US Candy Maker Issues Urgent Halloween Chocolate Recall Over Dangerous Nut Allergen Mislabeling

As Halloween approaches, a Michigan-based US candy manufacturer has recalled two chocolate varieties after discovering a critical labeling error that failed to disclose nut ingredients, creating a significant health risk for individuals with allergies.

Zingerman's Candy Manufactory has issued a recall for Lot - 174250, which includes 156 Peanut Butter Crush Bars and 78 Cashew Cow Bars. These products were distributed to retail locations throughout Michigan and New York, according to information released by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The company revealed that Peanut Butter Crush Bars contained undisclosed cashews, while Cashew Cow Bars contained unlisted peanuts. This mislabeling occurred due to a temporary production and packaging process failure, which the manufacturer states has been corrected.

The FDA emphasized the serious nature of the recall, stating: "People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to cashews or peanuts run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products."

The error originated when the two chocolate varieties were confused during production, resulting in incorrect labeling. Consequently, some products containing peanuts or cashews did not properly indicate these allergens on their packaging.

The affected products are visually distinguishable - Peanut Butter Crush Bars come in yellow and purple packaging, while Cashew Cow Bars are sold in light blue and yellow boxes. Both products weigh 2-ounces (57 grams) and share the same lot number printed on the reverse side.

Consumers who purchased these recalled items are instructed to return them to their place of purchase for a complete refund or to dispose of them safely. Zingerman's has assured customers that "Steps have been taken to ensure this problem has been resolved."

Industry reports indicate that undeclared allergens currently represent approximately one-third of all food recalls. Such incidents can be extremely costly for companies, potentially resulting in millions of dollars in logistical expenses, refunds, and damage to brand reputation.