The scariest thing this Halloween might not be the costumes but what’s lurking in your trick-or-treat bag. Just days before the holiday, two popular candy bars have been yanked from shelves in an urgent recall due to a potentially life-threatening allergen mix-up. So before you sort through your spooky sweets or make one last candy run, read on to find out which two confections you’ll want to keep far from your family’s reach.
Zingerman’s candy bars pulled over allergen scare
Just days before Halloween, Zingerman’s has issued a last-minute recall of two of its popular candy bars due to a dangerous allergen mix-up. The Michigan-based brand, part of the renowned Zingerman’s Community of Businesses, announced the recall after discovering a potential cross-contamination between its peanut butter and cashew butter bars.
According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), a temporary glitch in Zingerman’s production and packaging line may have caused the two products to swap allergens. In simpler terms, the peanut butter bars may contain traces of cashews, while the cashew butter bars may contain peanuts — a serious concern for anyone with nut allergies.
The recall covers the following products, both marked with Lot #174250:
- Zingerman’s Peanut Butter Crush Full Size Bars
- Zingerman’s Ca$hew Cow Full Size Bars
Bought one? Here’s what to do next
The recalled candy bars were distributed to various retailers throughout Michigan and New York, so customers in those areas should check their recent purchases carefully. If you’ve purchased one of the affected Zingerman’s candy bars, you’re advised not to eat it. Instead, return it to the store where it was purchased to receive a full refund.
For further questions or assistance, you can reach Zingerman’s Candy Manufactory directly by calling 877-632-926.
Why nut allergies are more serious than you think
Nut allergies are among the most common and dangerous food allergies, affecting both children and adults. When someone with a nut allergy eats or even comes into contact with peanuts or tree nuts such as cashews, almonds, or walnuts, their immune system reacts as if the nut proteins were harmful invaders. This triggers the release of chemicals like histamine, leading to symptoms that can range from mild to severe, including itching, hives, nausea, swelling, or abdominal pain. For highly sensitive individuals, even a trace amount of nuts — whether through cross-contamination or mislabeled packaging — can provoke a serious reaction.
The most severe form of allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, can develop within minutes and quickly become life-threatening. It can cause throat swelling, difficulty breathing, a dangerous drop in blood pressure, and, in extreme cases, cardiac arrest. Immediate treatment with epinephrine (adrenaline) is crucial to reverse these symptoms and prevent fatal outcomes. Because of this risk, regulatory bodies like the FDA take allergen labeling and contamination very seriously. For consumers with nut allergies, vigilance is key. Always check ingredient lists, stay informed about recalls, and carry prescribed medications such as an epinephrine auto-injector when needed.
Source: Cheapism