A Heck of a Lot of Chocolate Related Recalls of November 2017

We can't start off November without chocolate related recalls it seems here in the USA so keep reading and protect your families! Note: Some of these recalls also apply to Canada. Most of these involved the same supplier, GKI Foods, which makes a brand but also supplies confections to companies that simply relabel them for their own sale. This is a common practice in the food industry so when the supplier has a problem it affects everyone down the chain.

Also note that the bulk of these recalls involve mislabeling where a dark chocolate product actually has milk in some form in it but that isn't on the ingredients. Not only would that mean this isn't dark chocolate but for some folks who have serious milk allergies it could trigger a dangerous reaction. Now if that isn't an issue for you, you may not need to take any action but please be aware of these recalls and allergy alerts for your family and friends who may have dairy concerns.

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Allergy Alert for Undeclared Milk in Several Dark Chocolate Products 

First Source of Tonawanda, NY, is voluntarily recalling various packaged goods, as well as Products sold in grocery store bulk bins. All these products contain undeclared Milk. People who have an allergy or sensitivity to Milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

The recalled retail packaged items: All Best Before dates

Wegman's Dark Chocolate Almonds
Wegmans Dark Chocolate Almonds 23oz tub

Wegmans Dark Chocolate Almonds 11.5oz tub

Wegmans Dark Chocolate Almonds with Sea Salt and Turbinado Sugar 12oz tub

Wegmans Dark Chocolate Cherry-Infused Cranberries 12oz tub

Wegmans Dark Chocolate Strawberries 13.5oz tub

Alpine Valley Dark Chocolate Almonds 11.5oz tub

Circle K Favorites Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds 3.25oz bag

Tops Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds 11.5oz tub

Tops Dark Chocolate Coffee Beans 12oz tub

7 Select Dark Chocolate Turbinado Almonds with Sea Salt 2.25oz bag

These products were distributed to the following states AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MN, NC, NJ, NM, NV, NY, PA, TX, UT, VA, and VT. The affected product was sold from January 1, 2016 to present. No illnesses or allergic reactions have been reported to date.

The recalled products were sold in bulk food bins (self-serve) at the following grocery stores between 1/1/16 and 10/30/17:

15 LBS Dark Chocolate Peanuts distributed to Wegmans Food Markets, Dryden Food Market, New Brighton Food Land, Punxsutawney Country Market, and  Trumansburg Shur Save

20 LBS Dark Chocolate Almonds to Wegmans Food Markets, Giant Food Store, Martin’s Food Market, and Stop N Shop

25 LBS Dark Chocolate Coffee Beans Giant Food Store, Giant Food Mart, Martin’s Food Market, Wegmans Food Market, Dryden Food Market, Orchard Fresh, Stop N Shop, and Punxsutawney Country Market

These products were distributed to the following states MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA, VA, and WV. No illnesses or allergic reactions have been reported to date.

The following recalled product is distributed in Canada with all Best By dates:

Mac’s Convenient Stores Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds 113grams & 92grams

Circle K Favourites Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds 113grams

The recall was initiated after First Source received notification from our supplier GKI Foods of a recall due to undeclared Milk allergen present in the dark chocolate. Consumers who have purchased any of these items are urged to destroy the product. Consumers with questions may contact First Source at 1-716-389-0200, Monday – Friday, 8am - 5pm.
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Meijer Dark Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans
Meijer Recalls Bulk Dark Chocolate Products

In cooperation with the GKI Foods LLC recall of dark chocolate products due to an undeclared milk allergen, Meijer is voluntarily recalling select Meijer branded bulk dark chocolate. This recall is an extension of the GKI Foods LLC recall announced on October 27, 2017. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious or life threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The products were sold at Meijer stores in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin There have been no illnesses reported to date.

Meijer is voluntarily recalling the products with the following UPC’s:


UPC                 UPC Description
7-19283-40301-8 Meijer Bulk Dark Chocolate Almonds 18 oz.
7-19283-40302-5 Meijer Bulk Dark Chocolate Cashews 18 oz.
7-19283-40313-1 Meijer Bulk Dark Chocolate Coffee Beans

The products are packaged in clamshell packaging with a label listing the above-mentioned UPCs. Consumers who have purchased this product should discontinue use immediately and return the product to the nearest Meijer store for a full refund. Consumers with questions regarding this recall should contact Meijer at 800-543-3704, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Consumers with questions or concerns about their health should contact their physician.
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21st Century Snack Foods Dark Choco Almonds
21st Century Snack Foods Recalling Dark Chocolate Almonds

21st Century Snack Foods, of Ronkonkoma NY 11779, is voluntarily issuing the following recall: Dark Chocolate Almonds: Packaged in a 6 oz peg / stand up bag.  UPC# 030603 228549. Affected Lot #’s are 16100 thru 17300. The product brand is 21st Century Snack Foods. The product is packaged in a plastic hanging / stand-up bag.

These products may contain an undeclared milk allergen. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk allergen run the risk of serious or life threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

No Illnesses have been reported to date.

This product may have been distributed to the following states, and they reached consumers through retail stores: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WV, WI, WY

The recall was initiated after it was discovered, that the Dark Chocolate Almonds containing the milk allergen were distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of the milk allergen.

Consumers who have purchased this product will be asked to dispose of this product and contact the company directly via email for a full refund at centurysnack@gmail.com

Consumers with questions, may also contact the company at 631-588-8000 and ask to speak with the recall coordinator, Michael Bell. Hours of operation are 9:30 am – 3:30 pm

This product was manufactured by GKI Foods of Brighton, Michigan and packaged and distributed under the 21st Century Snack Foods Brand.

This recall is an extension of the GKI Foods LLC recall announced on October 27 2017
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Universal Orlando Chocolate Emporium Recalls
Rucker’s Makin’ Batch Candies Issues Recall

Rucker’s Makin’ Batch Candies, Inc. of Bridgeport, IL is voluntarily recalling the specific code dates listed below of The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium Dark Chocolate Coffee Beans, due to an undeclared milk allergen.  People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk allergen run the risk of serious or life threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.  No illness has been reported to date.

The affected product is packaged in 8 oz. clear bag within a gold Toothsome Chocolate Emporium box, UPC 400013041067, 400013041098 and 400013041098.  This only affects packages with best by codes ranging from 05/11/17 thru 10/09/18.  The product is distributed at Universal Studios Park, The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium in Orlando, FL.

Please note, no illnesses have been reported to date.

Rucker’s Makin’ Batch Candies, Inc. initiated the recall after being notified by our supplier that products were distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of the milk allergen.

DO NOT CONSUME this product.  Customers whom wish to receive a refund for unused portions or have questions may contact Kelley Pfeifer at Rucker’s Makin’ Batch Candies, Inc. Phone: 618-945-7778 or 888- 622-2639 or email – kelleyp7@ruckerscandy.com Tues-Thur. 8:00 am – 4:00 pm CST.
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Family Choice Recall
Rucker’s Wholesale and Service Co Issues Allergy Alert

Rucker’s Wholesale and Service Co of Bridgeport, IL is voluntarily recalling all of Uncle Buck’s and Family Choice Dark Chocolate Peanuts packaged in standup twist tie bag, due to the presence of an undeclared milk ingredient. People who have an allergy or sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product. No illness associated with this recall has been reported.

The affected product is packaged in a 8.5oz clear twist tie bag with Uncle Buck’s and Family Choice label. Both brands are UPC 0 52545 10226 8. The recall product was sold between March 7, 2016 and October 30, 2017 and distributed nationwide.

Uncle Buck's
The Uncle Bucks brand was distributed to Bass Pro Shops. The Family Choice brand was distributed to Bomgaars Supply, L&M Fleet Supply, North 40 Outfitters and Runnings.

The recall product was sold between March 7, 2016 and October 30, 2017.

The recall was initiated after Rucker’s received notification from our supplier GKI Foods of a recall due to undeclared milk allergen present in the dark chocolate. Consumers who have purchased any of these items are urged to destroy the product. Consumers with questions may contact Rucker’s at 618-945-2411, or 800-663-1857 Mon – Fri 7:30am – 4:30pm CST, or email – customerservice@ruckerscandy.com.

Consumers with an allergy to milk should not eat the product.
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Cherry Bay Recalls
Shoreline Fruit, LLC. Recalls

Traverse City, Michigan, Oct. 31, 2017 -- In cooperation with the GKI Foods, LLC recall of dark chocolate products due to an undeclared milk/dairy allergen, Shoreline Fruit is voluntarily recalling select Shoreline Fruit bulk and Cherry Bay Orchards® branded dark chocolate covered cherry products. This recall is an extension of the GKI Foods LLC recall announced on October 27, 2017. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk/dairy run the risk of a serious or life threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

These products were sold throughout the United States at various wholesalers, retailers and specialty food stores. There have been no illnesses reported to date.

Shoreline Fruit is voluntarily recalling the products with the following product descriptions:

UPC/Product Code      Description                                         Size
8 46659 00048 6 Dried Dark Chocolate Covered Cherries 6 oz.
8 46659 00039 4 Dried Dark Chocolate Covered Cherries 24 oz.
CHDC025Z         Shoreline Fruit Dark Choc Covered Montmorency Cherries 25 lb.

The products are packaged in 25-pound corrugated boxes and 6 oz. and 24 oz. stand-up pouch packaging with a label listing the above-mentioned UPCs. Consumers who have purchased these products should discontinue use immediately and return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions regarding this recall should contact Shoreline Fruit at 800-836-3972 available M-F from 8 AM to 5 PM EST. Consumers with questions or concerns about their health should contact their physician.
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Aurora Natural Recall Label Example
Aurora Products, Inc. Announces Recall

This is a big recall -- keep reading because it may cover brands everywhere in the USA.

Aurora Products, Inc. today announced a voluntary nationwide recall for undeclared MILK allergens. Five (5) Dark Chocolate products produced under the Aurora Natural brand; Private Label brands listed below and various Private Label brands that indicate they are packed by or distributed by Aurora Products, Inc. are affected. Please refer to the Products, Brands and Best If Used By dates list below.

This voluntary recall is initiated in response to our supplier GKI Foods LLC. of Brighton MI, notifying us that the products they supplied to us did not properly disclose MILK allergens on their labeling.

People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to MILK allergens run the risk of serious or life threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. To date no illness have been reported to Aurora Products, Inc.

Products were distributed Nationwide and in Bermuda.

We are communicating with all warehouses and stores that have received the affected products and instructing them to cease distribution and remove products from the store shelves. Consumers with allergies or sensitivity to “MILK” products should not consume the listed products and may return them to the point of purchase or contact Aurora Products, Inc. with questions at (800) 898-1048 between the hours of 9:00AM to 5:00 PM EST Monday – Friday. Distributors and retail locations should contact Aurora Products, Inc. for instructions on product handling. This recall is being conducted in cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration.

AURORA BRAND AND PRIVATE LABEL BRANDS DISTRIBUTED BY AURORA PRODUCTS

The chart for this is too large to make a  screenshot of so please follow the link to check it out!

PRIVATE LABEL PRODUCT
Private Label Products That Use Store Branded Labeling Include: AG Supermarkets, Belmont Market, Boiceville Market, Decicco’s, Graul’s Market, Gourmet Garage, Harvest Co – Op Market, Hurley Ridge, Lees Supermarket, Morton Williams, Palmers Market, Walter Stewart, and Windfall Market.

Again multiple charts you need to follow the link to check out if any of these brands are familiar to you.
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gold emblem dark chocolate covered berries
New American Food Products LLC Issues Allergy Alert

New American Food Products, LLC of Methuen, MA is voluntarily recalling various packaged goods because they contain undeclared milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.
Product was distributed at retail stores throughout the United States. The product was distributed from 2/1/16 to 10/30/17.

The recall includes the following retail packaged items. The recall includes ALL Best Before Dates.

CVS Gold Emblem DARK CHOCOLATE ESPRESSO BEANS 2.25oz (64g) UPC: 0504428576601

CVS Gold Emblem Dark Chocolate Espresso Bean 5oz (142g), UPC: 050428513583

CVS Gold Emblem Dark Chocolate Covered Ginger 9oz (255g), UPC: 050428540220

CVS Gold Emblem Dark Chocolate Berries 8oz (227 g), UPC: 0 50428 54100 5

Candy Break Dark Chocolate Espresso Beans 2.75oz (78g), UPC:024354650049

Ocean State Candy Break Dark Chocolate Ginger 9oz (255g), UPC:024354501006

Ocean State Candy Break Dark Chocolate Powerberries 9oz (255g), UPC: 024354501105

Hannaford Excellent Espresso Beans 2.75oz (78g), UPC: 041268206414

Market Basket Dark Chocolate Almonds
Market Basket Dark Chocolate Espresso Bean 3oz (85g), UPC: 049705168240

Market Basket Dark Chocolate Almonds 11oz (311g), UPC: 049705169650

Weigels Dark Chocolate Espresso Beans 2.75oz (78g), UPC: 024354705206

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was initiated after New American Food Products, LLC received notification from our supplier GKI Foods of a recall due to undeclared Milk allergen present in the dark chocolate. Consumers who have purchased any of these items are urged to destroy the product. Consumers with questions may contact New American Food Products, LLC at 978-682-1855, Monday – Friday, 8am - 5pm.
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Setton Farms Deluxe Dark Chocolate Raisins
Setton International Foods Issues Allergy Alert

Setton International Foods, Inc. of Commack, NY, is voluntarily recalling select dark chocolate almonds and dark chocolate raisins products. All these products contain undeclared Milk. People with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious or life threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The recalled retail package items: All Best Before dates

Deluxe Dark Chocolate Almonds 20oz. UPC: 034325078741

Deluxe Dark Chocolate Almonds 14oz. UPC:034325747661

Deluxe Dark Chocolate Raisins 24oz. UPC:034325078758

Deluxe Dark Chocolate Raisins 16oz. UPC:034325147669

These products were sold at Price Chopper Stores and Market Basket Stores and distributed to the following states: CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, PA, and VT. The product affected was sold from February 22, 2016 to present. No illnesses or allergic reactions have been reported to date.

The recall was initiated after Setton International Foods, Inc. received notification from our supplier GKI Foods of a recall due to undeclared Milk allergen present in the dark chocolate almonds and dark chocolate raisins products. Consumers with a milk allergy who have purchased the above listed products and which do not declare “milk” in the ingredients should discontinue use immediately and return the product to the store where it was purchased for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Setton International Foods, Inc. at 1-800-227-4397, Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm.

Consumers with questions or concerns about their health should contact their physician.

Comments

Emilie said…
As always, thank you for sharing recalls with your readers. I hope that someday there are none to share, but I feel safer knowing you are keeping an eye on our chocolate supply!
Thank you!

So far, in the years I've been keeping track of this, I've never need to return an item but I have had to make note of a potential problem for someone in my house.

It is interesting how much I feel i've about the food industry in the USA just tracking this one small segment of it. It can be a lot to keep track of so I'm glad this is helping someone out there.