Chocolate Recall Considered Class I Due to 'Deadly' Allergen Risk, FDA Warns

In December, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a recall on various chocolate products distributed across nine states due to undeclared allergens. In a recent notice, the FDA has classified some products included in the recall as Class I.

The products that are considered a Class I threat include select packages of dark chocolate almonds, dark chocolate apricots, dark chocolate raisins, and dark chocolate walnuts. Per the FDA, Class I is defined as "a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death."

The recall was initiated on December 12, affecting various products from Cal Yee Farm of Suisun Valley, California. The recall was initiated because the products may contain undeclared milk, soy, wheat, sesame, and almonds, which could be life-threatening if consumed by individuals with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients.

The affected Cal Yee's, Cal Yee Farm, and Boa Vista Orchards branded products were sold online and distributed in California, Arizona, Virginia, New Mexico, Texas, Tennessee, Oregon, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, according to the FDA's initial statement. See a full list of the recalled products here.

Most of the recalled products were packaged in clear plastic zippered pouches in 8-ounce, 1-pound, 2-pound, and 5-pound sizes. The products have a bright yellow label on the front of the pouch and a small white label on the back containing the UPC code.

No illnesses have been reported so far and the labeling problem has been resolved, according to the FDA. However, those with allergies or sensitivities to the unlabeled ingredients should throw the affected products away or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.

If you have any questions or concerns related to this recall, contact Cal Yee Farm LLC by calling (707) 425-5327 or emailing [email protected] from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday.