FDA Recalls Popular Chocolate Treats Over Hidden Allergy Threats

Clear Facts

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced recalls for two chocolate-related products due to undisclosed allergens: BonBon candy bars and Full Circle Market non-dairy ice cream.
• The Full Circle Market Coconutmilk Chocolate Almond Crunch Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert, produced by G.S. Gelato & Desserts, Inc., erroneously contains cashew milk instead of coconut milk, representing a health risk for those with cashew allergies.
• BonBon, a Swedish Candy Co. situated in New York, withdrew its Marabou Sea Salt chocolate bars from the market due to unmentioned almonds, wheat, and nuts.

Chocolate enthusiasts cherish the pleasure that a small bite of their preferred treat can offer, be it a scoop of luxurious chocolate ice cream on a hot day or a s’more next to a roaring campfire. However, they are being warned to scrutinize their purchases due to two separate recalls of BonBon candy bars and Full Circle Market non-dairy ice cream.

On August 6, the FDA notified the public of a recall by G.S. Gelato & Desserts, Inc., involving a “limited amount” of Full Circle Market Coconutmilk Chocolate Almond Crunch Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert, available in 16-ounce paper carton pints. Contrary to its labeling, the product contains cashew milk, not coconut milk, a discrepancy observed when a retailer noted the packaging “stated two different products.”

Following an investigation, G.S. Gelato revealed that the Nature’s Promise brand Cashewmilk Chocolate Almond Crunch Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert had been wrongly filled into the cartons of the Full Circle Market product. The mistake necessitated an “urgent recall” because the Full Circle Market product did not list cashews in its ingredients, thereby creating a potential health risk.

“People with a cashew allergy or severe sensitivity risk serious or perhaps life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products,” states the FDA notice.

These recalled products were distributed to centers in Georgia, Massachusetts, New York and retail stores in eight additional states. Although no negative reactions have been reported, customers with cashew allergies or sensitivities are recommended not to eat the product.

In the meantime, allergy issues also resulted in BonBon, a Swedish Candy Co. based in New York, recalling its Marabou Sea Salt chocolate bar. These bars can contain unlisted almonds, wheat, and nuts, potentially causing “serious or life-threatening allergic reactions” in individuals with corresponding allergies or sensitivities.

The concerning chocolate bars were distributed to BonBon retail stores in New York and “sold amongst other imported packaged items.” While the packaging indicated the presence of “nut and wheat traces,” these ingredients were “outside of its allergen profile.” Following the recall notice from its distributor, the company has removed and destroyed the products from retail stores.

Although no illnesses associated with the BonBon recall have been reported, consumers with allergies are advised to carefully check their food supplies. The recall notice identifies the products as featuring the “‘Marabou’ trademark font and logo, yellow plastic packaging and the word ‘[havssalt]:’ the Swedish term for ‘sea salt,'” with expiration dates of April 9, 2024, and Sept. 11, 2024.

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