Product Recall: Millions of pounds of Cargill soy flour have been recalled because of gluten

5/9/23 This post has been updated to include a statement from FDA

Millions of pounds of Cargill soy flour have been recalled because “products with a gluten free claim may contain gluten levels above 20 ppm.” Recalled products include Prosante® Textured Soy Flour & Prolia® Soy Flour. These ingredients were distributed in the United States, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, and United Kingdom. According to the manufacturer’s website, “Cargill is a soy flour supplier to the food industry.” 

This recall was initiated on March 30^th but it wasn’t posted to the FDA’s enforcement report page until the week of May 3^rd. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no public recalls from gluten-free manufacturers using either of the recalled ingredients.

According to the Cargill website, Prolia soy flour may be used in baked goods, processed meats, and flavorings, among other applications. The Prosante textured soy flour may be used in a variety of applications, including beef patties, soups, and snack foods. Taken as a whole, products fall under the labeling jurisdiction of the FDA or USDA.

There is a lot we don’t know about this recall, including the extent of the problem as it relates to gluten-free foods. It would be helpful to know the level of gluten found in the soy flour ingredients. It also would be helpful to know the source of gluten protein—wheat or barley.

Gluten Free Watchdog reached out to both the FDA and USDA for answers.

The following statement for publication was received from USDA:

“At this time, FSIS is not aware of any FSIS regulated consignees associated with this recall.  As FDA gathers information regarding consignees, they will notify us if they identify any FSIS regulated consignees.  Likewise, we would expect any implicated establishments to notify the Agency promptly in accordance with 9 CFR 418.2.”

The following statement for publication was received from FDA:

“Responsive Statement: Cargill Flour Gluten Recall

Cargill, Inc. initiated a voluntary recall for all Prolia® soy flour and Prosante® textured soy flour branded products that include manufacturing dates from October 5th, 2022 thru March 29th, 2023. The product is being recalled since it may contain undeclared gluten.

If the recalled product is found to have been distributed to other manufacturers, the FDA and Cargill, Inc. will work together to assess if products on the market have been impacted and recommend additional recalls, as needed.

Since the investigation is ongoing, the FDA is not permitted to disclose specifics outside of what is publicly available in the FDA Enforcement Report. For more details, please reach out directly to Cargill, Inc., or make a FOIA request to the FDA.”

Gluten Free Watchdog has reached out to Cargill. We also will be filing a FOIA request with the FDA.

The FDA recall notice is available HERE.