Goodles Boxed Mac and Cheese Allergen Injury and Wrongful Death Lawsuit Lawyers

National Allergy Lawsuit Risk Emerges After Undeclared Milk and Cashew Found in Goodles Vegan and Truffle Mac and Cheese

Boxed mac and cheese has long been a staple in American households — enjoyed by children and adults alike. But recent FDA announcements have revealed a dangerous labeling failure affecting one of the nation’s most popular plant-based and gourmet brands: Goodles Mac and Cheese. This recall affects two specific product lines that were distributed across the United States.

According to the FDA, undeclared milk and cashew allergens were found in select lots of Goodles boxed mac and cheese. These allergens were not disclosed on the packaging. For people with allergies, consuming these products could lead to severe or life-threatening reactions, including anaphylaxis. At least eight allergic reactions have already been reported — six tied to the “Here Comes Truffle” variety and two linked to the “Vegan is Believin’” product.

The scale of this recall and the nature of the harm underscore the seriousness of food labeling requirements, especially when dealing with known allergens. Consumers affected by allergic reactions from mislabeled food may have the legal right to pursue compensation for their injuries.

What Products Are Being Recalled?

The products affected by this recall include two different boxed macaroni and cheese varieties manufactured by Gooder Foods, Inc., under the Goodles brand name:

• Vegan Is Believin’ – Plant-Based White Cheddar with Spirals
• Here Comes Truffle – Creamy Truffle Flavored Cheddar and Shells

According to the FDA’s statement, these products were distributed nationally through wholesale distributors and online platforms between April 29, 2025, and August 5, 2025. The specific production dates for the affected lots are from April 7 to April 15, 2025.

Consumers may have purchased these boxes online or from grocery chains, co-ops, and specialty food stores. Due to the long shelf life of boxed products, many households may still have these items in their pantries — unaware of the potential danger.

Why This Recall Is Considered Life-Threatening

The core issue behind the recall is the failure to declare the presence of allergens on the product label. This is not simply a clerical error. Federal law requires that food manufacturers clearly list the presence of any of the nine major food allergens, including milk and tree nuts (which includes cashew), to protect individuals with life-threatening allergies.

Failure to include this information means that someone who believes they are eating a dairy-free or nut-free product may unknowingly consume an ingredient that triggers an allergic response. For highly sensitive individuals, exposure to even trace amounts of these allergens can result in:

• Anaphylaxis, a severe and often deadly immune reaction
• Respiratory distress, swelling of the throat, or difficulty breathing
• Hives, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and loss of consciousness
• Cardiac arrest if not treated with emergency epinephrine injection

The FDA has described this as a “life-threatening risk” and has warned consumers to not consume these products under any circumstances.

How the Problem Was Discovered

The recall was not initiated due to internal quality control testing. Instead, it was consumer feedback that brought the issue to light. Individuals who experienced allergic reactions after consuming these products contacted the company. This triggered an internal review and, ultimately, a full-scale product recall.

Gooder Foods, Inc. has stated that it is working with distributors, retailers, and public health officials to notify customers, recover the affected lots, and prevent future labeling issues. However, the damage has already been done for individuals who suffered unexpected allergic reactions before the recall was announced.

Legal Implications of Undeclared Allergens in Food Products

Failing to disclose allergen information on food packaging is a serious violation of federal food safety laws, including regulations under the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA).

When food manufacturers fail to properly list ingredients and allergens, they may be held legally accountable through product liability lawsuits, especially when those failures result in harm.

In these cases, potential legal claims may include:

• Strict liability for selling a defective product
• Negligence in manufacturing or quality control
• Failure to warn or inadequate labeling
• Breach of warranty for selling a mislabeled product
• Wrongful death if the reaction results in fatality

Even if a company issues a voluntary recall, that does not shield them from legal consequences, especially when serious injuries have already occurred.

What Compensation May Be Available to Victims

Individuals who suffered an allergic reaction after eating recalled boxed mac and cheese may be entitled to financial compensation. Depending on the severity of the reaction and resulting damages, compensation may include:

• Emergency medical bills and hospitalization
• Costs for allergy testing, medications, and follow-up treatment
• Lost wages due to missed work during recovery
• Pain and suffering due to physical and emotional trauma
• Punitive damages in cases where gross negligence is shown

In severe reactions requiring emergency services or hospitalization, the economic and emotional impact can be devastating — especially for parents of young children who were affected.

What Should Consumers Do Now?

If you believe you purchased or consumed one of the recalled products, take the following steps:

1. Check the product label and match it against the recall lot numbers listed by the FDA.
2. Do not consume the product under any circumstances.
3. If allergic symptoms occurred, seek medical attention immediately and keep records of treatment.
4. Photograph the product packaging and receipts, if available.
5. Report the incident to the FDA’s MedWatch program and to your local health department.
6. Contact a personal injury law firm to evaluate whether you may have a valid legal claim.

It is also important to speak with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns about allergic reactions in yourself or your children.

Goodles Mac and Cheese Recall Lawsuit FAQs

What varieties of Goodles Mac and Cheese are being recalled?
Two specific types are part of the recall: “Vegan Is Believin’ – Plant-Based White Cheddar with Spirals” and “Here Comes Truffle – Creamy Truffle Flavored Cheddar and Shells.” Both products were manufactured between April 7 and April 15, 2025.

Why were these products recalled?
The products were recalled because they may contain undeclared milk and cashew allergens. These ingredients were not listed on the packaging, which poses a serious risk to individuals with food allergies.

How were the allergens discovered?
Consumer feedback alerted the manufacturer to allergic reactions experienced after eating the product. An internal investigation confirmed the presence of undeclared allergens.

Have any injuries been reported?
Yes. At least eight allergic reactions have been reported — six from the truffle-flavored variety and two from the plant-based variety. These incidents prompted the FDA to issue a public recall warning.

What symptoms indicate a serious allergic reaction?
Common symptoms include swelling of the lips or throat, hives, difficulty breathing, vomiting, and a sudden drop in blood pressure. These may require emergency medical attention.

Can I sue the manufacturer if I had an allergic reaction?
Yes. If you experienced a reaction due to undeclared allergens in these products, you may have a product liability claim. Lawsuits can provide compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Do I need proof of purchase to file a lawsuit?
While a receipt can be helpful, other evidence like photographs of the box, medical records, and witness statements may also support your claim.

How long do I have to file a claim?
Legal deadlines vary by state, but it’s important to act quickly. A personal injury attorney can help ensure your rights are preserved within the applicable statute of limitations.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For A Free Case Review

If you or a loved one experienced a severe allergic reaction after consuming Goodles boxed mac and cheese, you may be entitled to compensation. Parker Waichman LLP is a national personal injury law firm representing victims of dangerous and mislabeled food products.

Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) today to schedule a free consultation. Our legal team will evaluate your case and help you understand your rights. Don’t wait. We are here to support you and fight for justice. Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our nationwide product injury law firm is ready to assist you.