Here’s what you should know:
- Date: January 30, 2025
- Announced by: The FDA on January 30, 2025
- Company: United Natural Trading LLC
- Brand: Fresh Direct
- Product: Fresh Direct Dark Chocolate Covered Pretzels
- Issue: Undeclared milk allergen
Keep reading to find out more!
What happened?
On January 30, United Natural Trading LLC from Edinson NJ issued a recall for their Fresh Direct Dark Chocolate Covered Pretzels for the presence of an undeclared milk allergen. The products were shipped via online sales through a third-party vendor site, in limited quantities to the Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York areas. The issue was discovered during an internal review of the label management system as an action item from an internal non-conformance.
Description | Lot Number | Best By Date | UPC# |
Fresh Direct Dark Chocolate Covered Pretzels | 24353 | 06/30/2025 | 811102026276 |
What caused the issue?
The issue at hand is the undeclared milk allergen in the Fresh Direct Dark Chocolate Covered Pretzels. The presence of milk is particularly concerning because milk is one of the top 8 allergens that can cause severe reactions in sensitive individuals. An allergic reaction can be triggered even by small amounts of milk that are unintentionally included in a product. The reactions can range from mild (like hives or stomach upset) to more severe and life-threatening situations (like anaphylaxis, which can involve swelling of the throat and difficulty breathing).
Risks for Consumers
- Anaphylaxis: A severe allergic reaction that can cause swelling of the throat and restrict breathing. It can be fatal if not treated immediately with an epinephrine injection (EpiPen).
- Hives and Swelling: More common, but still uncomfortable. Can affect the face, lips, tongue, and other parts of the body.
- Stomach Issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach cramps can also occur in individuals with a milk allergy.
- Respiratory Problems: Wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath.
- Chronic Symptoms: Some people with milk allergies experience lingering or delayed symptoms like skin irritation or digestive issues.
Who’s At Risk?
1. People with a milk allergy: This group is at the highest risk. Even trace amounts of milk can trigger severe allergic reactions. Milk allergies are particularly common in children but can affect adults as well.
2. Those with lactose intolerance: Though not life-threatening like an allergy, those who are lactose intolerant might experience digestive issues such as bloating, cramps, and diarrhea. While it doesn’t involve the immune system, it’s still unpleasant.
3. People with a sensitivity to dairy proteins (casein or whey): This is slightly different from a milk allergy but can still cause a range of symptoms similar to an allergic reaction.
4. Families with young children: Parents of children with known milk allergies need to be extra cautious about unexpected allergens in products.
10 questions you might have
1. How do I know if I have the affected product?
Look for the lot number 24353, the UPC code 811102026276, and a Best By Date of 06/30/2025. The product will be labeled as Fresh Direct Dark Chocolate Covered Pretzels. Check the back of the package for these details.
2. Is this product dangerous for everyone?
No. Only those with a milk allergy or milk sensitivity should be concerned. If you don’t have any issues with milk, the pretzels should be safe for you to eat.
3. What should I do if I’ve already eaten some?
If you ate the affected product and you’re not allergic to milk, you probably don’t need to worry. However, if you experience any symptoms like stomach upset, hives, or trouble breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
4. How do I return the product for a refund?
Keep your proof of purchase (receipt, online order, etc.) and contact United Natural Trading LLC at 732-650-9905 between 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST, Monday to Friday. You can also discard the product.
5. What are the symptoms of a milk allergy reaction?
Milk allergy symptoms can range from skin reactions like hives to respiratory issues (e.g., wheezing, shortness of breath) and digestive discomfort. In severe cases, it can cause anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening.
6. Is anaphylaxis common in milk allergies?
Yes, while not everyone will experience anaphylaxis, it is one of the most serious risks for those with a milk allergy. This is why it’s critical to avoid milk-containing products altogether if you’re allergic.
7. Was there any confirmed illness from these pretzels?
No, as of now, there have been no reported illnesses or complaints related to this recall. The company issued the recall as a precautionary measure after an internal review.
8. How can I avoid similar issues in the future?
Always check the product labels for allergen information, even for familiar items. If you have a milk allergy, avoid eating products that don’t clearly declare their ingredients. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer for clarification.
9. Are other products from Fresh Direct affected?
As of this recall, only the Fresh Direct Dark Chocolate Covered Pretzels are affected. However, it’s always a good idea to stay up to date on other recalls in the future by visiting the FDA website or checking news updates.
10. What happens if I don’t act on this recall?
If you have a milk allergy and consume the recalled pretzels, you could face serious health risks, including anaphylactic shock. If you don’t have an allergy, you might experience mild digestive discomfort or other non-severe reactions. It’s best to follow the recall instructions to ensure your safety.
Here’s what you should do
If you have purchased this product, take action! Here’s how:
- Check the label:
- UPC code: 811102026276
- Lot code: 24353
- Best by: 06/30/2025
- Identify the product:
- Fresh Direct Dark Chocolate Covered Pretzels
- What you should do:
- Consumers who have any remaining product with this lot number should not consume it and discard it. They should keep their online receipts, packaging reflecting lot numbers, or any other proof of purchase they may have for a refund.
- Contact info:
- Those with questions may contact the company at 732-650-9905, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST) Monday – Friday.
Ensuring safe eats!
The food industry is all about ensuring we get what we expect when we open that snack bag. Consumers deserve to know exactly what’s in the products they buy – especially when it comes to allergens. The good news is that, as soon as this issue was discovered, United Natural Trading acted quickly to recall the product.
“Food safety is non-negotiable, and incidents like this remind us of how crucial it is to maintain rigorous processing standards at every step of the supply chain. Even a small lapse can lead to serious health risks. As an industry, we must remain vigilant and transparent, ensuring that consumers can trust the quality and safety of every product they bring into their homes.” Eran Mizrahi, Source86’s CEO.
