Zingerman's Bakehouse has recalled its Black Magic Brownies and issued a warning that undeclared walnuts may be found in the products.
The company, based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, released a statement announcing the recall on Thursday, which was posted to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website the following day.
The recall is for Zingerman's Bakehouse Black Magic Brownie Individually Packaged and Zingerman's Bakehouse Black Magic Brownie 4 Pack. The recalled products have sell-by dates of February 11 and February 12.
Zingerman's Bakehouse recalled the brownies after a consumer reported finding a walnut in the individually packaged brownies, which was not listed as an ingredient on the packaging.
"People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to walnuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products," the company warned.
Zingerman's Bakehouse told Newsweek via email on Friday, "We received an unconfirmed report that a walnut was found in one of our black magic brownies. We acted with an abundance of caution and activated a recall.
"There have been no other reported incidents and during inspection of all returned product, we have not identified any visual evidence of cross contamination."
The recalled products were sold at retail stores in Southeast Michigan and on the company's website.
Zingerman's Bakehouse urged consumers who have bought the recalled brownies to either return or throw out the products.
Consumers can call the company's service department at 734-761-7255 if they have any questions or want to receive a refund for the recalled products.
"Investigation into the source of the walnut is ongoing," the release said.
Symptoms of Allergic Reactions
Walnuts are tree nuts, which are part of the nine major food allergens.
"The law requires that food labels identify the food source of all major food allergens used to make the food," the FDA states on its website.
The FDA states that it "enforces regulations requiring companies to list ingredients on packaged foods and beverages ... When problems are found, the FDA works with firms to recall products and provide public notification to immediately alert consumers."
The administration warns of the possible symptoms to allergic reactions.
"Food allergic reactions vary in severity from mild symptoms involving hives and lip swelling to severe, life-threatening symptoms, often called anaphylaxis, that may involve fatal respiratory problems and shock," the FDA said.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:
- Hives
- Flushed skin or rash
- Tingling or itchy sensation in the mouth
- Face, tongue, or lip swelling
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Coughing or wheezing
- Dizziness and/or lightheadedness
- Swelling of the throat and vocal cords
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness
The FDA advises people with a known food allergy who begin to experience symptoms to stop eating the food immediately and get medical attention. An emergency medication like epinephrine may also be needed.
Update 2/9/24, 4:36 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with comment from Zingerman's Bakehouse.
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