Gardners Candies is recalling Cappuccino Meltaway bars sold nationwide because they may contain undeclared cashews, which could cause serious or life-threatening reactions in people with tree nut allergies.
The Tyrone, Pa.-based candy maker said in a notice issued Friday by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration after discovering that “packaging of products containing tree nuts did not indicate the presence of tree nuts.” , the company initiated a recall.
“People with nut allergies or severe sensitivities may experience a severe or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products,” Gardner said. Nearly 4 million Americans are allergic to nuts, according to the health advocacy group Food Allergy Research and Education .
Gardners said its production and packaging processes were temporarily out of order due to the issue and said it had suspended production of the product until the issue was resolved. The company said it has not received any reports of illness related to the recalled products.
Food and Drug Administration
The recalled 1.25-ounce packages will be available starting September 1 at retailers nationwide and by mail order through Gardners.Candies.com. This candy is packaged in white plastic with batch number #082725 printed on the side and has an expiration date of August 27, 2025.
The recalled product is also sold as Gardners Meltaway Treat Box and is labeled with lot number #101625 or #112525. Each contains two Cappuccino Meltaway bars, as well as other flavored bars packaged in a generic holiday box.
Food and Drug Administration
People who purchased the recalled holiday candy are asked to request a replacement by calling the Gardner corporate office Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time at 1-800-242-2639.
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, about 0.5% to 1% of Americans are allergic to nuts, including almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios and walnuts.
“Reactions to tree nuts can be serious, including life-threatening anaphylaxis, and people with tree nut allergies should always take epinephrine,” AAAI said.
