- Date Issued: March 5, 2025
- Company: Blooming Import Inc., Brooklyn, NY
- Product Recalled: Golden Crop Candy, 10 oz. wrapped candies
- Issue: Contains undeclared and unallowed colors — Blue 1, Red 40, and Acid Red 18
- Details: 74 cases distributed across NY, PA, MD, NJ, MA, MO, DE, and TX
- Health Risk: Potential allergic reactions or effects due to illegal additives
- Action: Don’t eat it! Toss it or return it to where you bought it
Wanna know more about what happened? Keep on reading!
What happened?
Golden Crop Candy is off the shelf—for good reason. On March 5, 2025, Blooming Import Inc. initiated a voluntary recall of 74 cases of its Golden Crop Candy after discovering it contained undeclared Blue 1 and Red 40, and the illegal (in the U.S.) food dye Acid Red 18. The FDA officially classified the recall as Class II, indicating a moderate risk.
So, what tipped them off? Regulators flagged the issue during routine sampling and review, revealing that they do not permit Acid Red 18 in food products in the U.S.—not just a labeling error. Yikes.
Here’s a snapshot of the recalled product:
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best By Date | Issue |
Golden Crop Candy | Wrapped Candies | 10 oz. | 73476513450 | Not provided | Undeclared Blue 1 & Red 40, unallowed Acid Red 18 |
Where was it sold?
You could’ve spotted these sweets in stores across New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Missouri, Delaware, and Texas.
What caused the issue?
This recall is not simply a matter of inaccurate labeling—it highlights a significant breach of food safety standards involving both undeclared and unapproved food color additives.
The substances in question: Blue 1, Red 40, and Acid Red 18
- Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF): The FDA approves this synthetic dye for use in food products, but manufacturers must clearly declare it on packaging. Failure to disclose its presence can be problematic for individuals with sensitivities or allergies.
- Red 40 (Allura Red AC): Red 40, which the United States approves for use, commonly appears in candies and beverages. Manufacturers must accurately list it on ingredient labels, like Blue 1, to help prevent adverse reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Acid Red 18 (Ponceau 4R): This coloring agent is not approved for use in food by the FDA. Though permitted in some other countries under controlled conditions, its use in U.S. food products is illegal due to insufficient safety data.
Potential health risks and affected consumers
Although no confirmed illnesses have linked to the recall, these ingredients—especially when undeclared—still pose significant risks that consumers shouldn’t overlook.
- Health concerns:
- Allergic reactions: rash, hives, itching
- Respiratory symptoms: wheezing or difficulty breathing (especially in those with asthma)
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Hyperactivity or behavioral effects in children, particularly linked to Red 40
- At-risk groups:
- Children, especially those with behavioral sensitivities such as ADHD
- Individuals with food dye allergies or intolerances
- Consumers with respiratory conditions
- Individuals adhering to additive-free or dye-restricted diets
Symptoms to monitor
Consumers who have ingested the product and are concerned should watch for:
- Skin reactions (itching, hives)
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face
- Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, cramping)
- Difficulty breathing
- Unusual behavior changes in children
If any of these symptoms occur, seek medical advice promptly.
10 common questions you might have
To further clarify the implications of this recall, here are answers to frequently asked questions:
- Is this candy dangerous?
Although the recall serves as a precaution, consuming undeclared and unapproved additives can still pose health risks to sensitive individuals. - What is Acid Red 18 and why is it banned?
The U.S. has not approved Acid Red 18, also known as Ponceau 4R, for food use due to a lack of conclusive safety data. Its use violates FDA regulations. - What are the risks of consuming undeclared Blue 1 or Red 40?
These dyes may trigger allergic reactions or behavioral effects, particularly in children or individuals with sensitivities. Their presence must be disclosed. - Is this a concern for children?
Yes. Children, especially those with hyperactivity or attention disorders, may be more susceptible to the effects of synthetic food dyes. - What should I do if I already consumed this product?
If you feel well, no action may be needed. However, if symptoms appear, consult a healthcare provider. - Are synthetic dyes always harmful?
Not inherently. When used properly and listed on product labels, they are generally considered safe. Problems arise when dyes are undeclared or unapproved. - Why was this issue not caught earlier?
Many such violations are identified during routine regulatory testing or inspections. It underscores the importance of supply chain transparency and compliance. - What is the difference between undeclared and unallowed additives?
“Undeclared” refers to approved ingredients that the label does not list. “Unallowed” refers to ingredients that the law does not permit in food products. - Can consumers return the product for a refund?
Yes. Consumers are encouraged to return the product to the point of purchase or dispose of it safely. - How can I avoid similar risks in the future?
Opt for products from reputable brands that prioritize clear labeling and regulatory compliance, and stay informed about FDA recall alerts.
Here’s what you should do
Before you dive into your sweet stash, double-check your wrappers. Here’s how to play it safe:
- Look for: “Golden Crop Candy” 10 oz. bag with UPC 73476513450
- If it matches: Don’t eat it.
- Options:
- Throw it away safely
- Return it to the store for a refund
- Contact Info: Blooming Import Inc., 45 Bowne St, Brooklyn, NY — or report concerns directly to the FDA
Behind the brand
Blooming Import Inc., based in Brooklyn, handles the distribution of various sweets, often targeting ethnic and specialty markets. They haven’t had a recall listed under their name in the FDA database—yet—but this isn’t their first encounter with regulatory scrutiny.
Similar recalls?
Yep. Recently, similar sticky situations have caught other brands:
- On April 11, 2025, May Flower International Inc. issued a recall of its Beijing Soybean Paste after the FDA found undeclared wheat in the product during a routine inspection.
- On April 14, 2025, Supplement Manufacturing Partners, Inc. issued a voluntary recall of its Dorado Nutrition brand Spermidine Maximum Strength 10mg Vegetable Capsules due to—brace yourself—undeclared wheat.
“Consumer safety begins with accurate and transparent labeling. When additives like artificial dyes—especially those not approved for use—go undeclared, it not only endangers public health but also erodes trust in food and import brands. This recall serves as a clear reminder that rigorous labeling and quality control aren’t just compliance measures—they’re critical to protecting people and preserving the integrity of the industry.” — Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.
Seems like color is this season’s hot topic—just not in the way we like.
Ensuring safe eats
This recall is another reminder that ingredient transparency isn’t just a regulatory checkbox—it’s essential for consumer trust. Unapproved and undeclared colors might seem harmless, but they can pose real risks for sensitive individuals, especially in bulk and wholesale scenarios where labels are often overlooked.
So what can manufacturers and importers do?
- Stay compliant: Know what’s allowed (and what’s not) in your distribution region.
- Label clearly: Especially for synthetic colors and additives
- Source smartly: Work with trusted partners who know their stuff
And for everyone else: if you’ve got this candy, don’t risk it. When in doubt, throw it out.
Need help sourcing high-quality, fully compliant ingredients? Talk to our team—we’re here to help you keep your products safe, your customers happy, and your shelves recall-free.
