A mistake at a bakery has triggered a recall that could carry serious consequences for nut-allergic consumers across a dozen U.S. states.
Hartford Bakery Inc. has voluntarily recalled nearly 900 loaves of its Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf bread after discovering that several batches contained visible hazelnuts, without any clear warning on the label. The loaves were distributed to major retailers, including Walmart and Kroger in 12 states, spanning the Midwest and South.
At the center of the issue is a labeling failure. The packaging does include the typical “May Contain Tree Nuts” disclaimer, but that’s not enough when an allergen is actually present. Federal guidelines require explicit labeling when specific allergens are in the product, especially one as dangerous as hazelnuts.
So far, there have been no serious allergic reactions reported. One consumer reported digestive discomfort, and others flagged the hazelnuts before eating. But the risk isn’t hypothetical. Tree nut allergies, including hazelnuts, are among the most common and most potentially deadly food allergies in the U.S. A single slice of mislabeled bread can be all it takes to trigger a medical emergency.
The loaves were distributed in Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas, Missouri, Alabama, and Mississippi. Customers who purchased the product are being told to check for specific lot codes (listed by the FDA) and to return affected loaves for a full refund.
The problem was traced back to a packaging error that resulted in bread containing hazelnuts being labeled as something else. An internal investigation at Hartford Bakery confirmed the mistake.
Recalls like this are unsettling because they pierce the illusion of routine. Bread isn’t a novelty item—it’s a daily staple in lunchboxes, sandwiches, and toasters around the country. And people with allergies rely on labeling to keep them safe, especially when food is sold by trusted names in big-box grocery chains.
Even a product as basic as sandwich bread isn’t immune to risk when packaging slips up. And for anyone managing a severe allergy, that risk is always just one ingredient away.
If you bought Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf bread recently, check your pantry. And if you have nut allergies in the household, double-check the label—then check again. Mistakes happen. But they shouldn’t cost someone their safety.