- Date Issued: April 26, 2025
- Announced By: FDA on April 26, 2025
- Company Name: Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company LLC
- Product Name: Mauna Loa Dark Chocolate Covered Macadamias (0.6oz and 4oz bags)
- Issue: Undeclared cashews and almonds (major allergens!)
- Product Details: 0.6oz and 4oz bags, specific lot numbers, best by dates, and UPC codes
- Action: Consumers with nut allergies should not consume the product; return for a refund
Wanna know more about what happened and how it impacts the industry? Stick around!
What happened?
Grab your macadamias and take a seat—because Mauna Loa just dropped a recall bomb.
On April 26, 2025, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company LLC announced a voluntary recall of their Dark Chocolate Covered Macadamias in 0.6oz and 4oz bags. Why? Because of undeclared almonds and cashews hiding in the chocolatey goodness!
The discovery came during Mauna Loa’s internal quality control checks—shout out to their team for catching it before anyone got hurt! Sadly, a third-party co-manufacturer dropped the ball. Thankfully, no illnesses or allergic reactions have been reported yet.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best By Date | Issue |
Mauna Loa | Dark Chocolate Covered Macadamias | 0.6 oz | 0 72992 05464 4 | 10/2026 | Undeclared almonds and cashews |
Mauna Loa | Dark Chocolate Covered Macadamias | 4 oz | 0 72992 05556 6 | 07/2026 | Undeclared almonds and cashews |
Distribution: Retail locations across AZ, CA, CO, FL, HI, IL, ME, MI, NJ, OR, PA, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, and Guam.
What caused the issue?
The chocolate may have been rich, but the labeling? Not so much.
This recall happened because almonds and cashews—both major allergens—were present in the Mauna Loa Dark Chocolate Covered Macadamias, but weren’t listed on the label. Big uh-oh.
How did it happen?
A third-party co-manufacturer (basically a brand’s behind-the-scenes production partner) accidentally allowed cross-contamination during production. So, the macadamia treats may now secretly contain traces of other nuts.
Why is this dangerous? For people with tree nut allergies (especially to almonds or cashews), eating even a small amount can trigger severe allergic reactions—and sometimes, tragically, it can be life-threatening.
Here’s why undeclared allergens are a huge deal:
- Cashews and almonds are responsible for a significant portion of tree nut allergies in the U.S.
- Even trace amounts can cause allergic reactions.
- Symptoms can appear quickly—sometimes within minutes.
- Children, elderly individuals, and immunocompromised customers are especially vulnerable.
Health risks & symptoms to watch out for:
- Mild reactions: Hives, itching, sneezing, runny nose
- Moderate symptoms: Swelling of lips, face, tongue, or throat, abdominal pain
- Severe reactions: Difficulty breathing, drop in blood pressure, anaphylaxis (a potentially deadly condition requiring emergency treatment)
If someone with a nut allergy consumes a contaminated product unknowingly, it could lead to a trip to the ER—or worse. No brand wants that, and no customer deserves that.
10 common question you might have
1. Is it safe if I don’t have a nut allergy?
Yes, if you’re not allergic to almonds or cashews, the product is still safe to eat. The recall is specifically for allergy risk.
2. What exactly was missing from the label?
Almonds and cashews were present in the product but were not listed as ingredients or allergens on the label.
3. What should I do if I already ate the product?
If you don’t have a nut allergy, you don’t need to worry. If you have a nut allergy and feel symptoms like swelling or trouble breathing, seek immediate medical attention.
4. How can I tell if my bag is part of the recall?
Look for the UPC codes, lot numbers, and best-by dates mentioned above. The affected sizes are the 0.6oz and 4oz bags with specific codes.
5. Where was this chocolate sold?
It was distributed in retail stores across several states, including Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, and even Guam.
6. Is Mauna Loa offering a refund?
Yes! You can return the affected product to the place where you bought it for a full refund, no receipt necessary.
7. Are other Mauna Loa products affected?
No, only the Mauna Loa Dark Chocolate Covered Macadamias in the 0.6oz and 4oz sizes with the listed lot numbers are affected.
8. How serious are cashew and almond allergies?
Very serious. For people with allergies, even a small amount can cause severe reactions like hives, swelling, or even anaphylaxis, which is life-threatening.
9. Who should I contact with questions?
You can reach Mauna Loa’s Customer Service at 1-888-255-5998, Monday through Friday during business hours.
10. Is this a common problem in food manufacturing?
Unfortunately, yes. Undeclared allergens are one of the leading causes of food recalls, but proactive quality control and thorough labeling help minimize these risks.
Here’s what you should do
- Check your pantry: Look for 0.6oz or 4oz Mauna Loa Dark Chocolate Covered Macadamias.
- Find the lot number and UPC: Check the back or bottom of the package.
- If matched: Return the product to the store for a full refund.
- Need help? Contact Mauna Loa Customer Service at 1-888-255-5998 (Mon-Fri).
Behind the brand
Founded in the heart of Hawaii, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company has been sharing island flavors since 1946. Known for its premium macadamia nuts and tropical snacks, Mauna Loa takes quality seriously—hence the proactive recall.
Previous Recalls:
While Mauna Loa keeps a generally clean record, this isn’t their first allergy-related recall. On February 15, 2025, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company issued a recall for one batch of its Mauna Loa Milk Chocolate Covered Macadamias (1 oz pouches) due to the presence of undeclared almonds. Earlier this month, another recall occurred. On April 8, Trophy Nut Co., issued a voluntary recall for 143 cases of Heinen’s 8.25 oz Honey Roasted Peanuts after discovering they may contain undeclared cashews.
“Food safety is built on trust, not just good ingredients. When allergens like almonds and cashews aren’t properly labeled, it’s more than an oversight—it’s a real threat to consumer health. This Mauna Loa recall reminds us why strict quality controls and clear communication are essential at every stage of production. Everyone involved in the supply chain shares the responsibility to make sure what’s promised on the label is exactly what’s inside. Staying vigilant protects both customers and the integrity of the food industry.” — Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86
Ensuring safe eats
In the world of food manufacturing, mistakes like undeclared allergens can have massive consequences—not just for consumers but also for brand trust. That’s why quality control, clear labeling, and co-manufacturer audits are non-negotiable.
Bulk buyers, private label brands, and wholesale suppliers—take note:
- Ensure strict allergen controls at every step of your supply chain.
- Regularly review co-manufacturer practices.
- Conduct proactive internal audits to catch issues early.
If you spot a recalled product in your inventory, remove it immediately and work with suppliers to manage customer notifications.
Looking for high-quality, allergen-controlled ingredients? Reach out to our team at Source86—we’re here to help you source bulk ingredients safely and deliciously!
