January 1, Chocolate and Ice Cream Recalls Alert Allergy Sufferers to Hidden Dangers

There’s no question that a delicious bite of chocolate can brighten up any day—whether it’s a comforting s’more by a campfire or a refreshing ice cream cone in the heat of summer. But lovers of these sweet treats should take note: two separate recalls involving BonBon chocolate bars and Full Circle Market non-dairy ice cream have sparked considerable concern.

On August 6, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning that G.S. Gelato & Desserts, Inc. is recalling a “limited amount” of Full Circle Market Coconutmilk Chocolate Almond Crunch Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert. The 16-ounce carton pints were pulled from the shelves due to a discrepancy between their contents and their labels.

In an oversight, the cartons housing coconut milk-based desserts actually contained a cashew milk-based ice cream. The error became apparent when a retail store notified G.S. Gelato about the mismatch on the dessert packaging. As indicated, the carton referred to a coconut milk dessert, while the lid advertised a cashew milk variety.

After a thorough investigation, the company discovered that a single lot of the Nature’s Promise Cashewmilk Chocolate Almond Crunch Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert was inadvertently filled into the cartons for the coconut milk dessert. The urgent recall was initiated because the Full Circle Market product’s ingredient list did not include cashews, sparking potential health risks.

According to the FDA, “People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to cashew run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume the affected products.” The recalled items were shipped to distribution centers in Georgia, Massachusetts, and New York and to retail stores in New York, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.

To date, G.S. Gelato has received no reports of adverse reactions. Nevertheless, customers who suffer from a cashew allergy or sensitivity are advised to refrain from consuming the product.

Meanwhile, a recall prompted by allergy concerns has also been issued for all Marabou Sea Salt chocolate bars manufactured by BonBon, a Swedish Candy Co. based in New York. The chocolate bars might contain undeclared almonds, wheat, and nuts, posing a risk of “serious or life-threatening allergic reactions” for individuals with these sensitivities.

The recalled chocolate bars were distributed to BonBon retail stores in New York. Although the packaging did state that the products contained “traces of nut and wheat,” these ingredients were outside its allergen profile. After being informed of the recall by its distributor, BonBon removed the products from sale and destroyed the stock.

While there have been no illnesses reported in connection with the BonBon recall, those with allergies are encouraged to double-check their stash. Recalled products have the “‘Marabou’ trademark font and logo, yellow plastic packaging and the Swedish word ‘havssalt’ for ‘sea salt'” and expiration dates of April 9, 2024, and September 11, 2024. For chocolate and ice cream lovers with allergies, staying informed about these recalls is crucial for staying safe.

As our loyal readers, we encourage you to share your thoughts and opinions on this issue. Let your voice be heard and join the discussion below.

Source