The Food and Drug Administration issued an allergy alert Tuesday after Atwater's of Baltimore, Maryland, recalled 197 cookie tins that contain undeclared tree nut allergens. The recalled products contain cookies made with almonds, pecans, and walnuts, but the allergens were not properly disclosed on the product labels.

Individuals with allergies or severe sensitivities to tree nuts, almonds, pecans, or walnuts face the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume the recalled products. The FDA's alert emphasizes the critical nature of proper allergen labeling in preventing potentially fatal allergic responses.

The recall affects cookie tins distributed by Atwater's, a Baltimore-based bakery. The company discovered that the product labels failed to declare the presence of tree nut allergens, creating a dangerous situation for consumers who rely on accurate ingredient listings to avoid allergens that could trigger severe reactions.

Food allergen labeling falls under strict FDA regulations designed to protect consumers with food allergies. The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act requires manufacturers to clearly identify the presence of major food allergens, including tree nuts, on product labels. Tree nuts are among the eight most common food allergens that account for 90% of all food allergic reactions.

Tree nut allergies affect approximately 1% of the U.S. population and tend to be lifelong conditions. Unlike some food allergies that children may outgrow, tree nut allergies typically persist into adulthood. Reactions can range from mild symptoms such as hives or digestive issues to severe anaphylaxis, which can cause breathing difficulties, swelling, and potentially death without immediate medical intervention.

The specific allergens identified in the recalled Atwater's cookie tins include almonds, pecans, and walnuts. These tree nuts are distinct from peanuts, which are actually legumes rather than tree nuts, though some individuals may have allergies to both categories. Cross-contamination during manufacturing processes can also pose risks to sensitive individuals, making proper labeling and facility management critical.

Consumers who have purchased Atwater's cookie tins should immediately check their products and discontinue use if they have tree nut allergies. Those who have already consumed the products and experience allergic reaction symptoms should seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of allergic reactions can include skin reactions like hives or eczema, gastrointestinal symptoms, respiratory problems, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.

The FDA's enforcement of allergen labeling requirements reflects the agency's commitment to food safety and consumer protection. Companies that fail to properly label allergens may face regulatory action, including warning letters, product seizures, and civil or criminal penalties. The agency conducts regular inspections of food facilities and investigates consumer complaints related to undeclared allergens.

This recall highlights the ongoing challenges in food allergen management within the food manufacturing industry. Proper allergen controls require comprehensive programs that address ingredient sourcing, facility cleaning, production line management, and label review processes. Companies must maintain strict protocols to prevent cross-contamination and ensure accurate labeling.

For consumers with food allergies, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of reading food labels carefully and staying informed about product recalls. The FDA maintains an online database of food recalls and safety alerts that consumers can access to stay current on potential hazards.

Atwater's has not yet announced the specific distribution areas for the recalled cookie tins or provided details about how customers can return products or receive refunds. The company is expected to work with the FDA to ensure proper notification reaches all potentially affected consumers.

The recall underscores the critical role that accurate food labeling plays in protecting public health, particularly for vulnerable populations with food allergies. As food allergies continue to affect millions of Americans, proper allergen management and labeling remain essential responsibilities for food manufacturers and regulators alike.

Consumers with questions about the recall or concerns about allergic reactions should consult with their healthcare providers and report adverse events to the FDA through the agency's MedWatch program. The FDA continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as additional information becomes available.