FDA Issues Urgent Warning for Recalled Chocolate Products
New Concerns Emerge Over Undeclared Milk Ingredients
Alarms are being sounded about an old recall after a number of chocolate products sold in several states and online were given a new warning by federal officials, stating that they could “cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”
Initial Recall and Warning
The FDA announced the initial recall last year over a list of chocolate items sold from Cal Yee Farm, a company based in California. The original warning marked items like chocolate walnuts, chocolate raisins, chocolate almonds, yogurt coated almonds, and chocolate apricots because they may contain undeclared ingredients.
Sold Across Multiple States and Online
The items were sold across nine states, including Pennsylvania, California, Arizona, Virginia, New Mexico, Texas, Tennessee, Oregon, and Ohio. The company also has an online store.
No Illnesses Reported
There were no illnesses reported related to the chocolate goods at the time of the recall, the FDA said.
Elevated Recall Classification
At least three of those products, however, were recently elevated to Class 1 because they contain undeclared milk. This classification is among the highest for the feds and is used to warn consumers of potentially life-threatening concerns.
FDA Definition of Class 1 Recall
The FDA defines a Class 1 recall as 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.”
The upgraded recall concerns Cal Yee Farm’s Dark Chocolate Almonds, Dark Chocolate Apricots, and Dark Chocolate Walnuts.
Consumer Action
The FDA advised anyone who has purchased any of the recalled items to dispose of them or return them for a full refund.
Company Statement
The California company released a statement in response to the original recall: “We did a voluntary recall on undeclared milk, soy, wheat, sesame, FD&C #6, and almonds in snack products, due to outdated labels which did not specify allergen statement. Labels are now consistent with known allergens.”
Conclusion
The FDA’s warning highlights the importance of careful labeling and regulation in the food industry. Consumers are advised to be vigilant when purchasing food products and to take immediate action if they have purchased any of the recalled items.
FAQs
Q: What products are affected by the recall?
A: Dark Chocolate Almonds, Dark Chocolate Apricots, and Dark Chocolate Walnuts from Cal Yee Farm are affected by the recall.
Q: Where were the products sold?
A: The products were sold across nine states, including Pennsylvania, California, Arizona, Virginia, New Mexico, Texas, Tennessee, Oregon, and Ohio, as well as online.
Q: What is the classification of the recall?
A: The recall is classified as Class 1, which is the highest level of concern and indicates a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to the product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.
Q: What should I do if I have purchased one of the recalled products?
A: Consumers should dispose of the product or return it to the company for a full refund.
Q: What is the cause of the recall?
A: The recall is due to undeclared milk ingredients in the products.
