Chocolate Recall as Dire Warning Issued Over Products

A festive treat has been recalled after a manufacturer warned that some of its dark chocolate coins may contain milk—which could cause a "life-threatening allergic reaction" for some consumers.

Food company Manischewitz issued the warning about its Manischewitz Dark Chocolate Coins on Friday, after realizing that mislabeled packets may mean that milk chocolate coins are inside packages supposed to contain dark chocolates. The products were shipped to stores nationwide over a period of months (from September 26 through November 28), although it's thought the stores are predominately located in the states of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

The recall warning was shared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), whose website explains that when "a company announces a recall, market withdrawal, or safety alert, the FDA posts the company's announcement as a public service." It comes just days after a Thanksgiving "urgent food recall" when another company discovered some of its gift baskets included raspberry cookies that contained hazelnuts—a potentially deadly allergen to those allergic to nuts.

Recalls are issued if there are concerns that a food product may be harmful in some way. For example, back in January, some 50,000 pounds of sausage products were recalled over claims the meat could be infected with potentially deadly bacteria. And just last month, cooks were warned of a ground beef recall amid fears that it may be "contaminated with a foreign object."

In the latest recall to affect American consumers, Manischewitz says it is recalling its Manischewitz Dark Chocolate Coins because they "may contain undeclared milk." The company added: "People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products."

Manischewitz is a kosher food firm established in 1888 that is now part of the Kayco brand and is based in Bayonne, New Jersey. "The company has received no reports of illness or injury to date" as a result of the incorrectly labeled chocolate, its FDA-released statement said.

Newsweek has emailed the company seeking further information and comment.

The recall was initiated after the company was notified by its Quantity Control Department that "a limited number of bags labeled as 'Dark Chocolate Coins' contained Milk Chocolate Coins, which contains milk allergen that is not declared on the label."

Consumers are advised to check their packages, with the company advising that: "All dairy Milk Chocolate Coins are wrapped in Gold Foil within a Blue Netting and all non-dairy Dark Chocolate Coins are wrapped in Silver Foil within a Red Netting." But some of the milk chocolate net bags may accidentally have been labeled as non-dairy dark chocolates, the company said.

The potential mislabeling by Manischewitz relates to lot code 2283 and UPC code 072700200387or the display box UPC code of 072700200356.

"We immediately informed all retailers who had purchased this lot code about this recall and instructed them [to] inspect their inventory or remove any potential affected product on their shelves," the company said.

"Consumers who may have purchased this product are advised to inspect their product if gold foil coins are in the dark chocolate bags and discontinue use immediately. Consumers may return the product for credit or refund.

"If a consumer experiences an allergic reaction they are urged to report to a medical provider."