Days before Halloween, Michigan’s Zingerman’s Candy Manufactory has issued a voluntary recall for two popular candy bars due to a labeling mix-up that resulted in undeclared nuts.
The recall, announced Oct. 27 by the company and detailed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, specifically affects Peanut Butter Crush Full-Size Bars and Ca$hew Cow Full-Size Bars from Lot #174250. The Peanut Butter Crush bars may contain undeclared cashews, while the Ca$hew Cow bars may contain undeclared peanuts. These allergens do not appear on their respective packaging, which prompted the recall.
The company attributed the issue to “a temporary breakdown in the production and packaging process,” adding that the problem has since been corrected. “While our range of Candy Bars is one of our most popular products, the number of bars affected was a tiny fraction of our output,” a Zingerman’s spokesperson said in a statement. “From a single Lot #174250, there were a total of 156 Peanut Butter Crush Bars and 78 Ca$hew Cow Bars affected by the recall. We notified all of the wholesale customers who received them, and they have been removed from sale, with many returned to us.”
No illnesses have been reported, but health experts say undeclared allergens pose serious risks. “People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to cashews or peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products,” the FDA said. Such reactions can cause swelling, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis, which can be fatal if not treated immediately.
The affected products are Peanut Butter Crush bars in yellow-and-purple 2-ounce boxes, and Ca$hew Cow bars in light-blue and yellow 2-ounce boxes, both from Lot #174250. They were distributed to retailers in Michigan and New York and sold individually at grocery and specialty food stores. The lot number is on the side panel. Consumers who purchased these specific bars should not eat them and should return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Nut allergies remain among the most dangerous food sensitivities in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about one in 13 children has a food allergy, with peanuts and tree nuts ranking among the top culprits. “Even small cross-contact during manufacturing can trigger a serious reaction in people with severe allergies,” said Dr. Amanda Lewis, an allergist at the University of Michigan Health. “Labeling errors like these highlight why food manufacturers must maintain rigorous allergen-control procedures.”
The recall comes at an especially sensitive time for candy makers, as Americans are expected to spend nearly $12 billion on Halloween this year, according to the National Retail Federation. In an interview with the Detroit Free Press, local retailers said the recall has prompted extra caution. “Parents are double-checking labels this week, and that’s a good thing,” said store manager Paul Greene of Ann Arbor’s Produce Station. “Even one mislabeled treat can cause a scare.”
Zingerman’s, founded in Ann Arbor in 1982 and known for its artisan sandwiches and handmade sweets, said it is cooperating fully with the FDA. “We take food safety extremely seriously,” the company said. “Steps have been taken to ensure this problem has been resolved.”
Consumers with additional questions can contact Zingerman’s Candy Manufactory directly at 877-632-9264. The FDA’s full recall notice, including product photos and refund instructions, is available on its website.
As Halloween nears, experts urge families to inspect treats, especially for children with allergies. “Always check labels,” Dr. Lewis said. “Safety should never take a holiday.”
