As regulatory scrutiny intensifies across the packaged food industry, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a significant warning about chocolate products linked to allergen exposure. The case raises renewed concerns over compliance with labelling standards and the consequences for consumers with severe dietary sensitivities.
Warning Raised on Contaminated Confectionery
A recall involving Cal Yee Farms’ chocolate products has been elevated to the most serious level by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), following the discovery of undeclared milk in several of the company’s confections.
Originally issued on 12 December, the alert affected items such as dark chocolate walnuts, yogurt-coated almonds and butter toffee, initially due to a range of undeclared allergens.
The FDA has now formally classified three of these chocolate products — dark chocolate walnuts, dark chocolate almonds, and dark chocolate apricots — under a Class 1 recall, which is defined as a situation where there is a reasonable probability of serious health consequences or death due to consumption.
The products were distributed in multiple U.S. states, including California, Texas, and Virginia, according to the FDA’s Enforcement Report.
Undeclared Allergens and Potential Fatal Outcomes
The elevated classification underscores the risks for individuals with severe allergies, particularly to milk, which was not listed on the labelling of the affected products.
According to the FDA, “People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk, soy, wheat, sesame, FD&C #6 and almonds run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products,”
While no illnesses have been reported so far, the FDA’s decision signals the gravity of the potential danger. The recall followed an inspection of Cal Yee Farms’ facilities by the FDA, after which the firm issued a voluntary recall notice.
The Class 1 designation places the products in the highest risk category, joining other recent recalls such as Lay’s Classic Potato Chips, which were similarly flagged due to undeclared milk content.
Distribution Across Multiple States
The recalled Cal Yee Farms products were widely distributed across nine states — Arizona, California, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. Consumers who purchased these items are advised to return them or dispose of them safely.
Cal Yee Farms has not issued further public comment since its initial recall announcement in December. According to the FDA, the products remain under investigation as part of the agency’s ongoing food safety enforcement.
