- Date of Recall: October 31, 2024
- Company Name: Legally Addictive Foods
- Product: The O.G. Cookies
- Issue: Rancid taste reported by consumers
- Packaging Details: 4.7 oz & 1.34 oz packages
- Best By Dates: 12/24/24 and 5/6/25
- Action: Stop consumption and return or discard product
- States Affected: Illinois and Pennsylvania
Shall we learn more about what happened?
What happened?
Legally Addictive Foods, known for their sweet-and-salty cookie mashups, has issued a voluntary recall of its flagship product, The O.G. Cookies, following multiple consumer complaints about a rancid flavor. The recall was officially initiated on October 31, 2024, and is being treated as a Class II recall—meaning it poses a low risk of serious health problems but might cause temporary or reversible effects.
While the term “rancid” might not spark the same alarm bells as “E. coli” or “Listeria,” the concern is real. Spoiled ingredients can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort and certainly damage a brand’s reputation in the wholesale snack space.
Legally Addictive identified the issue through consumer feedback and has taken swift action to remove the product from store shelves.
Product details:
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best By Date | Issue |
Legally Addictive | The O.G. Cookies | 4.7 oz | 8 54766 00802 8 | 12/24/24 | Rancid taste |
Legally Addictive | The O.G. Cookies | 1.34 oz | 8 54766 02800 4 | 5/6/25 | Rancid taste |
Where it was sold: The recalled cookies were distributed to retailers in Illinois and Pennsylvania.
How to Identify It: Look for the Lot #122424 and check the Best By dates listed above.
What caused the issue?
In this case, it wasn’t bacteria, allergens, or foreign objects hiding in the cookie dough—it was something a little sneakier: rancidity.
Rancidity occurs when fats and oils in food break down due to exposure to oxygen, heat, or light. This process—known as oxidation—can cause a noticeable change in flavor, smell, and even color. In the case of The O.G. Cookies, several consumers reported a rancid or off taste, triggering this voluntary recall.
Why it matters:
While rancid food isn’t always immediately dangerous, it can carry health risks—especially if consumed in large quantities or by sensitive individuals.
Health risks associated with rancid foods:
- Digestive issues like nausea, cramping, or diarrhea
- Headaches or dizziness in some cases
- Oxidized fats may contribute to long-term health issues if consumed frequently (some studies link them to inflammation and heart health concerns)
- Off-putting sensory experience which can damage consumer trust and brand loyalty
Who’s most at risk?
- Children and infants
- Pregnant people
- Elderly consumers
- People with compromised immune or digestive systems
- Individuals with food intolerances or sensitivities
No illnesses have been reported so far, but that doesn’t mean the issue should be taken lightly. Rancid products signal a quality control problem and should never be on the shelf.
10 common questions you might have
Q1: What does “rancid” taste like?
A1: Rancid foods often have a sour, metallic, or soapy taste. Some describe it as tasting like old oil or cardboard.
Q2: Can I get sick from eating a rancid cookie?
A2: You might experience nausea or an upset stomach, but serious illness is unlikely from a small amount.
Q3: Are rancid foods toxic?
A3: They’re not typically toxic in small doses, but regularly consuming oxidized fats isn’t recommended.
Q4: How do fats go rancid in packaged foods?
A4: Fats can degrade when exposed to air, light, or high temperatures during production, storage, or transport.
Q5: Are the symptoms immediate?
A5: If symptoms appear, they’ll usually show up within a few hours—think bloating, nausea, or indigestion.
Q6: How can I tell if my cookies are rancid?
A6: Trust your senses. If they smell off, taste strange, or appear discolored, don’t eat them.
Q7: Can I still return the cookies if I already opened them?
A7: Yes! You can return the product—even opened—at the place of purchase or contact the company directly.
Q8: Is this a one-time issue or should I be worried about this brand?
A8: This is Legally Addictive’s first reported recall. They’ve responded quickly, which shows accountability.
Q9: Could improper storage be to blame?
A9: It’s possible. High temps or long transit times can speed up oxidation if packaging isn’t airtight.
Q10: What should I do with the recalled product?
A10: Do not consume it. Return it to the store for a refund or discard it safely. Check the lot number to confirm.
Here’s what you should do
- Don’t eat it.
- Check the label for UPCs, lot number #122424, and the best-by dates (12/24/24 or 5/6/25).
- Return the product to the place of purchase for a refund or simply discard it.
- Questions? Contact Legally Addictive Foods directly via their website or customer service number listed on packaging.
Behind the brand
Legally Addictive Foods is based in Weaverville, North Carolina, and has built a loyal following with its unique cookie-cracker hybrid snacks. Their “legal” indulgences are sold nationwide and have generally maintained a clean record—until now.
While this is the first known recall for Legally Addictive, it’s not the first time a food brand has had to pull product over spoilage complaints. In recent weeks, similar quality-related recalls have popped up. For example, on February 21, 2025, Danone US, LLC initiated a voluntary recall of over 75,000 bottles of two flavors of International Delight coffee creamers due to premature spoilage and associated illnesses.
“Even the most beloved snack brands can face hiccups when it comes to maintaining freshness. This recall is a clear reminder of how vital it is for companies to implement rigorous quality checks and remain transparent with their customers. In today’s food landscape, consumer trust hinges on proactive measures and consistent oversight from production to shelf.” — Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.
These quality issues serve as a reminder that even the best-loved snack brands must keep tight control over ingredient sourcing and storage protocols.
Ensuring safe eats
While a rancid cookie might not sound as serious as an E. coli outbreak, it still highlights an important industry issue: product integrity. Whether you’re a co-packer, importer, or private label producer, maintaining freshness from production to shelf is critical. Ingredient spoilage—even without pathogens—can quickly damage trust and sales.
To avoid situations like this, food brands should:
- Audit supply chains regularly
- Use high-stability fats
- Invest in better packaging
- Monitor shelf life during transit and storage
If you’ve purchased these recalled cookies, don’t risk it—toss them or return them.
And if you’re in the business of making snacks and need high-quality, shelf-stable ingredients? At Source86, we’re here to help. For more insights, feel free to contact us or explore our range of premium ingredients. Let’s keep your treats tasty and your shelves safe!
