A popular bread brand has recently been recalled due to undeclared allergens. Hartford Bakery, Inc. announced on July 10 that they are voluntarily recalling a specific loaf of bread available in 12 states. This recall affects around 883 loaves from their Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf line.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandates that any product containing one of the nine major food allergens—like eggs, peanuts, and tree nuts—be clearly labeled. Unfortunately, in this case, hazelnuts were not mentioned on the packaging, posing a risk to those with nut allergies.
Food allergies can lead to serious symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, signs can vary from skin rashes to stomach issues and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis— a life-threatening reaction that may cause swelling in the throat or difficulty breathing.
The recalled bread came packaged in a 12 oz (340g) flexible plastic bag, with an expiration date of July 13, 2025, and the following lot codes present:
– T10 174010206
– T10 174010306
– T10 174010406
– T10 174020206
– T10 174020306
– T10 174020406
Interestingly, though the product’s packaging mentioned “May Contain Tree Nuts,” it did not specifically state “Contains Hazelnuts.” This oversight stems from a packaging error that has since been acknowledged by the company. So far, no severe health issues have been reported, but one customer did experience digestive discomfort after consuming the bread.
The affected bread was primarily sold at major retailers like Kroger and Walmart in states including:
– Alabama
– Arkansas
– Georgia
– Illinois
– Indiana
– Kentucky
– Michigan
– Mississippi
– Missouri
– Ohio
– Tennessee
– Wisconsin
If you purchased this product, your best course of action is to return it to the store for a full refund. For any additional questions, consumers can reach out to Hartford Bakery at 1-812-425-4642.
This recall highlights the ongoing importance of proper labeling in food safety. A 2022 survey indicated that about 10% of adults in the U.S. have food allergies, underscoring the need for vigilance in food production and distribution. As consumers become more aware of food allergens, companies must ensure their labeling is precise and transparent to prevent health risks.
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