Warning Issued: Dessert Recall Affects Customers in Two States—What You Need to Know

According to News Week, Baltimore-based Atwater’s has announced a recall of its Spider Web Tarts after traces of undeclared almond flour were discovered in the dessert. This poses a potential risk to consumers with tree nut allergies, as highlighted in a recall announcement from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Monday.

Details of the Recall

The recalled tarts were sold at farmers markets in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., on October 19 and 20. They come in clear clam shell plastic packaging, labeled with a green Atwater’s “Spider Web Tart” label at the top. The affected products bear a Julian date of 292 on the bottom of the packaging.

Locations Affected

The following farmers markets sold the recalled tarts:

• Arlington Courthouse Farmers Market in Arlington, Virginia
• Westover Farmers Market in Arlington, Virginia
• Falls Church Farmers Market in Falls Church, Virginia
• H Street Farmers Market in Washington, D.C.
• Mount Pleasant Farmers Market in Washington, D.C.
• Dupont Circle Farmers Market in Washington, D.C.
• Silver Spring Farmers Market in Silver Spring, Maryland
• Greenbelt Farmers Market in Greenbelt, Maryland

It is important to note that the tarts were not sold at Atwater’s retail locations.

Reason for the Recall

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that a product containing almonds was distributed in packaging that did not disclose the presence of the allergen. An investigation revealed that this issue stemmed from a temporary breakdown in the company’s production and labeling processes.

Also read: Why Are Your Social Security Payments Delayed? Key Factors Explained

Consumer Guidance

Consumers who purchased the recalled Spider Web Tarts are encouraged to return the product for a refund. Atwater’s can be contacted directly between Monday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET at 410-644-3435. Alternatively, refunds can also be requested via email at info@atwatersfood.com.

As of now, there have been no reported illnesses associated with the recall.

Trends in Food Recalls

According to a report published in August by Traceone, traces of unintended allergens have been the most common reason for food recalls from 2020 to 2024. Federal law mandates that the nine major allergens—including peanuts, wheat, milk, tree nuts, soy, eggs, crustaceans, fish, and sesame—must be clearly indicated on food product labels. The second most frequent cause of recalls involves bacterial contamination, including pathogens like salmonella, E. coli, and listeria.

A Gallup survey conducted between July 1 and 21 found that 37% of Americans had discarded or returned food in the past year due to product recalls or food safety advisories. Additionally, more than half of the respondents indicated they had avoided purchasing specific brands or food types because of recalls or advisories in the previous year.