What was recalled
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) recently issued a public health alert regarding a specific frozen food product from the brand Red's All Natural. While this is technically classified as a public health alert rather than a traditional recall, it carries the same urgency for anyone who may have the item in their freezer. The product in question is the Steak, Cilantro, Lime Burrito. It is important to understand that this situation arose because of misbranding and an undeclared allergen. Specifically, the carton labeled as containing these burritos actually held a different product that contains egg, which was not listed on the packaging. This labeling error was discovered by a vigilant consumer who noticed the discrepancy, reported it to the producing establishment, and led to the subsequent notification of FSIS.
The affected items are packaged in 3-lb 2-oz cartons. Each carton contains ten individually wrapped burritos. The front of the package clearly displays the label "RED'S STEAK CILANTRO AND LIME BURRITO." However, to identify whether you have one of these specific units, you must look at the side of the package for the production lot numbers. The following lots are subject to this alert: L1 SD6170 1503, L1 SD6170 1535, L1 SD6170 1606, L1 SD6170 1639, L1 SD6170 1717, L1 SD6170 1750, L1 SD6170 1831, L1 SD6170 1908, L1 SD6170 1954, L1 SD6170 2031, L1 SD6170 2108, and L1 SD6170 2130. Additionally, you can verify the product by checking for the establishment number "EST. 46069" located inside the USDA mark of inspection on the packaging.
These products were produced on June 19, 2026. They were subsequently shipped to Costco distribution locations in Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota. Because the affected product is no longer available for purchase in stores, FSIS is not requesting a traditional recall where retailers pull items from shelves. Instead, they are urging consumers who may have already purchased this item to check their freezers immediately. If you bought these burritos at Costco in the aforementioned states around late July 2026, there is a chance the product is still in your possession. The alert was officially issued on July 29, 2026, to ensure that individuals with egg allergies are fully aware of the potential risk.
It is worth noting that while no confirmed reports of adverse reactions have been reported yet, the presence of an undeclared allergen like egg poses a serious health risk to those with sensitivities or allergies. The discrepancy between the label and the actual contents means that anyone relying on the ingredient list for safety reasons cannot trust the packaging. Therefore, identifying the correct lot numbers and establishment code is crucial. If you find a carton matching these details, it should be treated as unsafe for consumption by anyone with an egg allergy.
The hazard, explained
At the heart of this public health alert is a discrepancy between what is on the package and what is inside it. The product in question, Red's All Natural Steak, Cilantro, Lime Burritos, was manufactured with egg as an ingredient. However, the label failed to list egg among the declared ingredients. This is known as an undeclared allergen situation. It is not a case of spoilage or bacterial contamination, such as salmonella or E. coli, which are common concerns with meat products. Instead, the danger lies entirely in the failure to communicate critical safety information to consumers who rely on that label for their health.
For the vast majority of people, eating egg is a routine and safe part of their diet. But for individuals with an egg allergy, even trace amounts can trigger a severe immune response. When someone with this allergy consumes egg protein, their body mistakenly identifies it as a harmful invader. The immune system releases chemicals like histamine to fight off the perceived threat. This reaction can happen within minutes or up to two hours after eating. In mild cases, symptoms might include hives, itching, or swelling of the lips and tongue. In more serious instances, it can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition that causes airways to tighten, blood pressure to drop, and potentially requires immediate emergency medical intervention.
The specific mechanism here is one of misbranding. The term "misbranding" in food safety regulations means the label is false or misleading in any particular. By not listing egg, the manufacturer inadvertently hid a significant health risk from those who need to avoid it most. This is particularly dangerous because many consumers with food allergies scan labels meticulously for known triggers. They may assume that a product labeled only as "Steak, Cilantro, Lime" contains only those ingredients and perhaps standard dough or binding agents like wheat flour. They are not expecting to find egg, which might be used in the burrito wrapping or the cilantro-lime mixture as a binder or flavor enhancer.
It is important to understand that this hazard is invisible to the senses. You cannot see, smell, or taste that an undeclared allergen is present. The burritos look and taste exactly as they are supposed to. This makes labeled information the only line of defense for allergic individuals. When that label is incorrect, the safety net is removed. While there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions in this specific case, the potential for harm remains real for anyone with an egg allergy who might purchase or receive these burritos. The alert exists to prevent those potential reactions from ever occurring by ensuring the product is kept away from affected consumers.
Who is most at risk
The primary group of individuals at risk in this situation is anyone who has a known allergy or sensitivity to eggs. While egg allergies are often associated with childhood, they can persist well into adulthood or develop later in life. For these consumers, the undeclared presence of egg in the Red's All Natural Steak, Cilantro, Lime Burrito poses a direct and serious health threat. The risk is not merely about discomfort; it is about triggering an immune system response that can range from mild to life-threatening.
Egg allergies are particularly dangerous because eggs contain multiple proteins that can act as allergens, including those in the white and the yolk. When an allergic person ingests even a small amount of undeclared egg protein, their body may misidentify it as a harmful invader. This triggers the release of chemicals like histamine, leading to symptoms such as hives, swelling of the lips or throat, wheezing, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a rapid-onset allergic reaction that can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure and airway closure, requiring immediate medical intervention with epinephrine to survive.
Certain demographics are statistically more vulnerable to severe outcomes from food allergens. Young children, whose immune systems and digestive tracts are still developing, may have difficulty articulating their symptoms or may experience more intense gastrointestinal reactions. Older adults, particularly those with compromised immune systems due to age, chronic illness, or medication, may also face heightened risks. Their bodies may not regulate the allergic response as effectively, potentially leading to prolonged or more severe complications compared to a healthy adult.
Additionally, individuals who have previously experienced severe anaphylactic reactions to eggs are at the highest risk for a repeat event. For them, cross-contamination or mislabeling is not just an inconvenience but a potential emergency. It is important to note that while this specific recall involves products shipped to Costco locations in Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota, anyone who has purchased this item from those regions or through secondary channels remains at risk if they have an egg allergy. The absence of confirmed adverse reactions to date is reassuring, but it does not eliminate the potential danger for sensitive individuals. Vigilance is critical for anyone who relies on accurate ingredient labels to manage their dietary restrictions safely.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you recently purchased frozen burritos from a Costco distribution location in Illinois, Michigan, or Minnesota, it is important to carefully inspect your freezer before opening any packages. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for a specific product made by Red’s All Natural that requires immediate attention due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen. Because the affected items were produced on June 19, 2026, they may still be sitting in freezers across these states, even though the recall date was issued on July 29, 2026. The most reliable way to confirm whether you possess this product is by examining the packaging details closely, as the visual appearance alone may not reveal the danger.
First, look for the brand name "Red's All Natural" prominently displayed on the front of the carton. The specific item in question is the "Steak, Cilantro, Lime Burrito." You should verify that the packaging indicates a 3-lb 2-oz carton size, which contains 10 individually wrapped burritos. A key identifier on the front label is the text "RED'S STEAK CILANTRO AND LIME BURRITO." However, because the core issue is misbranding—meaning the label does not accurately reflect the contents—you cannot rely solely on the flavor description to ensure safety. The product inside was identified by a consumer as being different from what was labeled, which is precisely why visual confirmation of the brand and package type is just the first step.
The most critical information you need to check is located on the side of the package label, where the production lots are printed. You must compare the lot numbers on your carton against the specific list of affected codes. The recalled product bears the following production lots: L1 SD6170 1503, L1 SD6170 1535, L1 SD6170 1606, L1 SD6170 1639, L1 SD6170 1717, L1 SD6170 1750, L1 SD6170 1831, L1 SD6170 1908, L1 SD6170 1954, L1 SD6170 2031, L1 SD6170 2108, and L1 SD6170 2130. If your package displays any of these lot numbers, it is part of the alert. Additionally, check for the establishment number "EST. 46069" located inside the USDA mark of inspection on the individual burrito wrappers or the carton. Finding any of these lot codes confirms that the product contains undeclared egg, a known allergen, and should not be consumed.
What to do — step by step
If you have purchased the Red’s All Natural Steak, Cilantro, and Lime Burritos described in this public health alert, your first and most critical action is to stop using the product immediately. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued this alert because the product contains egg, a known allergen, which was not declared on the label. For individuals with egg allergies, even trace amounts can trigger a severe immune response. Therefore, do not taste the product to check for ingredients, and do not serve it to anyone in your household, regardless of their allergy status. The safest course of action is to treat the item as if it were contaminated until you have verified its contents through proper channels.
Once you have confirmed that you possess the affected product, you must decide whether to return it or dispose of it. The recall notice states that the product should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. If you choose to return the item, take it back to the Costco distribution location or retail store where you bought it. Bring your receipt if you have it, as this may help expedite the refund process, though many retailers will process returns based on the product description alone. Be prepared for customer service staff to ask for details regarding the production lot numbers to ensure they are removing the correct inventory from their system. If you no longer have the packaging or cannot locate the receipt, simply describing the "3-lb 2-oz. carton" and the specific brand name should be sufficient for them to identify the issue.
If you prefer not to return the product, or if the store is unable to accept it, you must dispose of it securely in your household trash. It is important that the product does not accidentally enter your home’s recycling stream or compost pile, as this could potentially expose others to the undeclared allergen. Place the entire carton, including the individually wrapped burritos, into a sealed bag before discarding it to prevent any leakage or confusion with other food items.
For those who have questions about the refund process or need further clarification on the recall, you can contact Andrea Breen, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Red’s All Natural, by calling 203-437-7713 or emailing andrea.breen@redsallnatural.com. If you have general food safety concerns or suspect you may have consumed the product and are experiencing symptoms, please contact a health care provider immediately. You can also call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) for additional guidance.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
One of the most common questions people have when they encounter a food safety alert is what happens next with their purchase. In this specific case involving Red’s All Natural Steak, Cilantro, and Lime Burritos, it is important to understand that there is no traditional "repair" process for food items, nor is there a direct replacement program where the company ships you a new, safe box of burritos. The remedy outlined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is straightforward: you should dispose of the product or return it to the place of purchase.
Because this situation was classified as a Public Health Alert rather than a full recall, the logistics are slightly different from a standard store return. The alert notes that the affected product is no longer available for purchase at retail locations. This means you cannot simply go to a Costco warehouse or distribution center and exchange your old carton for a fresh one on the shelf. Instead, your options are limited to two paths: destruction or refund.
If you choose to return the product, your best course of action is to take it back to the store where you bought it. Since the recalled items were shipped specifically to Costco distribution locations in Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota, customers in those states who purchased the product at Costco should be able to process a refund there. Store policies regarding food returns can vary, but in cases of official government safety alerts, retailers typically honor refunds without hassle because the product is deemed unsafe for consumption. Keep your receipt if you have it, as some stores may require proof of purchase to process the credit back to your original payment method.
If you do not have a receipt or if you are unable to return the item physically, the official guidance states you should throw the product away. There is no compensation mechanism provided directly by Red’s All Natural for the cost of the burritos themselves. The company’s contact information—Andrea Breen at 203-437-7713 or andrea.breen@redsallnatural.com—is provided for questions regarding the alert, not necessarily for processing individual monetary refunds. If you have concerns about the product itself or need clarification on why it was mislabeled, you can reach out to them, but do not expect a financial reimbursement through this channel.
The "why" behind this approach is rooted in the nature of the hazard. The issue was misbranding and an undeclared allergen (egg). Once the product left the production line and entered the supply chain, the primary goal of the agency is to remove the risk from consumers' homes. Since the product is already sold, the company cannot retrieve every single unit for inspection or remanufacturing. Therefore, the responsibility shifts to the consumer to ensure the item does not enter any kitchen again. By discarding it or returning it for a refund, you are closing the loop on your personal involvement with this unsafe batch.
To summarize your options clearly:
- Return for Refund: Take the product back to the Costco location where it was purchased. This is the most common way to recover your money.
- Dispose of It: If you cannot return it, throw it in the trash immediately. Do not give it to friends or family.
- Contact for Questions: Call Red’s All Natural at 203-437-7713 if you have general questions about the alert.
- No Direct Compensation: There is no online form or direct payment from the manufacturer for the cost of the burritos.
What can happen if you ignore it
When a food product carries an undeclared allergen warning, the decision to consume it is never just about taste or convenience—it is a direct challenge to your body’s immune system. In the case of the Red’s All Natural Steak Burritos, the specific danger lies in the presence of egg, a major allergen that has been hidden from view on the label. For individuals who have developed an immune sensitivity to egg proteins, eating this product can trigger a reaction that ranges from mild discomfort to life-threatening shock. Ignoring this alert means placing yourself or your family members at risk without any safety net of accurate information.
The mechanism behind this risk is straightforward but potent. When someone with an egg allergy ingests the protein, their immune system mistakenly identifies it as a harmful invader. It releases chemicals like histamine into the bloodstream to fight off the "threat." For those with mild sensitivities, this might result in hives, itching, or stomach cramps. However, for others, the reaction can escalate rapidly. Anaphylaxis is a severe, whole-body response that causes airways to tighten, making it difficult to breathe, while also dropping blood pressure and causing dizziness or loss of consciousness. This process can happen within minutes of ingestion, leaving little time to seek help if the cause is not immediately obvious.
It is important to note that the severity of a reaction is not always predictable from past experiences. A person who has eaten egg products before without issue might still have a severe reaction to this specific product due to variations in protein concentration or individual immune system fluctuations. Furthermore, cross-reactivity can complicate matters; some individuals allergic to eggs may also react to other proteins if their immune systems are already in a heightened state of alert. The fact that FSIS has reported no confirmed adverse reactions to date is reassuring for the general public, but it does not guarantee safety for those with known allergies. Silence in the reports simply means no one has been hospitalized yet, not that the risk is absent.
Continuing to eat this product also creates unnecessary anxiety and logistical chaos. If a reaction occurs, you will likely need emergency medical care, which can be costly and disruptive. You may also face the unpleasant reality of explaining to healthcare providers exactly what was consumed, especially if the packaging has been discarded or the label was misleading. By ignoring the alert, you are not just risking your health; you are potentially burdening emergency services with a preventable crisis. The safest path is to assume that any amount of undeclared egg can be dangerous for those who are sensitive, and to remove the product from your home immediately.
Staying safe: broader tips
Safety is rarely about a single action; it is about building a reliable system of habits that protect you and your family from both obvious and hidden dangers. While specific product recalls address immediate issues, developing a proactive approach to food safety and home security can prevent problems before they start. One of the most effective strategies for managing food safety risks is understanding how allergens work in the kitchen. Allergic reactions are not just about taste or texture; they are immune system responses that can escalate quickly. To minimize risk, always read every ingredient list on every package, even for items you buy regularly. Manufacturers sometimes change suppliers or recipes without changing the brand name, so what was safe last month might not be safe today. Keep a current list of your household’s allergens visible near your pantry or refrigerator to remind yourself of what to watch for during grocery shopping and meal preparation.
In addition to vigilance with food labels, establishing a routine for checking official safety updates is crucial. Government agencies like the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) release alerts when hazards are identified. Rather than waiting for a crisis, consider subscribing to email notifications from these agencies or following their verified social media channels. This ensures you receive information directly, allowing you to act quickly if a product you own is recalled. Regularly reviewing your freezer and pantry inventory during seasonal clean-ups also helps you identify items that may be nearing expiration or are part of a past recall batch.
For home safety beyond the kitchen, installing and maintaining alarm devices is equally important. Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms should be placed on every level of your home and near sleeping areas to detect this odorless, deadly gas from faulty heating systems or appliances. Similarly, anchoring heavy furniture such as bookshelves and televisions to the wall prevents tipping injuries, especially in homes with young children who may climb. These devices and practices provide a layer of protection that operates continuously, giving you peace of mind while you focus on daily life. By combining these general safety habits with awareness of specific alerts, you create a resilient environment where risks are managed effectively.
- Read ingredient labels every time you shop, as formulations can change without warning.
- Subscribe to official government recall alerts for proactive notification of safety issues.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.
- Anchoring heavy furniture prevents tipping accidents and is a simple, low-cost investment in family safety.