Kayco Recalls Glicks Dark Chocolate Conettos Due to Undeclared Milk

• Date Issued: February 21, 2025
• Announced by: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Company: Kayco
• Product: Glicks Dark Chocolate Conettos
• Issue: Undeclared milk allergen
• Product Details: 2.47 oz packages, Lot Code 02092024
• Action: Consumers advised to inspect products and return affected items

Stick around to find out more about this recall!

What happened?

On February 21, 2025, Kayco, a company based in Bayonne, New Jersey, issued a recall for their Glicks Dark Chocolate Conettos due to the presence of undeclared milk. This recall was initiated after Kayco’s Quality Control Department discovered that some packages labeled as “Dark Chocolate Conettos” contained Milk Chocolate Conettos, which include milk not declared on the label. The affected products were distributed nationwide, primarily in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, between October 13, 2024, and February 14, 2025. Some units were also sold on Amazon.com.

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Lot Code	Issue
Glicks	Dark Chocolate Conettos	2.47 oz	840762044535	Lot Code 02092024	Undeclared milk

What caused the issue?

The recall was prompted when Kayco’s Quality Control team identified that a limited number of bags labeled as “Dark Chocolate Conettos” mistakenly contained Milk Chocolate Conettos. This mislabeling poses a significant health risk to individuals with milk allergies or severe sensitivities, as consuming these products could lead to serious or life-threatening allergic reactions. Symptoms of a milk allergy can range from mild reactions, such as hives and stomach upset, to severe anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention. Fortunately, no illnesses or injuries have been reported to date.

Undeclared allergens refer to allergenic substances present in a food product that are not listed on its label. This omission can occur due to manufacturing errors, such as cross-contamination or incorrect packaging, leading to serious health risks for consumers with food allergies. The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) mandates that food manufacturers clearly label products containing major food allergens, including milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame. Failure to do so can result in severe allergic reactions among sensitive individuals.

Questions you might have

1. What is an undeclared allergen?
   • An undeclared allergen is an allergenic substance present in a food product that is not listed on the product’s label, posing potential health risks to individuals with specific food allergies.
2. How can undeclared allergens end up in food products?
   • Undeclared allergens can result from manufacturing errors such as cross-contamination, incorrect labeling, or packaging mistakes where a product contains an allergen not declared on its label.
3. What are the major food allergens that should be declared on labels?
   • The major food allergens include milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame.
4. What should I do if I have a food allergy and consume a product with an undeclared allergen?
   • If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction after consuming such a product, seek immediate medical attention. Retain the product and its packaging, and report the incident to the manufacturer and the FDA.
5. How can I identify if a product has been recalled due to undeclared allergens?
   • Stay informed by regularly checking official sources such as the FDA’s recall announcements and subscribing to food safety alerts.
6. Are there legal requirements for labeling allergens in food products?
   • Yes, under the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA), manufacturers are required to clearly label any of the major food allergens present in their products.
7. Can undeclared allergens affect individuals without known food allergies?
   • While undeclared allergens primarily pose risks to those with known allergies, unintentional exposure can lead to sensitization or unexpected reactions in some individuals.
8. What actions are taken when a product is found to contain undeclared allergens?
   • The manufacturer typically initiates a voluntary recall of the affected product, and the FDA monitors and announces such recalls to inform the public.
9. How can manufacturers prevent undeclared allergens in their products?
   • Manufacturers can implement strict quality control measures, regular equipment cleaning to prevent cross-contamination, accurate labeling practices, and employee training on allergen management.
10. Where can I report a food product that I believe contains undeclared allergens?
    • Reports can be made to the FDA’s Consumer Complaint Coordinator in your area or through the FDA’s online MedWatch program.

If you want to know more about past recalls, visit: FDA Recalls and Our Recall Archive.

Here’s what you should do

• Check Your Pantry: Inspect your Glicks Dark Chocolate Conettos for Lot Code 02092024.
• Locate the Lot Code: The Lot Code can be found on the back of the package near the nutritional information.
• If Affected: Do not consume the product. Return it to the place of purchase for a credit or refund.
• Contact Information: For questions, reach out to Kayco at [email protected] or call 718-369-4600, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern Time.

Behind the brand

Kayco is a well-established company based in Bayonne, NJ, known for producing a wide range of food products under various brands, including Glicks. While this is a notable recall for Kayco, it’s important to recognize that recalls due to undeclared allergens are not uncommon in the food industry. For instance, last week Kedake Inc. recalled their Botana Mix Snacks due to undeclared allergens. As well as JE Bakery that recalled their Bran Muffins due to undeclared Walnuts. The Pasty Oven also announced a recall on their frozen meat and poultry pasties due to undeclared egg allergen. 

“Ensuring consumer safety hinges on meticulous labeling practices. When allergens are not properly declared, it undermines public trust and poses significant health risks. This incident underscores the necessity for food manufacturers to implement rigorous quality control measures, ensuring that all potential allergens are accurately disclosed to protect consumers.”  Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.

Ensuring safe eats

This recall highlights the critical importance of accurate labeling in the food industry. Undeclared allergens can pose severe health risks to consumers, especially those with known allergies. It’s imperative for companies to implement stringent quality control measures to prevent such issues. As a consumer, always check product labels and stay informed about recalls to ensure the safety of your food choices. If you’ve purchased the affected Glicks Dark Chocolate Conettos, please follow the instructions above to return the product. 

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