FDA announces recall of this popular chocolate from supermarkets

According to Lagradaonline, Mild panic has struck the chocolate bar aisle as Chuao Chocolatier, in collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), announced on Friday a voluntary recall of a single production run of its Potato Chip mini bar (0.39 oz/11 grams) due to possible hazelnut cross-contamination. This undeclared allergen poses a serious health risk to individuals with hazelnut allergies, as consuming the product could lead to a life-threatening allergic reaction. The full warning can be found on the FDA’s website.

Details of the Recalled Chocolate Bar

For consumers concerned about products they may have at home, the recall affects only the Chuao Chocolatier Potato Chip mini bar in the 0.39 oz size, specifically those identified by lot code 4022. These bars were distributed to retail stores across the United States (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) and were also available online. You can identify the affected product by the item UPC, which is 872629006615, and the best-by date of February 22, 2025. Thankfully, only one production run was impacted by the contamination.

The recall was issued after hazelnuts were inadvertently introduced during manufacturing. While the packaging mentions that the product was made in a facility that processes tree nuts and wheat, it did not specifically warn of the presence of hazelnuts, which could cause a severe allergic reaction in some individuals.

Potential Health Risk and Initial Reaction

According to the FDA, “People who are sensitive or have allergies to hazelnut could be at risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.” At least one consumer has already reported a mild allergic reaction after consuming the affected chocolate bar. While this incident could have been worse, the swift action by Chuao Chocolatier in issuing the recall helped prevent further harm.

The cross-contamination occurred when hazelnuts were introduced into the product through shared equipment. Thankfully, the issue has been corrected, and the product will return to shelves without posing any risks to consumers.

Other Recent FDA Recalls

Unfortunately, this isn’t the only food contamination issue seen recently. On May 1st, the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced a recall of several ground beef products from Cargill Meat Solutions in Pennsylvania, due to concerns over potential E. coli contamination. These products were distributed across 11 states in the mid-Atlantic and New England regions, as well as the District of Columbia.

Additionally, the FSIS issued a recall for raw pork chorizo from San Antonio Packing Company after a customer found metal and plastic fragments in the product.

Other concerning recalls include the seizure of over 2,000 baby products by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach earlier this year. These products, originating from China, failed to meet safety standards and were valued at nearly $80,000.

Staying Vigilant for Product Safety

While food safety protocols have improved over time, consumers must remain vigilant. Regularly checking the FDA’s website for recalls and safety recommendations, as well as the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s site for news on imported product safety, can help protect you and your family from contaminated products.

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