Popular Candy Bars Recalled for ‘Life-Threatening’ Ingredient Before Halloween
As Halloween approaches, a significant candy recall has raised concerns about food safety. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers to inspect candy purchased ahead of the holiday due to potential cross-contamination. Zingerman’s Candy Manufactory is recalling two of its popular candy bars due to a mix-up between peanuts and cashews.
Zingerman’s Candy Bars Affected by Recall
The recall affects the following products:
- Peanut Butter Crush Bars
- Cashew Cow Bars
According to Zingerman’s announcement, traces of cashews were detected in the Peanut Butter Crush Bars, and peanuts were found in the Cashew Cow Bars. Importantly, the packaging for both products did not list the unintended allergens.
Recall Details
The recall was initiated after a report indicated that a total of 234 candy bars from Lot #174250 were affected. This includes:
- 156 Peanut Butter Crush Bars
- 78 Cashew Cow Bars
The recall was publicly announced on a Friday. Zingerman’s has assured customers that no illnesses had been reported at the time. The affected candy bars were sold at stores in Michigan and New York, packaged in distinctive boxes:
- Peanut Butter Crush Bars: Yellow and purple boxes
- Cashew Cow Bars: Light blue and yellow boxes
Safety Measures and Refunds
Consumers who purchased the recalled candy are urged to return it to the store for a full refund. Zingerman’s has acknowledged that the mix-up occurred due to a breakdown in their production and packaging processes. The company has since implemented enhanced training and new protocols to prevent future incidents.
Allergy Awareness
Peanut allergies are notably prevalent among children, making this recall a serious matter. According to the Food Allergy Research & Education organization, peanut allergy is the most common food allergy for children under 18. A recent study suggests that early introduction of peanut products may reduce the risk of developing such allergies, showing a decrease of over 40% in peanut allergies among children born after specific guidelines were introduced between 2015 and 2017.
As Halloween festivities continue, families are encouraged to be vigilant about candy safety. The Zingerman’s recall serves as a reminder of the importance of checking product labels, especially for those with food allergies.
