Health Alert: Michigan Chocolate Recalls—Are Your Products Safe?
One chocolate bar found in Michigan is currently experiencing a recall by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The product was recalled back in May due to a problem with the brand's hazelnuts. The hazelnuts were deemed "undeclared" meaning they could cause a life-threatening allergic reaction for some people.
The chocolate bar in question is the Potato Chip mini bars produced by Chuao Chocolatier.
Monday June 24th, the FDA deescalated the recall to Class III risk, and has found it has impacted 13,312 of Chuao Chocolatier's Potato Chip mini bars.
Class III categorization by the FDA signifies that exposure to the product is unlikely to result in severe health consequences. However, individuals sensitive to hazelnuts face a risk of serious allergic reactions if they consume the affected bars. Symptoms may include rashes, swelling, gastrointestinal issues, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis—a medical emergency requiring immediate hospital treatment.
According to the FDA's details on the recall it impacts the following distributors, retailers, and consumers in the following states: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI. Foreign distributions affected are also in Japan, England, Singapore, and Indonesia.
This precautionary measure spans across all U.S. states except Hawaii and Alaska. Following the initial recall announcement, one individual reported experiencing a mild allergic reaction after consuming the product.
Hazelnuts fall under the FDA's category of major allergens, known to trigger significant allergic responses. Anyone with concerns about the recall can reach Chuao Chocolatier's customer service at (760) 814-6230 or support@chuaochocolatier.com.
FDA recalls are categorized into three levels, with Class I being the most severe, indicating a high likelihood of causing serious health issues or death. Class II recalls involve products that may cause temporary health problems or have a low risk of severe consequences.
For more information about food recalls and allergens, consumers are encouraged to visit the FDA's official website or contact Chuao Chocolatier directly.