Additional Coverage:
- FDA recalls a popular chocolate sold across 20 states due to undeclared allergens (marketrealist.com)
Sweet Surprise Turns Sour: M&M’s Recalled in 20 States Due to Undeclared Allergens
A widespread recall of M&M’s Peanut candies has been initiated across 20 states after officials discovered that over 6,000 cases of the repackaged treats contained undeclared allergens, including milk, peanuts, and soy. The voluntary action was taken by Beacon Promotions Inc. on January 26, raising concerns about food safety standards nationwide.
The affected products are 1.3-ounce packages of repackaged M&M’s Peanut candies sold under the “Make Your Mark” label, as well as similar 1.3-ounce packages featuring branding from various prominent companies such as Morgan Stanley, Adobe, Xfinity, and Subaru.
These candies were distributed to retail chains in Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
While the recall involves potentially serious health consequences for individuals with allergies, authorities have confirmed that no illnesses linked to the products have been reported to date. On February 4, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified this as a Class II recall, meaning that consumption of the affected products could lead to short-term or medically reversible health effects, particularly for those with sensitivities to the undeclared ingredients.
Milk, soy, and peanuts are among the nine major food allergens recognized under federal law. Exposure to these allergens can trigger a range of reactions, from mild symptoms like itching and hives to severe and potentially fatal anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention.
The FDA stresses the critical importance for individuals with food allergies to meticulously read food labels and avoid any products containing their known allergens. Federal law mandates that food labels clearly identify the food source of all major allergens used in a product. Consumers who experience even mild signs of an allergic reaction are advised to seek medical advice promptly to prevent the condition from escalating.