A gourmet plant-based milk chocolate bar manufactured by Fran’s Chocolates, Ltd. in Seattle has been urgently recalled after the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) warned of undeclared hazelnuts. The recall was initiated following a report of an allergic reaction from a consumer, highlighting the severe health risks posed by mislabeled allergens in food products.
The affected product is Fran’s Pure Bar Almondmilk Chocolate 46% Madagascar Plant-Based milk chocolate, sold in 1.1 oz packages. A total of 112 units were distributed through four retail locations in the Seattle area and via online sales between October 9 and December 15. The FDA announced the recall on December 20, emphasizing the critical nature of accurate ingredient labeling.
Individuals with an allergy or severe sensitivity to hazelnuts face the risk of serious, and potentially life-threatening, allergic reactions if they consume this product. The FDA’s warning underscores the importance of public vigilance, especially for those managing food allergies, which affect millions across the United States. Tree nuts, including hazelnuts, are among the most common food allergens, impacting approximately 3.5 million Americans.
The discovery of the undeclared allergen stemmed from testing of the almond milk chocolate ingredient, which subsequently tested positive for trace amounts of hazelnuts. Manufacturers traced the contamination to shared equipment used in the production process, indicating a critical lapse in allergen control protocols. While the product label already listed milk, peanuts, and sesame as potential allergens, hazelnuts were not disclosed.
Consumers who have purchased the recalled chocolate bars are strongly advised not to consume them. Instead, they should contact Fran’s Chocolates, Ltd. for further instructions or return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. This proactive measure is crucial to prevent further allergic incidents and ensure consumer safety.
This incident is not isolated, as several other food products have faced recalls this holiday season due to undeclared allergens, underscoring systemic challenges in food labeling and manufacturing. These concurrent recalls highlight a broader industry concern regarding cross-contamination and the diligence required to protect consumers with dietary restrictions.
Among other recent recalls, Silvestri Sweets Inc. issued a voluntary recall for two flavors of Choceur-branded Holiday Barks sold at Aldi. An initial recall was expanded on December 23 after a packaging mix-up resulted in the Cookie Butter Holiday Bark potentially containing undeclared pecans, and the Pecan, Cranberry & Cinnamon Holiday Bark possibly containing undeclared wheat.
Separately, Aldi also recalled its Perfect Christmas Mozzarella Sticks in Blankets due to the presence of undeclared egg. The affected batch, identifiable by a use-by date of December 15 and a barcode of 4069365328743, presented another allergy risk to consumers, particularly those with egg sensitivities.
These multiple recalls serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for rigorous food safety standards and transparent labeling practices across the food industry. Manufacturers bear a significant responsibility to implement robust allergen management systems to prevent cross-contamination and ensure the safety of all consumers, especially during periods of high demand and diverse product offerings.
