A plant-based chocolate bar from Seattle-based Fran’s Chocolates has been recalled after testing revealed undeclared hazelnuts in the product. The FDA has now classified the recall as Class I, its most serious level, due to the risk of life-threatening allergic reactions for sensitive consumers.
The recall, which concerns the Pure Bar Almondmilk Chocolate 46% Madagascar, was initiated voluntarily by the manufacturer but has since been escalated following confirmation of trace hazelnut contamination. The contamination is believed to have originated from shared manufacturing equipment used by a supplier.
Chocolate Bar Recalled Over Allergen Risk
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on January 14 that it had assigned a Class I recall status to Fran’s Chocolates’ Pure Bar Almondmilk Chocolate, a designation reserved for products that could cause “serious adverse health consequences or death.” According to the FDA, this classification followed a report of one allergic reaction associated with the product, though no illnesses or fatalities have been linked to any other Fran’s products as of the date of recall.
The affected product includes 112 bars weighing 1.1 oz each and marked with UPC 7 49668 24280 2. According to the official recall notice, the bars were sold between October 9 and December 15, 2025, both online through Fran’s Chocolates’ website and in four retail locations in Seattle, Washington. The recall stems from a supplier’s alert that the Almondmilk chocolate ingredient may contain trace hazelnuts, introduced during processing on shared equipment.
The contamination was not reflected on the product label, making it a potential hazard for consumers with nut allergies. According to Fran’s Chocolates, “We have received a report of one adverse allergic event. No reports of illness or death have been reported on other Fran’s products to date.”
Consumers are advised not to consume the product and to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Information has been disseminated through several communication channels including press releases, letters, email, and direct in-store notices.
Labeling Concerns and Recall Communication
The undeclared presence of hazelnuts in a product marketed as plant-based brings food labeling back into the spotlight. Inaccurate or incomplete allergen information has long been identified as a key risk factor for individuals with severe food allergies. According to the FDA, even trace amounts of allergens can trigger reactions ranging from mild to life-threatening in sensitive individuals.
The recall also underscores the importance of supply chain transparency. According to the company’s statement published by the FDA, the issue was first identified when “a supplier informed us that their Almondmilk chocolate ingredient tested positive for trace amounts of hazelnuts because it was processed on the same equipment with other products.”
The FDA maintains an online database for consumers to check the regulatory status of recalled products. Fran’s Chocolates has stated that it is continuing communication with affected customers and regulatory authorities, though no official end date for the recall has been announced. Customers seeking further information can contact the company’s customer care team directly via phone or email during weekday business hours.
