Chocolate recall updated as FDA sets risk level

The recall of a potato candy bar has been classified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The FDA has classified mini potato chip bars produced by Chuao Chocolatier as a Class III hazard effective Monday, June 24. The product was first recalled in May due to the risk of undeclared hazelnuts.

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A Class III classification is granted when “a situation in which use or exposure to an infringing product is not likely to result in adverse health consequences.” The FDA warned in a May 3 statement that people “sensitive or allergic to hazelnuts may be at risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.”

The recall is limited to a single lot code, 4022, of the 0.39 oz. Chuao Chocolatier Potato Chip Mini Chocolate Bars. Some 13,312 bars were found to be at risk of containing hazelnuts.

The recall is active in all U.S. states except Hawaii and Alaska. As of publication in early May, one person reported a mild allergic reaction after consuming the product. News week contacted Chuao Chocolatier via email for comment outside of normal business hours.

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Tree nuts, which include hazelnuts, are one of the top nine allergens designated by the FDA. Symptoms of food allergic reactions include rash, swelling, hives, vomiting and/or diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and coughing or wheezing.

In some cases, anaphylaxis may occur, which constitutes a serious illness. Symptoms include throat swelling, difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness, all of which require emergency treatment in hospital.

The FDA warns that “symptoms of anaphylaxis may be relatively mild at first, but if not treated promptly, can become life-threatening in a short time.”

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The FDA has three classification levels for all food recalls. A Class I recall, the highest level of risk, is issued when there is a “reasonable probability” that use or exposure to a product could “result in serious adverse health consequences or death.” “. A Class II recall refers to a “situation in which use of or exposure to an infringing product may result in temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or in which the likelihood of serious adverse health consequences health is poor.”

Any consumers who have questions about the recall can contact the company at (760) 814-6230 or support@chuaochocolatier.com. The customer service line is open 24 hours a day and consumer relations specialists are available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. pm PST.