, take the following steps as soon as possible:

• Get medical care right away and save all treatment records
• Preserve the product, including the can, packaging, and receipt if possible
• File a report with the FDA’s MedWatch program
• Speak to a Clearwater personal injury lawyer who handles food-related injury claims

The longer you wait, the harder it may be to track down important evidence. A lawyer can help secure product testing, witness statements, and medical documentation, all of which may serve essential roles in supporting your case.

Food manufacturers have a responsibility to protect consumers. When they fail, the consequences can be serious. If you or someone you care about had an allergic reaction after eating Yellowstone canned beans or any other mislabeled food product, don’t try to navigate the legal system alone.

At Light & Wyatt Law Group, we help Clearwater residents hold negligent companies accountable. Our team has experience with product liability and food-related injury claims, and we’re here to answer your questions and explain your options. Contact our law group today for a free initial consultation to discuss your case. 727-499-9900.

Jim Magazine

James (Jim) Magazine is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who has spent his career helping injured victims. Jim is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 1990 and is also admitted to practice at the Appellate level and admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Florida Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions:
Clearwater Bar Association
West Pasco Bar Association