- Date Issued: April 8, 2025
- FDA Announcement: April 9, 2025
- Company: Trophy Nut Co.
- Product: Heinen’s Honey Roasted Peanuts
- Issue: Contains undeclared cashews, a serious allergen
- Details: 8.25 oz cans, UPC 20601401877, best by dates: 10-01-2025 and 10-03-2025
- Action: Return to store for full refund; call or email Trophy Nut for questions
Stick around to find out more about this recall!
What happened?
Trophy Nut Co., based in Tipp City, Ohio, has issued a voluntary recall for 143 cases of Heinen’s 8.25 oz Honey Roasted Peanuts after discovering they may contain undeclared cashews—a dangerous mistake for individuals with cashew allergies.
The issue came to light after a customer suffered an allergic reaction and filed a complaint. Following the report, Trophy Nut found a temporary production and packaging glitch had led to the wrong nut sneaking into the can.
These potentially mislabeled nuts were sold at Heinen’s Grocery Stores in Ohio and Illinois between October 24, 2024, and April 4, 2025.
Recall details:
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best By Dates | Issue |
Heinen’s | Honey Roasted Peanuts | 8.25 oz | 20601401877 | 10-01-2025 & 10-03-2025 | Undeclared cashews |
What caused the issue?
This recall happened because of a breakdown in Trophy Nut Company’s production and packaging line, which resulted in cashews being added to a product labeled only as containing peanuts. That’s a big problem, because cashews are a major food allergen, and for someone with a tree nut allergy, ingesting even trace amounts could be life-threatening.
The threat of undeclared cashews
Undeclared allergens like cashews pose a very serious risk—especially when the label gives consumers a false sense of safety. While peanuts are a legume and cashews are a tree nut, they are not interchangeable when it comes to food allergies. And tree nut allergies affect around 0.5% to 1% of the population, with cashews being one of the most allergenic of the bunch.
Who’s most at risk?
- Individuals with tree nut allergies, especially cashew allergies
- Children, who may be more likely to have undiagnosed allergies
- Immunocompromised individuals, who can experience more severe reactions
- Anyone who assumes the product is peanut-only and doesn’t expect cashews
Symptoms of a cashew allergy:
- Itching or swelling in the mouth, face, or throat
- Skin reactions like hives, rashes, or eczema
- Digestive distress: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction requiring immediate medical attention
According to the FDA announcement, one consumer has already reported an allergic reaction. While there have been no hospitalizations or deaths, the potential for severe outcomes remains high.
10 common questions you might have
1. “How do I know if my can is part of the recall?”
Check the bottom of the can for a “best by” date of 10-01-2025 or 10-03-2025 and the UPC 20601401877. If that matches, it’s included.
2. “What should I do if I already ate some?”
If you don’t have a cashew allergy, you’re likely fine. If you do—and haven’t had symptoms—consult your doctor. If you feel unwell, seek medical attention immediately.
3. “Can I get a refund?”
Yes. Return the product to any Heinen’s Grocery Store for a full refund—no receipt required.
4. “Is this the first time this has happened?”
There’s no record of previous recalls from Trophy Nut for undeclared allergens, but similar recalls from other brands have occurred in recent months.
5. “Why wasn’t this caught sooner?”
The issue stemmed from a temporary breakdown in packaging controls. It wasn’t caught until a consumer complaint prompted an internal investigation.
6. “Are peanuts and cashews processed in the same facility?”
Possibly. Many facilities process multiple nuts, but strict allergen controls are required. This incident suggests those controls briefly failed.
7. “What happens if someone with a severe allergy eats this?”
They could experience anaphylaxis, which can be fatal without immediate treatment. That’s why this recall is so urgent.
8. “Can I still eat the peanuts if I don’t have a nut allergy?”
Technically yes, but out of caution—and especially if you’re serving others—it’s best to return it.
9. “Are Heinen’s stores responsible for this mistake?”
No. The issue occurred during manufacturing by Trophy Nut Co., which produces the product for Heinen’s.
10. “Where can I report a reaction or complaint?”
Call Trophy Nut at 1-800-729-6887 or email [email protected]. You can also report to the FDA’s MedWatch system here.
Here’s what you should do
If you’ve bought this product recently, don’t panic—but don’t snack, either.
- Check the label: Look for the UPC 20601401877 and “best by” dates of 10-01-2025 or 10-03-2025 stamped on the bottom of the can.
- Don’t consume it—especially if you or someone in your household has a nut allergy.
- Return it to your local Heinen’s Grocery Store for a full refund.
- Need help? Contact Trophy Nut Customer Service:
- 1-800-729-6887 (Mon–Fri, 8am–4pm EST)
- [email protected]
Behind the Brand
Trophy Nut Company is no stranger to the snack aisle. Based in Ohio, they’ve built their name on delivering roasted nuts and snacks to retailers across the U.S., including for private label brands like Heinen’s.
While Trophy Nut hasn’t had a major recall recently, this incident places them among several allergen-related recalls this month, including:
- On March 30, 2025, Fresh Creative Foods issued a voluntary recall for Trader Joe’s Hot Honey Mustard Dressing due to a labeling error that left out crucial allergen information.
- On December 27, 2024, Gardners Candies initiated a recall for its Cappuccino Meltaway® Bars and Meltaway Treat Boxes because they may have contained cashews—a tree nut that wasn’t listed on the packaging.
“This recall is a strong reminder that food safety isn’t just one team’s job—it’s a responsibility shared across the entire supply chain. When something as small as a labeling error slips through, it can put consumers with allergies at real risk. That’s why it’s critical for manufacturers to have tight controls in place and build a culture that prioritizes accuracy, transparency, and accountability at every step.” — Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86
Allergen labeling mistakes like this are, unfortunately, not uncommon—and a reminder that rigorous Co-Manufacturing processes are crucial to protect consumer health and brand reputation.
Ensuring safe eats
This recall isn’t just a nutty mishap—it’s a wake-up call for manufacturers, co-packers, and private label suppliers across the food industry. Mislabeling allergens doesn’t just risk public health—it can also damage consumer trust and lead to costly legal and regulatory headaches.
At Source86, we believe that safe sourcing starts with precision and transparency. Recalls like this one highlight the importance of tight QA protocols, allergen segregation in production lines, and consistent labeling checks—especially for bulk, wholesale, and private label brands.
Reach out to our team or browse our portfolio of bulk ingredients. We’re all about high-quality, allergen-safe sourcing for every brand, big or small—because safe eats should never be a gamble. Let’s connect!
