Gina Marie Bakery Recalls Cookies Over Undeclared Almonds, Sesame, and Food Dyes

Gina Marie Bakery recall: quick summary

Gina Marie Bakery issued a recall on September 10, 2025, after discovering that several of its cookies contained undeclared allergens and food dyes. The recalled products were distributed across multiple Connecticut and Massachusetts stores, sometimes even under a Nardelli’s label.

Among the surprise ingredients were almonds and sesame. The cookies also contained a colorful lineup of dyes, including Red 40, Yellow 6, and Blue 1, none of which were properly disclosed on the packaging. This labeling oversight poses serious risks to consumers with allergies or sensitivities, prompting the bakery to urge customers to return the cookies for a refund or contact their hotline for more information.

What happened?

On September 10, 2025, Gina Marie Bakery of Waterbury, Connecticut, recalled several varieties of its cookies due to the presence of undeclared allergens and food dyes. The cookies came in 1 lb and 2 lb clamshell containers and were sold across numerous Connecticut retailers and some Massachusetts stores.

The issue was discovered when the bakery realized that certain packages had skipped listing important ingredients like nuts, sesame, and enough Red 40 to paint a small car. As a result, although no illnesses have been reported, the recall was nevertheless launched to prevent serious allergic reactions.

Affected products

Brand	Product	Size	UPC / Barcode	Best By Date	Issue	Affected states
Gina Marie Bakery	Italian Mixed Vanilla Cookies	1 lb / 2 lb	N/A	N/A	Undeclared almonds, sesame, Red 40, Red 3, Blue 1	CT, MA
Gina Marie Bakery	Italian Sesame Cookies	1 lb	N/A	N/A	Undeclared Yellow 5, Red 40, Yellow 6	CT, MA
Gina Marie Bakery	Vanilla Chocolate Dipped Cookies	1 lb	N/A	N/A	Undeclared Red 40	CT, MA
Gina Marie Bakery	Vanilla with Apricot Jam Cookies	1 lb	N/A	N/A	Undeclared Red 40, Yellow 6	CT, MA
Gina Marie Bakery	Toasted Almond & Cherry Biscotti	1 lb	N/A	N/A	Undeclared Red 40	CT, MA
Gina Marie Bakery	Vanilla Cookies with Raspberry Peach Jam	1 lb	N/A	N/A	Undeclared Red 3, Blue 1	CT, MA

What caused the issue?

This wasn’t a case of burnt biscotti; it was a labeling problem. The cookies contained undeclared allergens and artificial food dyes. For individuals allergic to almonds, sesame, or sensitive to food dyes, the consequences can be serious and include life-threatening reactions.

So far, no illnesses have been reported. Still, for those prone to allergies, these cookies were a ticking time bomb disguised as a sweet treat. Children, individuals with nut or sesame allergies, and people sensitive to food dyes are most at risk.

Questions you might have

1. Are these cookies safe if I don’t have allergies?
   Technically, yes, but why risk it when Red 40 is hiding in plain sight?
2. How do I know if my package is affected?
   Check if it’s from Gina Marie Bakery, in a 1 lb or 2 lb clamshell, bought in CT or MA.
3. Were they sold nationwide?
   Nope, just in Connecticut and a sprinkle of Massachusetts.
4. What allergens are undeclared?
   Almonds, sesame, and multiple artificial food dyes.
5. Have there been any reported illnesses?
   None so far.
6. What should I do with the cookies?
   Return them for a full refund.
7. Can I just eat around the sprinkles or dyed parts?
   Nice try, but allergens don’t work like that.
8. Why weren’t the allergens labeled?
   Packaging oversight—think of it as the bakery’s oops moment.
9. What if I already ate them?
   If you’re not allergic, you’re probably fine. If you are allergic, monitor for symptoms and seek medical care if needed.
10. How can I contact the bakery?
    Call 203-596-8007 for more info.

Here’s what you should do

• Do not eat the cookies if you have allergies to nuts, sesame, or food dyes.
• Check the label for “Gina Marie Bakery” cookies in 1 lb or 2 lb clamshell containers.
• Identify whether you bought them from Connecticut or Massachusetts stores.
• Return them to the store for a full refund or call 203-596-8007.

Behind the brand

Gina Marie Bakery is based in Waterbury, Connecticut, specializing in Italian-style cookies and baked goods. With a long-standing presence in local supermarkets, the bakery is now taking corrective measures to fix its labeling process after this allergen misstep.

Other relevant recalls

• Blue Bell recalls Moo-llennium Crunch ice cream over undeclared almond, walnut, and pecan
• Ice Cream Factory recalls Vanilla G.Nutt ice cream over undeclared almonds
• Bonya recalls yogurt parfaits due to undeclared almonds
• Taylor Farms recalls Honey Balsamic Salad Kit over undeclared sesame and soy
• Sheehan Brothers Vending recalls multiple sandwiches over undeclared sesame allergen
• Shang Hao Jia, Inc. recalls Tofu over undeclared sesame
• Brazilian Taste recalls frozen chicken and beef croquette products over undeclared sesame allergen

“Food safety isn’t just about preventing recalls; it’s about building consumer trust and ensuring excellence in the supply chain every single day.” Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.

Ensuring safe eats

This recall highlights the importance of accurate labeling and allergen control in the food industry. For consumers, it’s a reminder to always check labels and stay alert to FDA announcements. For companies, it’s a call to action: rigorous testing, tighter quality control, and transparency are essential.

If you’ve purchased these cookies, don’t play allergen roulette. Return them for a refund.

At Source86, we help brands source bulk ingredients, private label solutions, and ensure food safety excellence across the supply chain. Let’s work together to make recalls a thing of the past. Contact us!