Publix pulled two lots of DiLuigi Smashables hamburger patties from its stores yesterday, after the manufacturer discovered the labels did not list milk as an allergen. The affected product carries a Use By next Saturday and company warnings say people with milk allergies could face serious or potentially life-threatening reactions if they eat the burgers. Shoppers who bought the patties are being urged to check their freezers and avoid eating them until they confirm the lot code.
Why these Smashables were pulled
According to the company recall notice, which was posted on the store's website, the labeling error was caught during a production-run review. A limited quantity of DiLuigi Smashables The Original Style Smashburger was accidentally sold without milk listed in the allergen statement, Miami Herald reported. In other words, the recipe stayed the same, but the fine print on the package did not.
Lots affected and where they sold
The recalled patties come from lots that begin with the codes 16B21 and 16C21 and carry a Use By date of 6/13/26. Those packages were distributed to Publix locations in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and Virginia, according to the recall notice on Publix. Customers who find the affected product at home can return it to the Publix where it was purchased for a refund. DiLuigi Foods also lists a customer service number at (978) 750-9900 and provides contact details on its website, DiLuigi Foods.
Why undeclared milk is dangerous
Milk is one of the major food allergens in the United States, and federal labeling rules require it to be clearly declared on packaged foods, according to the FDA. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service notes that misbranding often comes from supplier changes, incorrect packaging or misprinted labels, which is why the agency urges strict verification and labeling controls to prevent undeclared allergens, per USDA FSIS.
What shoppers should do
Check any DiLuigi Smashables in your fridge or freezer for lot codes starting with 16B21 or 16C21 and a Use By date of June 13, 2026. Anyone with a milk allergy should not eat the product. If someone develops symptoms such as hives, swelling, vomiting, wheezing or difficulty breathing after eating the patties, seek emergency care immediately and call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. For non-emergencies, return misbranded products to the store for a refund and review guidance from FoodSafety.gov on avoiding food allergy reactions.
