Mauna Loa recalls milk chocolate covered macadamias

Company Announcement Date: February 15, 2025
FDA Publish Date: February 15, 2025
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Presence of undeclared almonds
Company Name: Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company, LLC
Brand Name: Mauna Loa
Product Description: Mauna Loa Milk Chocolate Covered Macadamias (1 oz pouches)
What to Do: Consumers with almond allergies should not consume the product and may return it for a full refund.

Shall we learn more about this? Keep reading!

What happened?

Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company, LLC, based in Kea’au, HI, issued a recall for one batch of its Mauna Loa Milk Chocolate Covered Macadamias (1 oz pouches) due to the presence of undeclared almonds. The recall was issued on February 15, 2025, and was promptly published by the FDA the same day.

Product details:

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Best By Date	Issue
Mauna Loa	Milk Chocolate Covered Macadamias	1 oz	0 72992 04260 3	07 2026	Undeclared almonds

The affected products were distributed to two retail locations in Southern California: World Market and Abraham & Sons, Inc. The issue was identified through Mauna Loa’s internal quality control process, which discovered that a batch manufactured by a third-party co-manufacturer contained almonds that were not listed on the packaging.

What caused the issue?

A mislabeling issue occurs when a product’s packaging does not accurately reflect its ingredients. In this case, almonds were present in the product but were not listed on the label. This can lead to accidental consumption by individuals with allergies, putting their health at serious risk.

Consequences of non-labeled almond allergen

Severe Allergic Reactions: Almond exposure can cause mild to life-threatening symptoms in allergic individuals.
Legal and Financial Repercussions: Companies may face fines, lawsuits, and reputational damage.
Product Recalls: Large-scale recalls can disrupt supply chains and lead to product shortages.
Loss of Consumer Trust: A mislabeling incident can make consumers wary of purchasing products from the affected brand.

Who are the consumers at risk?

Individuals with almond allergies: Those diagnosed with an almond allergy are at the highest risk.
Children: Allergies are more common in children, making them especially vulnerable.
Elderly individuals: Older adults with weakened immune systems may have severe reactions.
People with multiple food allergies: Those allergic to tree nuts, peanuts, or other allergens may be at increased risk.

Questions you may have:

What should I do if I have purchased this product?
- If you have an almond allergy, do not consume it. Return it to the store for a refund.
How can I check if my product is part of the recall?
- Look for the UPC, lot number, and best-by date on the back of the packaging.
What are the risks if I accidentally eat this product?
- If you have an almond allergy, symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe anaphylaxis.
Are there any reported illnesses linked to this recall?
- No illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported so far.
Can people without almond allergies still consume this product?
- Yes, but those with allergies or sensitivities should avoid it.
How did this mislabeling happen?
- A third-party co-manufacturer mistakenly included almonds in the batch.
How often do food recalls for undeclared allergens occur?
- Unfortunately, undeclared allergens are a common cause of food recalls.
What steps is the company taking to prevent this in the future?
- The company is working on improved quality control and supplier oversight.
Who should I contact for more information?
- Call Mauna Loa Customer Service at 1-888-255-5998.
Where can I find updates on food recalls?

Visit the FDA website for the latest recall alerts and safety updates.

Here’s what you should do

If you have purchased the Mauna Loa Milk Chocolate Covered Macadamias (1 oz pouch) with the listed UPC and Best By Date, take the following steps:

Do not consume the product if you have an almond allergy.
Check the back of the packaging for Lot Number K4351 and Best By Date 07 2026.
Return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Contact Mauna Loa Customer Service at 1-888-255-5998 (Monday-Friday) with any concerns.

Behind the brand

Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company has been a staple in the nut industry for decades, known for its premium Hawaiian macadamia nuts and innovative flavors. However, this is not the first time an undeclared allergen recall has hit the industry.

Previous similar recalls:

Fresh Direct recall (January 2025) due to undeclared milk.
Monkey Spit recall (January 2025) due to undeclared milk, soy, and wheat.
JE Bakery Recall (February 2025) for mislabeling and undeclared walnuts.

“Food safety isn’t just about ingredients—it’s about trust. When a label fails to disclose allergens, it’s more than a mistake; it’s a risk to consumer health. This recall highlights the critical need for stringent quality control and transparency in food manufacturing. Every step of the supply chain plays a role in ensuring that what’s on the label matches what’s in the package. As an industry, we must remain vigilant to protect consumers and uphold the standards they rely on.” Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.

Ensuring safe eats

Food safety is not just a responsibility—it’s a necessity. Undeclared allergens can pose serious health risks, and companies must take strict measures to prevent cross-contamination.