Hartford Bakery Issues Allergy Alert for Lewis Bake Shop Bread Over Undeclared Hazelnuts

• Date Issued: July 10, 2025
• Announced by: U.S. FDA on July 10, 2025
• Company: Hartford Bakery, Inc.
• Brand/Product: Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style ½ Loaf
• Issue: Contains undeclared hazelnuts
• Risk: Serious allergic reactions in nut-sensitive individuals
• Distribution Area: Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas, Missouri, Alabama, Mississippi
• How to Act: Return the product for a full refund or contact Hartford Bakery for assistance
• UPDATE (July 14): A previous version of this press release was issued on July 10, 2025. This update on July 11, 2025 (FDA published July 14) adds six more lot codes, expanding the total to twelve.

Stick around to learn what caused this nutty mix-up!

What Happened?

On July 10, 2025, Hartford Bakery, Inc. announced a voluntary recall of TWELVE six production lots of its Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style ½ Loaf. The company discovered visible hazelnuts in loaves mistakenly labeled as white bread products, which triggered the recall. The error occurred due to a packaging change that was not properly managed. While the bag included a generic “May Contain Tree Nuts” statement, it failed to disclose that the bread definitely contained hazelnuts—a critical omission for allergic consumers.

The company received consumer complaints and confirmed that 883 loaves were distributed with this labeling mistake. One individual reported mild digestive issues, but no serious injuries have been confirmed to date.

Sold At: Kroger, Walmart, and other regional retailers
Distributed in: 12 states across the Midwest and South

What Caused the Issue?

The recall was triggered by a packaging change error during production. A batch of hazelnut-containing bread was mistakenly packaged in bags labeled for a hazelnut-free variety. This led to undeclared allergens being present in a product that could easily end up in the hands of vulnerable consumers.

Why this matters: 

Hazelnuts are one of the eight major allergens regulated under FDA food labeling laws. For individuals with nut allergies, consuming undeclared hazelnuts can cause a range of symptoms from mild to life-threatening.

Potential Health Risks:

• Mild symptoms: Itching, hives, stomach cramps, or nausea
• Moderate symptoms: Vomiting, shortness of breath, or swelling of the lips/tongue
• Severe symptoms (anaphylaxis): Rapid drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing

Who is at Risk?

• People with diagnosed tree nut allergies (specifically hazelnuts)
• Children, who are more prone to food allergies
• Individuals are unaware they have an allergy

10 Common Questions You Might Have

1. Q: I bought this bread. How do I know if mine is affected?
   A: Check the front panel for lot codes T10 174010206 through T10 174020406 and the best by date of 07/13/2025.
   
2. Q: What happens if someone with a hazelnut allergy eats it?
   A: They could experience mild to severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.
   
3. Q: Was this sold at national retailers?
   A: Yes, including Kroger and Walmart across 12 states.
   
4. Q: Is it enough that the packaging says “May Contain Tree Nuts”?
   A: No. The FDA requires specific allergens like hazelnuts, to be explicitly listed if they are ingredients.
   
5. Q: Have there been any hospitalizations?
   A: No serious illnesses have been reported so far, but one person experienced digestive discomfort.
   
6. Q: What should I do with the bread?
   A: Return it to the place of purchase for a full refund or dispose of it if allergic concerns apply.
   
7. Q: Can I get a replacement instead of a refund?
   A: Contact Hartford Bakery directly at 1-812-425-4642 to inquire.
   
8. Q: Is this the only Hartford product affected?
   A: Yes, only the twelve six specified lots of this product are being recalled.
   
9. Q: How could this kind of mix-up happen?
   A: A packaging error occurred during a production changeover involving different bread types.
   
10. Q: Where can I report symptoms or reactions?
    A: Call your doctor immediately and report the case to Hartford Bakery and the FDA’s MedWatch program.

Here’s What You Should Do:

To identify and act on this recall:

• Look for these lot codes: T10 174010206 through T10 174020406
• UPC: 24126018152 (found on the bottom of the bag)
• Expiration Date: 07/13/2025
• Return the product to the retailer for a full refund
• Call Hartford Bakery at 1-812-425-4642 (Monday–Friday, 8am–3pm CST) for questions

Behind the Brand

Hartford Bakery, Inc., based in Evansville, Indiana, is known for distributing bread under the Lewis Bake Shop brand. This recall shines a light on the wider pattern of allergen-related recalls in the industry. Similar issues have arisen recently, including:

• On June 26, 2025, Shang Hao Jia, Inc. issued a recall of 50 cases of Danshi brand Spicy Shredded Tofu due to undeclared sesame.
• On June 25, 2025, Mellace Family Brands California, Inc. issued a product recall on Wegmans Semi-Sweet Chocolate Nonpareils due to the presence of an undeclared milk allergen.
• On June 25, 2025, Kilwins Quality Confections issued a recall of its Mocha Truffles due to undeclared pecans.
• On June 20, 2025, Lipari Foods issued a voluntary recall of its JLM Branded Dark Chocolate Nonpareils due to undeclared milk.
• On June 20, 2025, Sabores Fit Bakery, doing business as Sabores A Tu Mesa, issued a voluntary recall after discovering that several of their mousse dessert flavors contained undeclared major allergens—a serious misstep in food safety compliance.

“Proper allergen labeling isn’t just a regulatory checkbox—it’s a critical safety measure. When a known allergen like hazelnuts goes undeclared, it puts the health of sensitive consumers at serious risk and undermines confidence throughout the supply chain.” said Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.

Labeling errors like these are a recurring problem, often preventable with stricter protocols.

Ensuring Safe Eats

Recalls like this one serve as a stark reminder that accurate labeling is not optional, especially in the context of allergens. One misstep in packaging or communication can lead to serious health risks and damage consumer trust.

For manufacturers, importers, and private label brands, this is a case study in why supplier transparency, allergen control programs, and label audits are essential.

A few best practices for avoiding similar issues:

• Implement strict changeover protocols
• Train staff to manage label accuracy
• Maintain open communication across your supply chain

If you’re sourcing bulk ingredients or developing private label products, let’s connect! At Source86, we help food businesses access reliable, compliant suppliers and stay ahead of potential risks.

Reach out to our team today for guidance on sourcing safe, high-quality ingredients!