Nationwide Recall of Cappuccino Meltaway Bars Due to Allergy Concerns
The packaging of the recalled chocolate bars failed to indicate potential allergens.
Gardners Candies is pulling Cappuccino Meltaway Bars from stores nationwide after discovering that the products may include undeclared tree nuts (cashews).
The products were available starting at the beginning of September and have an expiration date of Aug. 27, 2025. The recalled Cappuccino Meltaway Bars come in 1.25-ounce white plastic packages with lot #082725 marked on the side.
Additionally, they were included in Gardners Meltaway Treat Box (lot # 101625 or 112525), where each box contained two bars “along with other flavors of bars packaged together in a generic holiday box.”
Tree nut allergies affect around 3.9 million Americans, according to an April report by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), a nonprofit dedicated to health advocacy.
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As of now, no illnesses have been linked to the Gardners Candies Cappuccino Meltaway Bars.
The company has initiated the recall and stopped production after realizing that the products, which might contain tree nuts, were sold in packaging that lacked allergen disclosures.
The FDA notice stated that this issue arose due to a “temporary breakdown” in the production and packaging processes.
However, the company recommends that customers who have a recalled Cappuccino Meltaway Bar get in touch with Gardners Candies customer service at 1-800-242-2639 for a refund or replacement.
The Epoch Times reached out to Gardners Candies for comments.
Dangerous Allergies
A tree nut allergy generally lasts a lifetime, with fewer than 1 in 10 individuals managing to recover from the disorder, according to the ACAAI.
Individuals with this allergy are advised to avoid all nut types. Foods such as ice cream toppings, sauces, alcoholic drinks, baking mixes, and desserts may contain tree nuts, as detailed by the ACAAI website.
Due to the potential for nuts to trigger life-threatening reactions, it’s essential that the presence of these ingredients be clearly indicated on product packaging.
Tree nuts can also be found in personal care products like lotions, soaps, and hair care items.
Children prone to anaphylaxis are urged to carry two epinephrine autoinjectors, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Parents should consult their pediatrician for guidance on how to administer the autoinjector in the event of a severe reaction. It’s crucial for teachers, caregivers, and family members to also be informed on using this emergency medication.
While some children may outgrow their allergies, currently, there is no cure for food allergies in children.
The Johns Hopkins report lists nine allergens responsible for approximately 90 percent of all food allergies among children—milk, eggs, wheat, soybeans, sesame, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, and shellfish, with the last four causing the most severe reactions.
According to FARE, roughly 33 million Americans are affected by at least one type of food allergy, which includes nearly 11 percent of adults aged 18 and older.
A 2021 survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics found that 5.8 percent of children aged 0-17 are diagnosed with some form of food allergy. From 2007 to 2021, the prevalence of allergies among children increased by 50 percent.
FARE characterizes food allergy as a “significant public health and economic issue.” Annually, approximately 3.4 million individuals—nearly the population of Utah—visit emergency departments due to food allergy-related issues.
Food allergies can adversely impact quality of life. “About one in three children with food allergies report experiencing bullying due to their condition. Moreover, among children allergic to more than two food types, over half report being bullied because of their allergies,” noted FARE.
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