Chocolates Recalled in 8 States and DC Over Milk Allergen

People consuming the items risk facing a ‘life-threatening allergic reaction,’ the recall notice stated.

An image of a recalled Wegmans chocolate product. FDA

Ohio-based Mellace Family Brands California Inc. is withdrawing decorative confections from the market “because they contain undeclared milk allergen,” the company said in an announcement published by the Food and Drug Administration on June 30.

The recalled items, Wegmans Semi-Sweet Chocolate Nonpareils, were distributed via Wegmans retail stores in the District of Columbia and eight states: Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

The chocolates are packaged in 18.5 oz. plastic tubs and have “Best By” dates ranging from Dec. 28, 2025, to April 12, 2026.

“People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product,” the announcement said.

Consumers can identify the recalled products by the following lot codes: 55021, 55031, 55491, 55501, 56061, and 56071. Both lot codes and “Best By” dates are marked on the left side of the tub.

“The recall was initiated after it was discovered that Wegmans Semi-Sweet Chocolate Nonpareils contained a milk allergen and was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of milk,” said the announcement.

Subsequent investigation indicated “the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the suppliers’ manufacturing process.”

The notice asked people who have bought the chocolates to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. So far, no illnesses have been reported due to consumption of the recalled items, it said.

Customers with queries can contact Wegmans at 1-855-934-3663.

The Epoch Times reached out to Wegmans for comment but did not receive a response by publication time.

Multiple food products citing milk allergen concerns have been recalled over the past year.

On Jan. 15, Chicago-based Quaker Oats Company withdrew 2-pound boxes of Pearl Milling Company Original Pancake & Waffle Mix from the market as it contained “undeclared milk.” The recall was issued after a retail partner alerted the company about the issue.

In September 2024, Colorado-based Hammond’s Candies recalled 4-ounce bags of Dark Chocolate Filled Mini Waffle Cones due to the undeclared milk issue.

Impact of Milk Allergy

According to the advocacy group Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), cow milk allergy is most common among infants and young children.

Hives are a mild reaction to milk allergen exposure, while anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening reaction.

“Most children, up to 75 percent, eventually outgrow a milk allergy,” according to FARE. “The allergy is most likely to continue in children who have high levels of cow’s milk antibodies in their blood.”

In addition to dairy products, other sources of milk include baked goods, desserts, chocolate, margarine, and snack foods such as pretzels and crackers.

The FDA identifies nine major food allergens, including milk, and enforces the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act in the labeling of food items it regulates.

The Act requires that food labels clearly identify whether any of the FDA-recognized food allergens have been used as an ingredient. Proper labeling ensures that consumers with allergies to milk or other items can avoid specific food products.

Lawmakers have taken action to protect children with food allergies.

In April, a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced the “Protecting Children with Food Allergies Act” that seeks to ensure food personnel in schools are provided with necessary information on allergies as part of their annual training, according to an April 10 statement from the office of Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), one of the lawmakers who introduced the bill.

This is expected to better equip personnel to identify, respond, and prevent allergic food reactions among children, it said.