Pink Peppercorns: Tree Nut Allergen

Every day we continue to educate ourselves is a day that we continue to improve. Recently, two products that we have been selling for nearly 10 years have made the news. In July 2014, we proactively changed the name of our lime leaves, when we learned that their common name is a racial slur in some countries. We now need to share information with you that is very important because, for some people with tree nut allergies, knowing this could be life saving.

Important Information About Pink Peppercorns

We’ve always known that pink peppercorns were related to cashews and share that information as part of our description of them. A recent post on Christina’s Cucina blog informed us as to how potentially dangerous they can be for people with tree nut allergies.

Aside from the obvious reasons why this is important, we wanted to share this information so you can take any precautions necessary when it comes to products that contain pink peppercorns. In addition to selling them whole, pink peppercorns are an ingredient in the following Savory Spice signature seasonings:

· Cantanzaro Herbs
· Four Corners Peppercorns

For these two spice blends containing pink peppercorns and for the pink peppercorns themselves, we will be applying a pink circular label with the following educational statement on the packaging:

"Pink peppercorns are related to cashews and may produce an
allergic response in people with allergies to tree nuts."

In our Denver production facility, we will process pink peppercorns and the two remaining seasonings that contain them using completely separate equipment from the rest of our products. This is the same manner in which we isolate the equipment used in the processing of products that contain dairy.

At each Savory Spice store there will be scoops with the pink circular sticker wrapping the handle,­ so you and our employees can identify them as “only for products containing pink peppercorns”.

While consuming pink peppercorns can be dangerous for people with tree nut allergies, which we do not take lightly, for most pink peppercorns offer a uniquely wonderful flavor and appearance that can’t easily be replaced. With that in mind, where the flavor and appearance of our signature seasonings would not be significantly altered, we revised a few spice blends to remove the pink peppercorns and remedy any potential concerns. The following Savory Spice signature seasonings were revised in 2014 to no longer contain pink peppercorns:

· Cherry Creek Seafood Seasoning
· Pyramid Peak Lemon Pepper

If you purchased the three revised blends on or after August 28, 2014, they do NOT contain Pink Peppercorns. For purchases prior to August 28, 2014, we are happy to replace any of the three revised blends. Send an email to allergyconcerns@savoryspiceshop.com for details on how to receive free replacements.

Thank you,

Janet & Mike Johnston and the Savory Spice Shop family