Gardners Candies is recalling Cappuccino Meltaway bars sold nationwide because they may contain undeclared cashews, which can cause serious or fatal reactions in people with nut allergies.
The Tyrone, Pennsylvania-based candy maker initiated its recall after discovering that “the product containing nuts was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of nuts,” it said in a statement. notice released Friday by the Food and Drug Administration.
“People who are allergic or sensitive to tree nuts are at risk of serious and even fatal allergic reactions if they consume these products,” Gardners said. Nearly 4 million Americans are allergic to nuts, according to has Food Allergy Research & Education, a health advocacy group.
Gardners cited a temporary breakdown in its production and packaging processes to explain the problem and said it had suspended production of the product until the problem was resolved. The company said it has not received any reports of illnesses linked to the recalled product.
Food and Drug Administration
The recalled 1.25-ounce packages were sold by retailers nationwide beginning September 1 and by mail order through Gardners.Candies.com. The candy is packaged in white plastic with lot number 082725 stamped on the side and has an expiration date of August 27, 2025.
The recalled product was also sold as a Gardners Meltaway Treat Box with lot number 101625 or 112525. Each contained two Cappuccino Meltaway bars, along with other bar flavors packaged in a generic holiday box.
Food and Drug Administration
People who purchased the recalled candy are asked to call Gardners corporate office for a replacement at 1-800-242-2639, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Eastern Time.
About 0.5 to 1 percent of the U.S. population is allergic to tree nuts, including almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios and walnuts, according to has the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
“Reactions to nuts can be serious, including life-threatening anaphylaxis, and people with nut allergies should have epinephrine available at all times,” the AAAAI said.