Lipari Foods Recalls Product Over Undeclared Milk Risk

Date Issued: June 20, 2025
Announced By: FDA on June 20, 2025
Company: Lipari Foods
Product: JLM Dark Chocolate Nonpareils
Issue: Contains undeclared milk allergen
Product Details: 14 oz clear plastic tub with multiple lot codes
Take Action: Return to the store for a full refund or contact Lipari directly

Wanna know what happened and how this affects the industry? Keep on reading!

What Happened?

Another day, another chocolate twist—this time it’s milk stealing the spotlight uninvited. On June 20, 2025, Lipari Foods issued a voluntary recall of its JLM Branded Dark Chocolate Nonpareils. These cocoa-dotted delights were found to contain undeclared milk, posing a serious risk for those with milk allergies.

The issue was flagged after Weaver Nut Company (yes, the same folks behind a similar recall earlier this week) notified Lipari of their own recall involving the same product. Turns out, the milk-containing treats were packaged without milk listed on the label. Whoops.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Best By / Lot Code	Issue
JLM (Lipari)	Dark Chocolate Nonpareils	14 oz	N/A	28202501A, 29202501A, 23202504A, 14202505A, 15202505A, 03202506A	Undeclared milk allergen

What Caused the Issue?

The core issue? Milk made a surprise appearance in a product that didn’t mention it anywhere on the label. That’s not just a minor slip—it’s a major food safety hazard.

The JLM Dark Chocolate Nonpareils, distributed nationwide by Lipari Foods, were found to contain undeclared milk. This happened when Lipari was notified by its supplier, Weaver Nut Company, who had already initiated a recall for the same issue. The oversight likely occurred during manufacturing or packaging, where allergen cross-contact or incorrect labeling took place.

Milk is one of the top 9 major food allergens identified by the FDA. For the 32 million Americans with food allergies, including roughly 1 in 50 children who are allergic to milk, this kind of mistake can have serious health consequences.

Why Undeclared Milk Is Dangerous:

Lack of visibility: Consumers rely on allergen declarations to stay safe. Missing that info puts vulnerable people at risk.
Hidden ingredients: Even trace amounts of milk protein can trigger reactions in those with high sensitivity.
High-risk groups: Young children, individuals with anaphylactic histories, and those managing multiple allergies.

Common Symptoms of Milk Allergy Exposure:

Skin reactions: Hives, rashes, swelling
Gastrointestinal distress: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Respiratory issues: Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath
Severe reactions: Anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate emergency care

10 Questions You Might Have

Q: What’s wrong with the JLM Dark Chocolate Nonpareils?
A: They may contain milk, which is not listed on the label—a serious concern for those with milk allergies.
Q: Is it safe to eat these if I’m not allergic to milk?
A: Yes, the product poses no risk to individuals without milk allergies. However, it should still be returned due to mislabeling.
Q: How do I know if I bought the affected product?
A: Check the bottom label of the 14 oz tub for lot numbers: 28202501A, 29202501A, 23202504A, 14202505A, 15202505A, or 03202506A.
Q: I ate these and I’m allergic to milk—what should I do?
A: Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any symptoms. Even delayed reactions can be serious.
Q: Has anyone gotten sick from this recall?
A: As of now, no illnesses have been reported. But the risk remains real for allergic individuals.
Q: Where were these products sold?
A: Nationwide at retail stores. If you’ve purchased JLM products recently, check your labels.
Q: What does undeclared milk mean?
A: It means the product contains milk ingredients, but this is not stated anywhere on the label—making it dangerous for people with allergies.
Q: How can I return the product?
A: Return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. No receipt is typically needed for recalled products.
Q: Who do I contact if I have questions?
A: Call Lipari Foods at (586) 447-3500 ext:9720 for more information.
Q: How can I avoid these kinds of recalls in the future?
A: Stay updated on FDA recall alerts, double-check labels, and consider shopping from brands with strict allergen control protocols.

Here’s What You Should Do

Lipari Foods JLM Dark Chocolate Nonpareils

If you’ve got a tub of these nonpareils sitting in your pantry, take a pause before you snack.

Here’s how to handle it:

Check the bottom label for affected lot numbers listed above.
Return the product to the store for a full refund.
Call Lipari Foods with questions at (586) 447-3500 ext: 9720.
Don’t risk it—especially if milk allergies are a concern in your household.

Behind the Brand

Lipari Foods, based in Warren, MI, has grown from a humble station-wagon operation into a food distribution powerhouse. Today, they serve over 16,000 customers across 32 states with deli, dairy, bakery, and packaged products.

This isn’t the first time chocolate nonpareils have gotten brands into hot water—Weaver Nut Company recalled a nearly identical product this same week for—you guessed it—undeclared milk. Similar recalls these past weeks:

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.
On June 20, 2025, International Foodsource, LLC recalled their SE Grocers-branded Dark Chocolate Nonpareils due to undeclared milk.
On June 13, 2025, Meijer voluntarily recalled select packages of Frederik’s Dark Chocolate Almonds after discovering a nutty mix-up: some almond pouches actually contain dark chocolate-covered cashews.
On June 12, 2025, Vita Warehouse Corp. recalled select Vitamin B12 gummy supplements under the Welby®, Berkley Jensen®, and VitaGlobe™ brands due to undeclared peanut allergen.
On June 12, 2025, Turkana Food recalled 352 cases of Floria Dried Apricots due to undeclared sulfites, a known allergen.

“Allergen labeling isn’t just about ticking a regulatory box—it’s a vital safeguard. When something as common as milk is missing from the label, it’s not only a serious health risk for allergic consumers—it also erodes trust throughout the entire food supply chain.” said Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.

Ensuring Safe Eats

Food recalls like this highlight just how important supplier due diligence and accurate labeling are—especially for brands in the bulk and wholesale space. Undeclared allergens aren’t just paperwork errors; they’re serious food safety failures that shake consumer trust across the supply chain.

Manufacturers and co-packers need:

Strong allergen controls during production
Vigilant label reviews before distribution
Clear communication with retailers and consumers when things go wrong

This is a call to stay proactive. Not reactive.

Need help sourcing ingredients with top-tier safety standards? Want to ensure your next product launch avoids label mishaps? Chat with our team at Source86 and explore our curated selection of compliant, high-quality ingredients. Let’s raise the bar together.