BALTIMORE, MD (December 23, 2025) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that Atwater’s is recalling certain cookie tins due to undeclared tree nut allergens, including almonds, pecans, and walnuts. According to the FDA, the company packaged and distributed the affected products without labels disclosing the presence of these allergens, creating a serious health risk for consumers with tree nut allergies.
The company voluntarily initiated the recall after discovering a breakdown in its labeling process. The FDA confirmed that no illnesses have been reported to date, but warned that people with allergies or severe sensitivities to tree nuts could face serious or life-threatening reactions if they consume the recalled cookies.
Atwater’s recall: quick summary
Atwater’s has recalled 197 cookie tins after identifying undeclared tree nut allergens on product labels. The recall affects products distributed in parts of Maryland between mid-December and just before the holidays. The FDA reported that no adverse reactions have occurred, but emphasized that undeclared allergens remain one of the leading causes of food recalls in the U.S. The agency advised consumers who purchased the cookie tins to return them for a full refund.
Official recall details
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Recall announcement date: December 22, 2025
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Published by: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
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Company: Atwater’s
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Product: Atwater’s cookie tins
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Issue: Undeclared tree nut allergens (almonds, pecans, walnuts)
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Product details: Circular metal cookie tins with a bow and an “Atwater’s cookie tin” label on the bottom
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Distribution: Baltimore, Towson, and Catonsville, Maryland
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Consumer action: Return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund
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Want to know more about what happened? Keep reading.
What happened?
The FDA said Atwater’s initiated the recall after discovering that it distributed cookie tins containing almonds, pecans, and walnuts in packaging that failed to disclose those allergens. The company announced the recall on December 22, 2025, in coordination with the FDA.
In its recall notice, the FDA warned that “people who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to tree nuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products.” The company told regulators it became aware of the issue during a review of its labeling process. A subsequent investigation found that the error stemmed from a temporary breakdown in labeling controls.
Atwater’s distributed the affected cookie tins from December 13 through December 22, 2025, through its retail locations and three wholesale partners, and also gifted some of the products to customers.
Affected products
Brand | Product | Issue | Affected areas |
|---|---|---|---|
Atwater’s | Cookie tins | Undeclared tree nuts | MD (select cities) |
What caused the issue?
According to the FDA notice, the recall was caused by mislabeling, not contamination. The undeclared presence of almonds, pecans, and walnuts poses significant risks for individuals with tree nut allergies. Symptoms can range from hives and swelling to difficulty breathing and anaphylaxis. The agency confirmed that no illnesses or allergic reactions have been reported so far.
Questions you might have
If you have a tree nut allergy and experience symptoms, seek medical care immediately. Those without allergies are unlikely to be affected.
People with allergies or severe sensitivities to almonds, pecans, or walnuts face the highest risk.
Symptoms may include hives, swelling, itching, trouble breathing, or anaphylaxis in severe cases.
No illnesses or allergic reactions have been reported so far, according to the FDA.
The recalled item is a circular metal cookie tin with a bow and an “Atwater’s cookie tin” label on the bottom.
The cookie tins were distributed in Baltimore, Towson, and Catonsville, Maryland.
People without tree nut allergies are not expected to experience health effects, but returning the product is still recommended.
Consumers should return the cookie tins to the place of purchase for a full refund.
The recall was issued because the packaging failed to disclose the presence of tree nut allergens.
Consumers can contact Atwater’s directly at 410-644-3435 with questions or refund inquiries.
Here’s what you should do
- Return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund
- Check the bottom label to identify the recalled item
- Contact Atwater’s at 410-644-3435 with questions or refund requests
Behind the brand
Atwater’s is a Baltimore-based bakery and café company known for breads, pastries, and desserts. In its recall notice, the company stated that it has ceased distribution of the affected cookie tins and is working closely with the FDA to correct the labeling issue. Source86 reached out to Atwater’s for additional comment, but has not yet received a response.
Other relevant recalls
Undeclared allergen recalls remain common across the food industry. In recent months, Source86 has reported on similar allergen-related recalls involving baked goods and confectionery items, including Gregory’s Foods’ recall of Bag Full of Cookies frozen cookie dough due to undeclared peanuts, South Asian Food Inc.’s recall of Bengal King Jhal Chanachur for undeclared peanuts, and Jody’s Inc.’s recall of Cabot Creamery Sea Salt Caramel Cheddar Popcorn after peanuts were not listed on the label. Many of these products were distributed during peak holiday periods, when high production volumes and seasonal packaging changes can increase the risk of labeling errors.
Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, said that while the Atwater’s recall highlights a single labeling failure, it reflects a broader issue:
“Food safety isn’t just about compliance; it’s about trust. Every recall reminds us how vital transparency, rigorous checks, and supplier accountability really are.”
Ensuring safe eats
This recall underscores how critical accurate allergen labeling is, especially during holidays when products are widely shared. Preventing similar issues requires strong quality controls, employee training, and verification at every packaging stage. Consumers should return the recalled cookie tins and remain alert to FDA notices.
At Source86, we support food brands with ingredient sourcing, FSQA oversight, and private label production, helping ensure that when recalls occur, supply chains are prepared to respond quickly and responsibly. Let’s talk.
