On October 12, 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a voluntary recall of specific bread products sold at Walmart and Kroger stores due to the discovery of “undeclared hazelnuts.” The bread in question is the Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf produced by Hartford Bakery Inc. The recall affects loaves with six identified lot codes, which have been removed from retail locations to prevent any potential health risks.
The recall is particularly significant for individuals with nut allergies, as consuming these products could lead to serious or life-threatening allergic reactions. The FDA emphasized that cross-contamination could pose grave dangers for those sensitive to hazelnuts. As a precaution, the contaminated bread was distributed to various states, including Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas, Missouri, Alabama, and Mississippi.
Consumers are urged to check their bread packages for the specified lot numbers, which are located on the front panel of the flexible plastic bags. The identified lot numbers include a series such as T10 174 010206, TH10 174 010406, among others. These lot codes are crucial for determining affected products, and consumers should be attentive to their purchases to ensure safety.
The recall was initiated after a total of 883 loaves were found to contain hazelnuts. While the packaging does indicate that the bread “May Contain Tree Nuts,” it fails to clearly state that it “Contains Hazelnuts,” creating a potential risk for unaware consumers. This lack of clarity could lead to inadvertent consumption by those with nut allergies, heightening the necessity for the recall.
In the FDA’s report, it was noted that there have been no significant injury or illness reports other than one case where a customer experienced digestive discomfort after consuming the bread. Additionally, Hartford Bakery received several consumer complaints from individuals who noticed the presence of hazelnuts prior to consumption, further corroborating the need for the recall.
Consumers who find these affected loaves in their pantries are advised to return them to the store where they made their purchase for a full refund. By being proactive and vigilant in addressing such recalls, customers can ensure their safety and well-being, alongside minimizing the risk of allergic reactions from undeclared ingredients.
