Chocolate Recall Update as FDA Sets Risk Warning
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A recall of dark chocolate almonds due to the possible presence of undeclared cashews has now been issued the second highest risk classification by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Meijer Inc., a supercenter chain headquartered in Michigan, announced a voluntary recall of thousands of cases of Frederik's Dark Chocolate Almonds on June 13 due to a labeling error. The FDA later issued a Class II risk classification for the recall on July 3.
Newsweek contacted Meijer Inc. for comment by email outside of regular working hours.
Meijer/FDA
Why It Matters
A Class II risk classification represents a "situation in which use of, or exposure to, a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote," according to the FDA.
People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to cashews "run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the product," the FDA said in its recall notice.
Cashews are classified as tree nuts, one of the nine major food allergens. The others include milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, peanuts, wheat, soybeans and sesame.
Allergic reactions vary in severity from mild symptoms, such as hives and lip swelling, to life-threatening complications, such as anaphylaxis, that may include fatal respiratory problems.
What To Know
Meijer Inc. announced its recall because certain packages of Frederik's Dark Chocolate Almonds may have contained chocolate-covered cashews, which were not declared on the ingredient labels.
The products impacted by the recall include:
Frederik's by Meijer Dark Chocolate Almonds 12 oz. - sell-by dates: May 7 and 28, 2026 - UPC code: 7-08820-68730-1.
Frederik's Dark Chocolate Almonds 8-count 1.5 oz. - sell-by date: May 5, 2026 - UPC code: 7-19283-11923-0.
The recall impacted 3,301 cases of products, each of which contained six retail units.
The products were sold in black stand-up pouches at Meijer stores in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky and Wisconsin.
As of June 13, the company had not received any reports of illness associated with the recalled products.
The recall was initiated after the company was informed of the issue by a customer.
What People Are Saying
The FDA said in its recall notice: "Customers with allergies or sensitivities to cashews should discontinue use and return the product to the customer service desk at any Meijer store for a full refund. Customers with questions regarding this recall can contact Meijer at 800-543-3704 from 7 a.m.-1 a.m. EDT daily."
Dr. Sebastian Lighvani, the director of New York Allergy & Asthma PLLC, told Newsweek previously: "Every three minutes in the United States, someone ends up in an emergency room because of an allergic reaction after accidental ingestion of food. So even when we try hard, these reactions are happening. And if you look at the incidence of anaphylaxis, it has skyrocketed in the last five, 10, 20 years. And in the U.S., there's like a 300 to 400 percent increase in the rates of anaphylaxis to foods."
What Happens Next
The recall is listed as completed, according to the FDA.
The agency added that customers with questions or concerns about their health are encouraged to contact their primary care providers.
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