Michigan-based Zingerman's Candy Manufactory has recalled two of its popular chocolate bars just days before Halloween after discovering undeclared nut allergens that could pose serious risks to people with allergies.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the recall applies to Lot No. 174250 of the Peanut Butter Crush and Ca$hew Cow bars. The Peanut Butter Crush bar may contain undeclared cashews, and the Ca$hew Cow bar may contain undeclared peanuts.
The company traced the issue to a temporary breakdown in production and packaging processes. While no illnesses have been reported, the recall was described as serious and precautionary. The timing, coming days before Halloween when candy sharing is widespread, has prompted renewed calls for consumers to check labels carefully.
Consumers can identify the recalled products by their packaging and lot information:
- Product Names: Peanut Butter Crush (yellow and purple 2oz box) and Ca$hew Cow (light blue and yellow 2oz box)
- Lot Number: 174250
- Distribution: Retailers in Michigan and New York
Zingerman's advised customers to return affected products to the point of purchase for a full refund and has set up a helpline at 877-632-9264 for questions.
Peanut and tree-nut allergies are among the most dangerous food sensitivities. Allergy UK reports that around 2% of British children-roughly one in fifty-are affected, and only one in five outgrow the allergy by age ten. Children with eczema or egg allergies face higher risks, and as many as 40% also react to tree nuts such as cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts.
Because of such cross-reactivity, even a single mislabelled sweet can cause a severe allergic reaction, making vigilance essential during high-consumption holidays such as Halloween. Experts have long cautioned that small packaging errors can have major consequences for families managing food allergies.
Zingerman's said the mix-up was limited to one production run and that additional quality-control measures have been introduced. The company emphasized that it acted out of caution and that there is no continuing public risk.
