Undeclared Sesame Prompts Recall of Pan Pepin Para Bien Al Grano 2026

People with a sesame allergy could suffer a serious or even life-threatening reaction if they eat certain lots of Para Bien Al Grano. Pan Pepin Inc., based in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, is voluntarily recalling the lots after finding that the product contains sesame (ajonjoli), an allergen that does not appear on its label.

The company announced the recall on October 13, 2026, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration posted the notice on its recalls page on October 14, 2026. The recall covers seven lots, all sold under the Para Bien brand.

If you shop in Puerto Rico and anyone in your household has a sesame allergy, this is worth checking today.

Recalled Products at a Glance

The recall involves one product, Para Bien Al Grano, sold under the Para Bien brand. Every affected lot carries the same UPC, 0 21425 01513 4, and a ‘Sell By’ date printed on the package.

• Sell By Oct / 12, lot 3B1 274: expiration date 10-12-26
• Sell By Oct / 14, lot 3B1 277: expiration date 10-14-26
• Sell By Oct / 15, lot 3B1 278: expiration date 10-15-26
• Sell By Oct / 17, lot 3B1 280: expiration date 10-17-26
• Sell By Oct / 18, lot 3B1 281: expiration date 10-18-26
• Sell By Oct / 19, lot 3B1 282: expiration date 10-19-26
• Sell By Oct / 21, lot 3B1 284: expiration date 10-21-26

The announcement does not say how many units are affected. Check the UPC, the ‘Sell By’ date and the lot code on the package to see whether yours is included.

What Triggered the Recall

The reason is simple and serious: sesame is present in the product but is not declared on the label. Sesame is a recognized food allergen, and shoppers who avoid it rely on the ingredient label to tell them what is safe.

When an allergen is missing from the label, that safeguard fails. A person who reads the package and sees no mention of sesame has no way of knowing the product could trigger a reaction.

The notice does not explain how the sesame came to be in the product, and it does not report any illnesses or allergic reactions linked to it.

Who Should Be Concerned

The risk falls on people with a sesame allergy or severe sensitivity to sesame. For them, the company warns of a risk of a serious or potentially life-threatening allergic reaction after eating the product.

According to the announcement, the product was distributed throughout Puerto Rico. No distribution outside the island is mentioned.

Because the ‘Sell By’ dates run from October 12 to October 21, 2026, some of the recalled lots may already be past their printed date. Even so, packages may still be in kitchens or pantries, so it is worth checking what you have on hand.

Steps Consumers Should Take

The company’s guidance is straightforward. Consumers with a sesame allergy who bought the affected lots should not eat them. In practical terms, here is what to do:

• Do not eat the product if you have an allergy or sensitivity to sesame (ajonjoli).
• Return it to the store where you bought it for a full refund.
• If you cannot return it, throw it away.
• Contact the company if you want more information about the recall.

If you suspect someone has eaten the product and is having an allergic reaction, seek medical help right away. Allergic reactions can worsen quickly.

For questions, the company lists a consumer contact: Ity Vega, Lic. R-286, at (787) 405-6045 or ity@delacruz.com.

What the Company Said

In its statement, Pan Pepin Inc. said that consumer safety and transparency are its top priorities and apologized for any inconvenience the recall may cause. The company said it is acting immediately to pull the affected products from the market.

It also said it is strengthening its labeling and allergen verification procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The announcement does not describe those changes in detail.

The FDA notes that it posts company announcements as a public service and does not endorse either the product or the company. The recall was announced by the company and is voluntary.

Quick Facts

• Company: Pan Pepin Inc., Bayamon, Puerto Rico
• Brand and product: Para Bien, Para Bien Al Grano
• Hazard: undeclared sesame (ajonjoli)
• UPC: 0 21425 01513 4
• Announced: October 13, 2026
• FDA posting: October 14, 2026
• Distribution: throughout Puerto Rico

The FDA also published an English translation of the announcement for readers who prefer it. Check your lot codes, and share this alert with family members or friends who have a sesame allergy.