Memorandum
- From
- Caroline Mercer via Fast Company
- Date
- Filed
- News·3 min to read
- Re
FDA warns consumers to destroy Halloween chocolate sold at four retail chains over milk allergy risk
ReFDA warns consumers to destroy Halloween chocolate sold at four retail chains over milk allergy risk
Crystal Temptations is recalling Halloween Chocolatey Eyeballs sold at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, and Sierra Trading Post in 13 states because the candy contains undeclared milk allergens, posing a life-threatening risk to people with milk allergies.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is urging consumers to destroy a Halloween-themed chocolate product sold at four major retail chains across 13 states because it contains undeclared milk allergens that could trigger serious or life-threatening reactions in people with milk allergies or severe sensitivities.
New Jersey-based Crystal Temptations initiated the recall of its Halloween Chocolatey Eyeballs after an internal analyst discovered the candy contained whey, a milk product, while the packaging lacked proper milk labeling. The FDA safety alert notes that no illnesses had been reported as of September 1.
The recalled candy was distributed at Marshalls, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, and Sierra Trading Post locations in Arizona, Texas, Virginia, Georgia, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Indiana, Nevada, California, New Jersey, Connecticut, Ohio, and Wyoming.
The recall was triggered when a TJX analyst responsible for monitoring inventory and store distribution found that the chocolatey eyeballs contained whey and were packaged without the required allergen declaration. The subsequent investigation determined there was a temporary breakdown in the company's production and packaging processes.
Affected products include Crystal Temptations Chocolatey Eyeballs in 7 oz., 10 oz., 10.5 oz., 11 oz., and 16 oz. packaging. The recalled items were sold in several formats: a plastic bag with a designed header card (10 oz., style number 54040-CHEY), an acrylic box with designed paper wrap (7 oz., style number 54077-CHEY), a round plastic jar (10.5 oz., style number 58008-CHEY), a designer plastic pouch bag (16 oz., style number 58089-CHEY), and a plastic bag tied with a tag (11 oz., style number 54083-CHEY).
No other Crystal Temptations products or varieties are affected by this recall.
Consumers who purchased the recalled chocolate are advised to destroy the product immediately. Those seeking a refund should contact Crystal Temptations with proof of purchase at 201-246-7990.
The FDA notice emphasizes that people with milk allergies or severe sensitivity face the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume the affected candy. The warning comes as families across the country prepare for Halloween celebrations and candy distribution.
