FDA Issues Highest Risk Warning for Nationwide Chocolate Recall
Weaver Nut Company, Inc., based in Pennsylvania, announced a voluntary recall for specific lots of its semi-sweet chocolate nonpareils on June 17 due to the possible undeclared presence of milk, a major food allergen.
The FDA subsequently issued a Class 1 risk classification for the recall on July 8.
Newsweek contacted Weaver Nut Company, Inc. for comment by email outside of regular working hours.
A Class I risk classification represents "a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death," according to the FDA.
The recall was initiated due to the undeclared presence of milk, one of the nine major food allergens as defined in law. The others are eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans and wheat.
The FDA warned that people with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk "run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the impacted products."
Allergic reactions vary in severity from mild symptoms, such as hives and lip swelling, to life-threatening complications, such as anaphylaxis, that may include fatal respiratory problems.
The products impacted by the recall include:
Nonpareil, Semi-Sweet Chocolate (Christmas Seeds)—849 cases—item number: 47518—lot numbers: 204206, 204207, 204208, 204209, 204212, 224225Nonpareils, Semi-Sweet Chocolate (White Seeds)—1760 cases—item number: D2645—lot numbers: 204214-RL, 204214, 204215, 224221, 224222, 224223, 135215, 135216, 135217, 135220, 135221, 145204, 145205-1, 145207-1, 145210-1
The products were distributed to customers throughout the U.S., and sold at various retail and grocery stores.
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 in the chocolates, which were labeled free from milk, it added.
As of June 17, no illnesses had been reported in connection with the consumption of the products.
Weaver Nut Company, Inc. said in the FDA's recall notice: "Weaver Nut Company is working with the FDA and is taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of its products."
The FDA said on its website: "People with food allergies should read labels and avoid the foods they are allergic to. The law requires that food labels identify the food source of all major food allergens used to make the food."
Dr. Sebastian Lighvani, the director of New York Allergy & Asthma PLLC, told Newsweek previously: "Every three minutes in the United States, someone ends up in an emergency room because of an allergic reaction after accidental ingestion of food. So even when we try hard, these reactions are happening. And if you look at the incidence of anaphylaxis, it has skyrocketed in the last five, 10, 20 years. And in the U.S., there's like a 300 to 400 percent increase in the rates of anaphylaxis to foods."
The recall is listed as ongoing, according to the FDA.
Consumers who purchased the products and have a milk allergy are urged to discard them immediately, or return them to their place of purchase for a full refund.
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