- Date Issued: June 17, 2025
- Announced By: FDA on June 18, 2025
- Company: Weaver Nut Company, Inc.
- Product: Semi-Sweet Chocolate Nonpareils (with Christmas or White Seeds)
- Issue: Undeclared milk allergen
- Risk: Serious or life-threatening allergic reactions for milk-sensitive individuals
- What to Do: Do not consume if you have a milk allergy; return or discard
Wanna know more about what happened? Keep on reading!
What Happened?
The sweet world of chocolate just hit a sour note. Weaver Nut Company, Inc. has issued a voluntary recall of several lots of its semi-sweet chocolate nonpareils due to an undeclared milk allergen. While the product looks like a seasonal treat, it could pose a serious risk for individuals with milk allergies.
Here’s what went down:
- Company: Weaver Nut Company, Inc.
- Date Issued: June 17, 2025
- Discovered By: A wholesale customer flagged inconsistencies in product specs; follow-up lab testing confirmed milk presence
- Distributed: Nationwide across the U.S. through grocery stores and retail outlets
- Illness Reports: None to date—phew! But precautions are still crucial.
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best By Date | Issue |
Weaver Nut Company | Nonpareils, Semi-Sweet Chocolate (Christmas Seeds) | Various | N/A | N/A | Undeclared Milk Allergen |
Weaver Nut Company | Nonpareils, Semi-Sweet Chocolate (White Seeds) | Various | N/A | N/A | Undeclared Milk Allergen |
What Caused the Issue?
This recall stems from a critical food safety lapse: undeclared milk in a product labeled as milk-free.
Weaver Nut Company discovered the issue after a wholesale customer received a shipment that didn’t match the updated product specifications. Curious (and cautious), the buyer initiated a lab test—which confirmed the presence of milk proteins in the chocolate nonpareils. That triggered an immediate recall and alert to the FDA.
Why is this a big deal?
Milk is one of the top 9 major food allergens, and it must be clearly declared on food labels per FDA regulations. For people with milk allergies or lactose intolerance, consuming even trace amounts can trigger serious, potentially life-threatening allergic reactions.
Who’s Most at Risk?
- Individuals with diagnosed milk allergies
- People managing severe lactose intolerance
- Children with undiagnosed food sensitivities
- Consumers who rely on accurate ingredient labels due to dietary restrictions
- Parents buying “safe treats” for milk-sensitive kids
Possible Symptoms of a Milk Allergy Reaction:
- Hives or rash
- Itchy mouth or throat
- Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal cramps
- Swelling of lips, face, or tongue
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Anaphylaxis—a life-threatening reaction requiring immediate medical attention
Common Customer Questions & Answers
Q1: I don’t see milk listed on the label—why is this recalled?
A1: The label omitted milk, but lab testing confirmed its presence. That’s a violation of FDA allergen labeling rules.
Q2: What happens if someone with a milk allergy eats this?
A2: They could experience anything from mild hives to severe anaphylaxis. Even trace amounts are risky.
Q3: How do I know if I have one of the affected products?
A3: Check the lot numbers printed on the packaging. Affected lots include 204206, 224225, and others (full list above).
Q4: What should I do if I already ate it?
A4: If you’re not allergic to milk, you’re fine. If you are—or think you might be—seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Q5: Can I return it even if I opened the package?
A5: Yes. Consumers are advised to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund, opened or not.
Q6: Is this related to cross-contamination?
A6: It could be. While specifics weren’t shared, undeclared milk often points to labeling errors or shared equipment without proper cleaning.
Q7: I gave these to my kids—what should I watch for?
A7: Look out for rash, upset stomach, coughing, swelling, or trouble breathing. If in doubt, contact your pediatrician.
Q8: Are other Weaver Nut products safe?
A8: Only these listed lots are affected, but it’s wise to always double-check allergen labeling on similar products.
Q9: I bought these online—does the recall still apply?
A9: Yes. This recall covers products distributed across the U.S., including online and retail stores.
Q10: How can I contact the company for questions?
A10: Call 717-738-3781 ext. 122 or email [email protected] (Mon–Fri, 9am–4:30pm EST).
Here’s What You Should Do
If you’ve picked up a pack of these festive chocolate bites, here’s what to do:
- Check the Label: Look for lot numbers like 204206, 224225, or 145207-1
- Found It? If you have a milk allergy (or are serving someone who does), do not eat it.
- Action Steps:
- Return it to the store for a full refund
- Contact: Chris Westerhoff, Customer Service Manager
717-738-3781 ext. 122
[email protected]
Behind the Brand
Weaver Nut Company, based in Pennsylvania, has been sweetening shelves since 1975. Known for its wide variety of confections, nuts, and baking ingredients, the brand prides itself on quality—but even legacy brands face recall challenges.
This isn’t the first milk-allergen recall this month either. See similar alerts like:
- 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.
“Labeling isn’t just a box to tick—it’s a vital layer of protection. When allergens like milk are left off the label, it doesn’t just endanger consumers—it undermines confidence throughout the supply chain.” said Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.
Ensuring Safe Eats
This recall is a sharp reminder that accurate labeling isn’t optional—it’s essential. For co-manufacturers, co-packers, and private label partners, this reinforces the need for robust allergen control programs, including:
- Regular spec reviews
- Allergen testing
- Quality assurance protocols
Even a small slip in the production chain can cause serious ripples downstream.
Quick Recap:
- Check your pantry for chocolate nonpareils by Weaver Nut
- Look for affected lot codes
- Discard or return for a refund if you have a milk allergy
Want to make sure your ingredients are safe, clean, and recall-free? Let’s talk. Reach out to our team at Source86 for high-quality sourcing and supply chain insights that keep your business ahead.
