Fran's Chocolates, Ltd. of Seattle, Washington has issued a voluntary recall of 112 units of its Pure Bar AlmondMilk Chocolate 46% Madagascar Plant-Based product due to undeclared hazelnuts, the Food and Drug Administration announced Friday. The specialty chocolate company initiated the recall after discovering the 1.1-ounce bars contain hazelnuts that are not listed on the product label, creating a serious health risk for consumers with tree nut allergies.

The recalled product, marketed as a plant-based alternative to traditional dairy chocolate, was distributed without proper allergen labeling. According to the FDA alert, people who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to hazelnuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume the product. The recall affects only the specific Pure Bar AlmondMilk Chocolate variety with Madagascar cocoa, weighing 1.1 ounces per unit.

Food allergen labeling violations represent a significant public health concern, as allergic reactions can range from mild symptoms like hives and digestive issues to severe anaphylaxis requiring immediate medical attention. Hazelnuts are among the eight major food allergens recognized by federal law, requiring clear identification on product labels under the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act.

The recall highlights ongoing challenges in specialty food manufacturing, particularly for companies producing artisanal chocolate products with complex ingredient profiles. Cross-contamination during production, supplier ingredient changes, or labeling errors can result in undeclared allergens reaching consumers. For manufacturers of premium chocolate products like Fran's Chocolates, maintaining accurate allergen controls is essential given the common use of tree nuts in confectionery production.

Fran's Chocolates, established as a boutique chocolatier in the Pacific Northwest, markets its Pure Bar line as premium plant-based alternatives to traditional chocolate products. The company's Madagascar-sourced cocoa products appeal to consumers seeking both dairy-free options and ethically-sourced ingredients. However, this recall demonstrates that even specialized manufacturers with quality reputations must maintain rigorous allergen control programs.

The FDA's recall announcement follows standard protocols for voluntary food recalls, where manufacturers identify potential safety issues and work with federal regulators to notify consumers and remove affected products from distribution. The agency did not indicate whether the recall was initiated by company testing, consumer complaints, or regulatory inspection findings.

Consumers who have purchased the affected Pure Bar AlmondMilk Chocolate 46% Madagascar Plant-Based product should check their pantries and dispose of any units they may have. The specific lot numbers and distribution dates were not immediately available in the initial FDA alert, but consumers should avoid consuming any version of this product until further clarification.

For individuals with known hazelnut allergies, exposure to even trace amounts can trigger serious reactions. Symptoms of allergic reactions can include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, rapid pulse, dizziness, and severe whole-body reactions requiring emergency medical treatment. Anyone experiencing these symptoms after consuming the recalled product should seek immediate medical attention.

The recall underscores the critical importance of accurate food labeling, particularly for products marketed to consumers with dietary restrictions or allergies. Plant-based and specialty food products often attract consumers specifically seeking allergen-free alternatives, making accurate labeling even more crucial for this market segment.

Food manufacturers are required to implement comprehensive allergen control programs, including supplier verification, production line cleaning protocols, and finished product testing. The FDA conducts regular inspections of food facilities to ensure compliance with allergen labeling requirements and good manufacturing practices.

Consumers affected by the recall should contact Fran's Chocolates directly for information about returns or refunds. The company has not yet announced specific procedures for handling recalled products or compensating affected customers.

This recall serves as a reminder for consumers with food allergies to carefully read product labels, even for familiar brands or products they have consumed previously. Manufacturing processes and ingredient suppliers can change, potentially introducing new allergens to previously safe products.

The FDA continues to monitor the recall situation and will provide updates as additional information becomes available. Consumers can check the FDA's recall database for the most current information about affected products and distribution details.