Wegmans recalls chocolate treats due to ‘risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction’

An undisclosed allergen has led to the recall of certain lots of Wegmans semi-sweet chocolate nonpareils.

The 18.5-ounce tubs of chocolate candy that are being recalled “contain an undisclosed milk allergen” that was not listed on the packaging, as stated in an allergy alert released by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Monday.

The recall was initiated by Mellace Family Brands California, Inc.

The affected nonpareils were distributed to Wegmans Food Markets stores in Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., according to the FDA alert.

The tubs of the recalled candy have lot codes 55021, 55031, 55491, 55501, 56061, and 56071 on the side, with varying best-by dates for each lot code, as mentioned in the alert and a recall notice on the grocery store chain’s website.

Wegmans has stated on its website that customers can return the affected nonpareils to the customer service desk for a full refund.

The absence of a warning regarding the “presence of milk” on the tubs of the recalled Wegmans semi-sweet chocolate nonpareils “was due to a temporary breakdown in the suppliers’ manufacturing process,” as mentioned by Mellace Family Brands California in the FDA allergy alert.

Milk is one of the nine foods classified as “major food allergens” by the FDA.

According to the FDA, companies are required by law to label food products containing milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame.

Consuming the recalled Wegmans candy could pose a “risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction” for individuals allergic to milk or sensitive to it, according to the alert.

As of now, no illnesses have been reported due to the consumption of Wegmans nonpareils.

FOX Business has contacted the grocery store chain for a statement regarding the recall.

Wegmans operates over 110 stores on the East Coast in states such as New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Delaware, as well as the District of Columbia.

The company is set to open its first store in Connecticut in Norwalk later this month.