Chocolate products distributed throughout the United States have been recalled.
Weaver Nut Company recalled its semi-sweet chocolate nonpareils with white or Christmas-colored seeds, with specific lot codes, because of potential undeclared milk allergens, the company said in a news release published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday.
“People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume the impacted products,” it added.
No illnesses have been reported as of the recall date, it said.
Newsweek contacted the company via email for the latest update on Friday.
Why It Matters
Milk is one of the top nine allergens required to be declared by the FDA, and incorrect labeling can put lives at risk, particularly for people with milk allergies or severe sensitivities.
What To Know
The products were distributed through retail and grocery outlets across the U.S., and consumers are urged to check product lot codes and return or discard any affected items.
Weaver’s Angela Nolt said the company “is taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of its products.”
The issue was identified after a wholesale customer submitted a complaint regarding discrepancies with product specifications, the FDA said in its release.
Subsequent laboratory testing confirmed the presence of milk proteins in the chocolates, which were labeled as free from milk, it added.
The affected chocolate nonpareils were distributed across the United States and sold through various grocery and retail chains. Weaver Nut Company, based in Pennsylvania, said that the recall is a precautionary measure to safeguard public health.
Products and Lot Codes Involved
- Item 47518 – Nonpareil, Semi-Sweet Chocolate (Christmas Seeds): Lot numbers 204206, 204207, 204208, 204209, 204212, 224225
- Item D2645 – Nonpareils, Semi-Sweet Chocolate (White Seeds): Lot numbers 204214-RL, 204214, 204215, 224221, 224222, 224223, 135215, 135216, 135217, 135220, 135221, 145204, 145205-1, 145207-1, 145210-1
Consumers who purchased the affected items and have a milk allergy or are purchasing for someone who does are urged not to consume them, the recall notice said.
Products should be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund or discarded. Refunds will be provided regardless of package status (opened or unopened), it added.
What Happens Next
Weaver Nut Company and the FDA will continue investigating the cause of the undeclared milk and monitor for any reports of illness. Consumers may contact the company directly for updates or further instructions pending regulatory review.
For further assistance, consumers can contact Chris Westerhoff, customer service manager at Weaver Nut Company, at 717-738-3781, extension 122, or by email at [email protected], Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET.
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