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A RECALL has been issued for a chocolate product after batches were found to contain an ingredient that could be deadly.
The sweet treat was sold at stores in several states and online.
Batches of a Belgian chocolate Smurf-shaped Popping Chocolate With Cookies are being recalled after some were found to contain wheat traces.
But, wheat wasn’t declared on the list of ingredients, per the Food and Drug Administration.
Those who are allergic to the ingredient could have a serious reaction if they eat it.
Wheat allergies, which are common among babies and young children, can cause life-threatening reactions.
The chocolates were sold at Neuhaus stores in New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Washington DC.
The treats could also be bought on the Neuhaus online marketplace.
Only 150 units were sold at the time the recall was issued.
And, no illnesses have been reported yet.
Neuhaus bosses announced the chocolates were being recalled on August 8.
The batches that have been recalled have best before dates of January 13 2026.
FDA bosses use a graded system when classifying recalls.
Class I recalls are reserved for items that could cause death, or serious health effects if consumed.
The chances of serious health side effects are reduced for items that come under a Class II recall.
Class III is the lowest level of recall on the FDA’s scale.
How to handle product recall
FOOD Safety experts insist that shoppers shouldn’t panic if they’re affected by a recall, as many are harmless.
However, consumers should take each warning seriously and follow the necessary steps to protect themselves.
Oftentimes, food manufacturers issue recalls as a precautionary measure, so there likely isn’t a foodborne illness hiding in your pantry.
However, even if the recall is merely a precaution, shoppers should always stay safe and not consume the affected items.
Experts advise people to keep a product closed if it hasn’t been opened, and never feed it to a pet or donate it to food banks.
Anyone who has handled or opened an affected item should wash their hands thoroughly with warm water and soap for 20 seconds.
Read the recall closely for specific instructions on how to get rid of the food item.
Typically, the brand will ask consumers to return the recalled product to the store where they purchased it for a full refund.
Sometimes shoppers will also be asked to throw it away so that no one else can eat it.
Source: FoodSafety.gov
Recalls are not just decided by FDA chiefs.
Sometimes, companies will issue a recall order when they notice an issue with a product, such as an undeclared item.
Meanwhile, The U.S. Sun reported how a type of butter was being recalled over an undeclared ingredient.
The manufacturer, Bunge North American Inc, initiated the recall itself after becoming aware of the issue.
And, the ingredient in question is milk.
A soap product sold at Walmart was recalled over fears they could be contaminated with potentially life-threatening bacteria.
Shoppers were ordered to stop using the item over the risk of contracting Sepsis.
