FDA announces recall of this popular chocolate from supermarkets
There’s growing concern in the chocolate aisle as Chuao Chocolatier, in conjunction with the FDA, has announced a voluntary recall for a specific production run of its Potato Chip mini chocolate bars (.39 oz/11 grams) due to possible hazelnut cross-contamination. This oversight poses a significant risk for individuals with severe hazelnut allergies, potentially leading to life-threatening reactions.
Details of the Recall
The recall affects only the Chuao Chocolatier Potato Chip mini bars in the .39 oz size, identified by lot code 4022. These bars were distributed across the United States, excluding Alaska and Hawaii, and were also available for purchase online. The affected products can be identified by UPC 872629006615 and a best-by date of February 22, 2025. Only one production run of this product was contaminated.
Reason for the Recall
The recall was issued after it was discovered that hazelnuts were inadvertently added to the product during manufacturing. Although the packaging previously stated that the product was “manufactured in a facility that uses tree nuts and wheat on shared equipment,” it did not explicitly mention hazelnuts, a critical omission for those with nut allergies. The FDA warns that individuals sensitive to hazelnuts could experience serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume the affected bars.
Consumer Impact and Company Response
Reports have already surfaced of at least one consumer who experienced a mild allergic reaction after consuming the bar. This incident underscores the seriousness of the contamination issue. Chuao Chocolatier has taken swift action to address the problem, identifying that cross-contamination occurred due to shared equipment. The company has rectified this issue for future production batches, ensuring that the bars will return to shelves free of contamination.
Other Recent FDA Recall Cases
This recall highlights broader concerns about food safety. Recently, the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced a recall of several ground beef products from Cargill Meat Solutions due to potential E.coli contamination. This recall affected products distributed across 11 states and the District of Columbia.
Additionally, the FSIS recalled a raw pork chorizo product from the San Antonio Packing Company after a customer reported finding metal and plastic fragments in the product.
In another notable incident, over 2,000 baby products were seized at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach due to failure to meet safety standards. These products, valued at nearly $80,000, were contained within four shipments from China.
Stay Informed and Safe
While food safety regulations are stringent, it is crucial to remain vigilant. Regularly checking the FDA’s website for safety recalls and monitoring U.S. Customs and Border Protection updates can help protect yourself and your family from potential hazards.
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