SE Grocers Recalls Dark Chocolate Over Undeclared Milk Risk

Recall Date: June 20, 2025
Announced By: U.S. FDA on June 20, 2025
Company Involved: International Foodsource, LLC
Product Name: SE Grocers Dark Chocolate Nonpareils
Issue: Contains undeclared milk—a serious allergen for some consumers
Product Details: 10 oz bags, multiple lot numbers
Distributed In: Florida (Miami, Baldwin, Plant City) and Hammond, Louisiana
Action: Return product to place of purchase or contact the company for questions
Keep Reading: Want the full scoop on this sweet mistake? Let’s unwrap the details.

What Happened?

On June 20, 2025, International Foodsource, LLC, based in Randolph, NJ, announced a voluntary recall of their SE Grocers-branded Dark Chocolate Nonpareils. Why? Because what was meant to be a dairy-free delight may actually contain milk—and it’s nowhere on the label.

The issue came to light when Weaver Nut Company, the original manufacturer, alerted International Foodsource that they were recalling their Nonpareil Semi-Sweet Chocolate (a.k.a. “Christmas Seeds”) for undeclared milk. This set off a domino effect, prompting International Foodsource to launch their own recall of the affected private label product.

The packaging gives no warning about milk—making this a hidden hazard for anyone with a milk allergy or lactose intolerance. Thankfully, no illnesses have been reported.

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Best By/Lot Numbers	Issue
SE Grocers	Dark Chocolate Nonpareils	10 oz	Not specified	242645, 238466, 235643, 237319, 241581, 239202	Undeclared milk allergen

What Caused the Issue?

This recall centers around a critical allergen labeling error: undeclared milk in SE Grocers Dark Chocolate Nonpareils. The mistake originated with the manufacturer, Weaver Nut Company, who produced the chocolates under a different name—“Nonpareil, Semi-Sweet Chocolate (Christmas Seeds).” Unfortunately, during the production process, milk was either used as an ingredient or cross-contaminated into the batch—but was never declared on the label.

International Foodsource, LLC, the distributor behind SE Grocers’ version of the product, was notified by Weaver Nut on June 16, prompting a fast-tracked recall.

Why Undeclared Milk Is a Big Deal

Milk allergies are among the top eight most common food allergens, and even trace amounts can be life-threatening for those with severe sensitivities. While milk is harmless for many, for allergic individuals it can trigger an immune response that treats milk proteins (like casein or whey) as invaders.

Symptoms of milk allergy can include:

Hives or skin rash
Swelling of lips, face, tongue, or throat
Difficulty breathing or wheezing
Vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach cramps
Anaphylaxis—a life-threatening allergic reaction

Who’s at risk?

Children and infants (milk allergies are more common in young kids)
People with known dairy allergies or lactose intolerance
Individuals with multiple food sensitivities
Immunocompromised individuals, including seniors and those undergoing medical treatments

10 Common Questions You Might Have

Q: How do I know if I bought the recalled product?
A: Check the back label for lot numbers: 242645, 238466, 235643, 237319, 241581, or 239202. The product is a 10 oz clear bag labeled “SE Grocers Dark Chocolate Nonpareils.”
Q: What should I do if I already ate the product?
A: If you’re not allergic to milk, there’s no risk. If you are allergic, monitor for symptoms like hives, swelling, or trouble breathing—and seek medical help if needed.
Q: Is this a lactose intolerance issue or a milk allergy issue?
A: This is specifically about milk allergy, which involves the immune system. It’s much more severe than lactose intolerance.
Q: I bought this in Miami—should I be concerned?
A: Yes, the product was distributed in Miami, Baldwin, Plant City (FL), and Hammond (LA). If your bag matches the lot numbers, return or discard it.
Q: How did milk end up in this chocolate without being labeled?
A: Most likely through mislabeling, co-manufacturing mishandling, or cross-contact during production. The manufacturer hasn’t provided full details yet.
Q: Have there been any illnesses reported?
A: No illnesses or allergic reactions have been reported to date, but the recall is precautionary.
Q: Can I still eat this if I’m not allergic to milk?
A: Technically yes—but it’s best to return it for a refund. Consuming recalled products isn’t recommended.
Q: Is this the same as the Weaver Nut recall I heard about?
A: Yes—this SE Grocers product was made by Weaver Nut, who recalled a similar batch under a different label. Read more here.
Q: Are other SE Grocers products affected?
A: No other SE Grocers products are included in this recall, but it’s smart to keep an eye out for updates from the FDA.
Q: Who can I contact with more questions?
A: Contact International Foodsource at 973-361-7044 (Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm EST) or email [email protected].

Here’s What You Should Do

If you’re staring at a bag of SE Grocers Nonpareils right now, don’t panic—but don’t eat them either. Here’s how to stay safe:

Check for lot numbers: Look at the back label above the barcode—lot numbers are 242645, 238466, 235643, 237319, 241581, or 239202.
Return the product: Bring it back to the store of purchase for a full refund.
Need help? Contact International Foodsource:
- Phone: 973-361-7044, Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm EST
- Email: [email protected]

Behind the Brand

International Foodsource, LLC specializes in private label food distribution, often working with co-manufacturers like Weaver Nut Company, who themselves recently faced a recall for the same undeclared milk issue. This incident follows another undeclared milk recall by Weaver Nut earlier this month — read our report here.

The common thread? Mislabeling during the packaging process—an oversight that could easily be prevented with better traceability systems and stricter supplier communication. Similar food recalls include the following:

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.
On May 30, 2025, Firehook issued a voluntary recall on a specific lot of its 8oz crackers due to undeclared sesame.
On May 31, 2025, Springville Meat & Cold Storage Co., Inc. announced a recall of approx. 15,388 pounds of jerky products due to undeclared anchovies.

“Allergen labeling isn’t just a formality—it’s a frontline defense for consumer safety. When something like milk isn’t properly declared, it doesn’t just put allergic shoppers at risk—it chips away at trust throughout the entire food chain.” said Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.

Ensuring Safe Eats

This incident is more than a seasonal chocolate mishap—it’s a wake-up call for brands, co-packers, and wholesale buyers. Allergens like milk, soy, and peanuts continue to top the FDA’s recall list, making allergen transparency a non-negotiable priority.

Here’s why it matters:

Food traceability systems need to catch hidden allergens before products hit shelves.
Co-manufacturers must strengthen QC protocols and communicate faster during recalls.
Private label brands should verify allergen compliance—even when outsourcing production.

A quick reminder: If you source or sell bulk chocolate or private label sweets, now’s a good time to review your allergen documentation. One missed label can melt trust in your brand faster than chocolate in the sun.

Need help navigating food safety in wholesale or co-manufacturing? Our team at Source86 is here to support your ingredient sourcing with safety-first solutions. Let’s chat.