FDA issues urgent recall of chocolates over ingredient that can spark deadly reaction

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

Fran’s Chocolates, Ltd. of Seattle, Washington, is recalling 112 units of Fran’s Pure Bar Almondmilk Chocolate because it contains hazelnut but the ingredient is not listed on the ingredients label.

The FDA recall notice stated: 'People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to hazelnut run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.'

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

It was issued after a supplier informed Fran's that the almond milk chocolate ingredient tested positive for trace amounts of hazelnuts because it was processed on the same equipment with other products that may have contained hazelnuts.

The chocolate bar was sold in four Fran's Chocolate stores in Seattle and were available for purchase nationwide online at the store's website between October 9, 2025 and December 14, 2025.

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

No reports of severe illness or death have been reported in connection to the recall.

Customers who purchased the chocolate bars should contact Fran's Chocolates.

The FDA is urging people not to consume the chocolate and to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

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

Tree nuts, which includes hazelnuts, are among the most common allergens. About one percent of people in the US, about 3.5 million, have a tree nut allergy.

For people with an allergy, consuming hazelnuts could cause mild symptoms such as hives and itching or life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis is a severe potentially fatal allergic reaction that causes the throat to swell, vomiting, dizziness and difficulty breathing.

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Approximately 225 deaths occur due to anaphylaxis in the US each year.

The Fran's Chocolate is just one of several recalls issued this month over life-threatening undeclared allergens.

A.S.K. Foods, LLC in Pennsylvania recalled select 32oz containers of Publix Rice & Pigeon Peas because they contain undeclared soy, which could pose a life-threatening risk of an allergic reaction.

The recalled products were only sold in Publix stores in Florida and no illnesses have been reported to date.

The recalled Publix Rice & Pigeon Peas was packaged in a plastic tray where the top label indicates Publix Rice & Pigeon Peas, Net Wt. 32 OZ (2 LB) 907, the bottom label has Cavatappi Pasta as the first ingredient and has a code on the lid of '5387-4', '5387-5' or '5387-6.'

The FDA recall notice states the pasta product was packaged in a container that had an ingredient label intended for the company's Three Cheese Mac & Cheese.

That label does not have soy listed on it, but the allergen is present in the pasta and peas product.

For the nearly 2 million Americans allergic to soy, if they eat the product, they could experience mild symptoms such as hives and itching or life-threatening anaphylaxis.