Renowned Denver-based confectionary Hammond’s Candies has lately started a voluntary recall of one of its best-selling items, Dark Chocolate Filled Mini Waffle Cones, because of the possible inclusion of an undeclared allergen: milk.
This recall is a warning for those with milk allergy or sensitivity, as the product may seriously endanger their health. Here is all you need to know about the recall, how it impacts customers, and what to do should you have the item in issue.
Which Products Get Affected?
Recall only covers Hammond’s Dark Chocolate Filled Mini Waffle Cones packaged in 4-ounce resealable packs. Although these little cones are part of a bigger range of products, only the dark chocolate kind suffers from this recall. Customers should be searching for these specifics to ascertain whether their product is impacted:
- UPC: 6 91355 5 500
- Item Number: FC23213
- Dates used: 03/20/2025 and 05/20/2025.
- Product code: LN052553.
These goods have been sold via various outlets, including physical stores and websites like Amazon and Hammond’s Candies. This recall does not impact other flavors or items in the Hammond’s Candies line.
Why Was the Recall Called For?
The recall started when a consumer reported an adverse reaction to eating the Dark Chocolate-Filled Mini Wafer Cones.
Although milk was not stated as an ingredient on the box, tests on the candy revealed milk proteins were present. Those with lactose intolerance or milk allergy may be particularly at risk from this control.
One of the most often occurring causes of food product recalls is undiscovered allergies, including milk. Not correctly labeling allergens keeps customers from making wise judgments, which could cause extreme allergic responses. In this instance, Hammond’s Candies immediately recalled the impacted goods and warned consumers about the risk.
The Magnitude of the Recall
Affecting 38 states throughout the United States, the recall is general. Those in the following states should especially pay close attention if they bought Hammond’s Dark Chocolate Filled Mini Waffle Cones:
Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming; also Washington, D.C.
Given the impact on so many states, this might be among the biggest food product recalls in 2024. Given these items’ enormous circulation, consumers and business experts have paid close attention to the recall.
Recognizing Milk Allergies: What Are the Risks?
For those with a milk allergy, contact with milk proteins can cause a spectrum of symptoms, some of which may be fatal. Usually starting soon after taking a food with milk, a milk allergy can cause symptoms like:
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Hives, rashes, or itchiness
- Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain
More severe occurrences might cause anaphylaxis, a disorder needing quick medical intervention. Anaphylaxis can produce a rapid drop in blood pressure, dyspnea, and unconsciousness. This is a medical emergency that needs quick treatment with an epinephrine injection and additional medical expert advice.
Among the most often occurring food allergies, particularly in youngsters, milk allergies can last into adulthood. The Mayo Clinic states that individual sensitivity determines whether a milk allergy causes moderate to severe symptoms. Should someone with a milk allergy unwittingly come upon a product with milk, the results might be disastrous.
Should You Have a Recalled Item, What Should You Do?
If you bought Hammond’s Dark Chocolate Filled Mini Waffle Cones and the packaging corresponds with the recall information (UPC, item number, and usage by dates), you should cease using the product immediately. The following are the guidelines:
To get a complete refund, return the merchandise to the retailer from which you bought it. Most stores will help you with your return, as they are most likely aware of the recall.
The two best methods to guarantee reimbursement and remove any possible hazards are returning the item for a refund or contacting the firm directly.
How Did This Come to Pass?
It is unknown how the milk proteins got into a product marked as free from milk. Still, events like these might usually result from cross-contamination in packaging or manufacture.
When a product meant to be free of some allergies comes into contact with another product that does contain those allergens, cross-contamination results.
Many food manufacturing plants deal with several substances, like soy, almonds, or milk, which could cause allergies. Although businesses often have tight procedures to limit cross-contamination, errors may occur.
In this scenario, the undeclared allergy most likely results from milk unintentionally entering the Dark Chocolate Filled Mini Wafer Cones’ production process.
Food Allergies: Rising Trends
Food allergies are becoming increasingly of concern in the United States. According to research, food allergies impact around 33 million persons in the nation, and the numbers are rising. Milk allergies are particularly frequent and affect adults as well as children.
Some researchers think that changes in our surroundings, including early childhood low exposure to microorganisms, could be causing food allergies to increase.
For those with food allergies, closely reading labels is vital. But people may unwittingly endanger themselves when product labels fail to reveal the presence of allergens as Hammond’s Dark Chocolate Filled Mini Waffle Cones did.
Conclusion
This memory reminds us of the need for correct product labels and the dangers hidden by undisclosed allergies. If you or someone in your home has a milk allergy, verifying that any Hammond’s Dark Chocolate Filled Mini Waffle Cones you bought do not match the recalled lot is imperative.
Always be alert about reading product labels; if you believe any product may contain allergies, it’s wise to exercise caution.
For anybody impacted by this recall, either personally contacting Hammond’s Candies or returning the item for a refund can help to clear things up. Staying aware and acting early is the greatest approach to safeguarding your health and well-being, as food recalls are still somewhat regular events.
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