FDA raises chocolate recall to highest risk level, warns it could be deadly. Yahoo!
A California snack company, Cal Yee Farm LLC, has issued a recall for several chocolate and yogurt-covered products due to the presence of undeclared allergens, including milk, soy, wheat, sesame, synthetic dye, and almonds. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has classified these products under its highest risk level, Class I, indicating the potential for serious or life-threatening allergic reactions.
The recall involves products such as Dark Chocolate Walnuts, Dark Chocolate Raisins, Dark Chocolate Almonds, and Yogurt Coated Almonds, which were sold across various states, including California, Arizona, Virginia, and Texas. The products were also available for purchase online through the company’s website.
While no illnesses have been reported, the company warned that consumers with allergies to milk, soy, wheat, sesame, FD&C #6 (a synthetic dye), and almonds could face severe allergic reactions if they consume these products.
The recall began when the FDA inspected Cal Yee’s facility and found that certain snack products containing these allergens were sold without proper labeling. As a result, the company initiated the recall on December 12, 2024. It was reclassified as a Class I recall by the FDA on January 29, 2025, after completing its assessment.
The affected products are packaged in clear plastic zippered pouches with bright yellow labels. Some of the products include:
- 8-ounce containers of Cal Yee’s Yogurt Coated Almonds, Dark Chocolate Almonds, Dark Chocolate Raisins, and Dark Chocolate Walnuts
- 8-ounce containers of Cal Yee’s Dark Chocolate Apricots and Tropical Trail Mix
- 1, 2, and 5-pound containers of Tropical Trail Mix and Cajun Sesame Hot Sticks
- 50-ounce containers of Fruit Baskets 2909 and 2921
In addition to the above, the company’s Butter Toffee Almonds and Mango with Chili products were also included in the recall. The Butter Toffee Almonds contain milk from butter, while the Mango with Chili products contain FD&C Yellow #6, a synthetic dye.
The FDA has provided classifications for the recalled products based on their potential health risks:
- Class I: The use of or exposure to these products could cause serious or life-threatening health consequences or death.
- Class II: The use of or exposure to these products may cause temporary or reversible health consequences.
- Class III: Products unlikely to cause any health consequences.
The recall has affected a variety of items sold across several states and through different retail outlets, including stores in California and Virginia, as well as online. The company urges customers who have purchased these products and have allergies to the listed ingredients to either dispose of them or return them for a full refund.
Customers can reach out to Cal Yee Farm LLC by phone at (707) 425-5327 or email for assistance. The company has assured that it is taking steps to address the labeling issues and prevent further incidents.
