Here’s what you need to know:
- Date: December 27
- Announced By: The FDA on December 27
- Company: Gardners Candies, Inc.
- Product: Gardners Candies Cappuccino Meltaway® Bars
- Cause: Undeclared Tree Nuts (Cashews)
- Product Details: 1.25 oz. white plastic package with lot # 082725 (expiration 08/27/25), also found in Meltaway Treat Boxes with lot numbers #101625 or #112525.
Keep reading to find out more!
What happened?
Gardners Candies has issued a voluntary recall for its Cappuccino Meltaway® Bars and Meltaway Treat Boxes that include them. Why? Because they may contain cashews—a tree nut that wasn’t listed on the packaging. The recalled products were distributed nationwide beginning on 09/01/2024 via retail stores and through mail orders via www.GardnersCandies.com. The recalled Gardners Candies brand Cappuccino Meltaway Bars are packaged in a 1.25 ounce (35g), white plastic package marked with lot # 082725 stamped along the side which also serves as the expiration date 08/27/25. This product can also be found in Gardners Meltaway Treat Box marked with lot # 101625 or 112525. Each Meltaway Treat Box includes 2 Cappuccino Meltaway Bars along with other flavors of bars packaged together in a generic holiday box.
Company | Product | Size | Lot code | Best by Date | Issue | Picture |
Gardners Candies Inc. | Gardners Candies brand Cappuccino Meltaway Bars | 1.25 ounce (35g), white plastic package | 082725 | 08/27/25 | Undeclared tree nuts (cashews) |  |
Gardners Candies Inc. | Gardners Meltaway Treat Box | includes 2 Cappuccino Meltaway Bars along with other flavors of bars packaged together in a generic holiday box. | 101625 or 112525 | Undeclared tree nuts (cashews) |  |
What caused the issue?
The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the tree nut-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of tree nuts. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company’s production and packaging processes. 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. This is one of the eight most common food allergens, and when it’s not disclosed on a product’s label, it can be a major problem. This is because some immune systems confuse certain proteins found in tree nuts as harmful. Your body goes on full alert mode and it releases histamine and other chemicals that cause allergic signs and symptoms. Among the most common food allergens we can find:
- Cow’s milk (dairy)
- Egg
- Peanut
- Tree nuts
- Sesame
- Soy
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Wheat
No illnesses have been reported to date.
Here’s what you should do
If you have purchased this product, take action! Here’s how:
- Check the label:
Gardners Candies brand Cappuccino Meltaway Bars
Lot code: 082725
Best by: 08/27/25
Gardners Meltaway Treat Box
Lot codes: 101625 or 112525 - Identify the product:
Gardners Candies brand Cappuccino Meltaway Bars 1.25 ounce (35g), white plastic package
Gardners Meltaway Treat Box includes 2 Cappuccino Meltaway Bars along with other flavors of bars packaged together in a generic holiday box. - What you should do:
Consumers who have purchased 1.25 oz. packages of Cappuccino Meltaway Bars or Meltaway Treat Boxes are urged to call the Gardners Candies corporate office for a replacement. - Contact info:
Those with questions can contact the company Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM (ET) at 1-800-242-2639.
Behind the brand
From boxed chocolates and peanut brittle to sugar-free candy and chocolate-covered pretzels, Gardners Candies offers a wide variety of premier chocolates and candies. Customers can shop at Gardners Candies stores in Huntingdon, State College, Altoona, DuBois, Indiana, Kittanning, and Johnstown, along with the flagship store in downtown Tyrone. Gardners Candies can also be found at over 100 retailer locations across 3 states, including places like grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores, and more!
Apparently, undeclared ingredients have been on a roll lately. On December 20th, Ralph’s Packing Company issued a recall for approximately 3,132 pounds of ready-to-eat pork and beef bologna products for misbranding and undeclared milk. And, this past December 20th, Lidl US recalled a significant amount of their Taste of Deutschland Buttered Vegetables 10.5 oz box for yes, undeclared milk, again.
Ensuring safe eats!
This incident highlights just how essential it is for companies to maintain strict quality control, especially when it comes to allergens. A small mistake can lead to major consequences. For consumers, it’s always a good idea to stay vigilant and double-check product labels.
“Incidents like this serve as a crucial reminder that food safety is a shared responsibility at every level of production. The smallest oversight in labeling or ingredient sourcing can have serious consequences for consumers, especially those with food allergies. It’s essential for companies to implement rigorous checks and foster a culture of transparency to ensure every product reaching the consumer is safe, reliable, and properly labeled.” Eran Mizrahi, Source86’ CEO.
Wanna know more about recalls like this one? Contact us!
