The chocolate industry faced another significant safety concern when Weaver Nut Company, Inc. issued a voluntary recall of its popular semi-sweet chocolate nonpareils in June 2025. This Pennsylvania-based confectionery manufacturer discovered that several product batches contained undeclared milk allergens , posing serious health risks to consumers with milk sensitivities. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) subsequently classified this recall as Class I, indicating the highest level of concern for potential life-threatening consequences. Understanding the specifics of this recall, its implications for food safety regulations, and the necessary consumer actions becomes crucial for anyone who may have purchased these chocolate products. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in allergen management within the confectionery manufacturing sector and demonstrates the critical importance of accurate product labelling in protecting vulnerable consumers.
Weaver nut company voluntary chocolate product recall timeline and initial response
The recall timeline began on 17th June 2025, when Weaver Nut Company, Inc. officially announced the voluntary withdrawal of specific chocolate nonpareil products from the marketplace. The FDA published this announcement the following day, demonstrating the rapid response protocol established for allergen-related food safety incidents. This swift action reflects the serious nature of undeclared allergen contamination and the potential for immediate health consequences amongst sensitive consumers.
The initial discovery occurred through a wholesale customer complaint regarding discrepancies between the received product and updated specifications. This customer-initiated quality check proved instrumental in identifying the contamination issue before widespread consumer exposure could occur. Subsequently, laboratory testing confirmed the presence of milk proteins in products labelled as milk-free, triggering the immediate recall notification to regulatory authorities and distribution partners.
Weaver Nut Company’s response included immediate cessation of production for affected product lines and comprehensive review of manufacturing processes. The company established a dedicated customer service hotline managed by Chris Westerhoff, the customer service manager, accessible at 717-738-3781, extension 122. This direct communication channel ensures consumers receive accurate information about product identification, return procedures, and potential health concerns related to the recalled chocolate products.
Affected chocolate products and contamination risk assessment
The recall encompasses two distinct product variations of semi-sweet chocolate nonpareils, each presenting unique identification challenges for consumers. Understanding these product specifications becomes essential for proper identification and safe handling of potentially contaminated chocolate confections.
Dark chocolate covered almonds batch identification numbers
The primary recalled product consists of Semi-Sweet Chocolate Nonpareils with Christmas-Colored Seeds , distributed in bulk 25-pound cases under item number 47518. The affected lot numbers include 204206, 204207, 204208, 204209, 204212, and 224225, representing approximately 849 cases distributed nationwide. These products were primarily intended for wholesale distribution to retail outlets and food service establishments across multiple states.
Each case contains individually packaged units suitable for retail sale, though the bulk packaging format suggests primary distribution through commercial channels rather than direct consumer sales. The Christmas-colored seed variety typically features red and green nonpareil decorations, making visual identification relatively straightforward for consumers familiar with seasonal chocolate products.
Milk chocolate trail mix contamination levels
The secondary recalled product involves Semi-Sweet Chocolate Nonpareils with White-Colored Seeds under item number D2645, encompassing a broader range of lot numbers and distribution volumes. Affected lot numbers include 204214-RL, 204214, 204215, 224221, 224222, 224223, 135215, 135216, 135217, 135220, 135221, 145204, 145205-1, 145207-1, and 145210-1, representing approximately 1,760 cases.
Laboratory analysis revealed varying levels of milk protein contamination across different production batches, suggesting intermittent cross-contamination during the manufacturing process. The white-colored seed variety presents a more subtle visual appearance compared to the Christmas-colored version, potentially making identification more challenging for consumers examining their purchased products.
Undeclared allergen Cross-Contamination in premium chocolate lines
The contamination pattern indicates systematic allergen control failures within Weaver Nut Company’s chocolate production facility. Cross-contamination likely occurred through shared equipment, inadequate cleaning protocols, or ingredient handling procedures that failed to prevent milk protein transfer between product lines. This type of contamination represents one of the most serious food safety violations in confectionery manufacturing.
Industry standards require strict segregation of allergen-containing and allergen-free production processes, particularly for the nine major allergens identified by FDA regulations. Milk proteins possess particularly strong adhesive properties that can persist on equipment surfaces even after standard cleaning procedures, necessitating enhanced sanitation protocols and dedicated production lines for allergen-free products.
Distribution chain impact across Mid-Atlantic regional retailers
The recalled products reached consumers across fourteen states, including New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Ohio, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Virginia, Maryland, Louisiana, Michigan, North Carolina, West Virginia, Minnesota, and Arizona. This widespread distribution reflects Weaver Nut Company’s significant market presence and the potential scope of consumer exposure to contaminated products.
Retail partners received immediate notification of the recall through established food safety communication channels, enabling rapid removal of affected products from store shelves. However, the time lag between initial distribution and recall announcement means some consumers may have already purchased and consumed the contaminated chocolate products, highlighting the critical importance of consumer awareness and education about potential health risks.
FDA food safety modernization act compliance and regulatory framework
The Weaver Nut Company recall demonstrates the practical application of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) regulations in real-world food safety incidents. This comprehensive legislation established preventive controls requirements for food manufacturers, emphasising proactive hazard identification and risk mitigation rather than reactive response to contamination events. The Class I recall classification reflects the serious potential for adverse health consequences associated with undeclared allergen exposure.
The FDA’s Class I classification represents situations where there is a reasonable probability that exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death, particularly relevant for undeclared allergen contamination incidents.
HARPC implementation failures in chocolate manufacturing processes
Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls (HARPC) requirements under 21 CFR Part 117 mandate comprehensive allergen management programmes for food manufacturers. The Weaver Nut Company incident suggests potential gaps in allergen hazard identification and preventive control implementation throughout their chocolate production processes. Effective HARPC programmes require detailed analysis of all potential allergen introduction points, from raw material receipt through finished product packaging.
Chocolate manufacturing presents unique challenges for allergen control due to complex ingredient formulations, shared equipment usage, and the adhesive properties of milk proteins that can persist through standard cleaning procedures. Manufacturers must establish validated cleaning procedures, conduct regular environmental monitoring, and implement robust verification activities to ensure allergen control effectiveness.
Supplier verification program gaps in cocoa bean sourcing
FSMA regulations require comprehensive supplier verification programmes to ensure ingredient safety and compliance with established specifications. The contamination discovery through customer complaint suggests potential weaknesses in Weaver Nut Company’s supplier verification activities or internal quality assurance testing protocols. Effective supplier verification programmes include regular audits, certificate of analysis reviews, and incoming ingredient testing to confirm allergen status.
Cocoa bean processing facilities often handle multiple allergen-containing ingredients, creating inherent cross-contamination risks that require careful supplier selection and verification. Manufacturers must maintain detailed records of supplier allergen control measures and conduct periodic reassessment of supplier capabilities to ensure continued compliance with safety standards.
Corrective action plan requirements under 21 CFR part 117
Federal regulations mandate comprehensive corrective action plans following preventive control failures, requiring immediate problem correction, cause identification, and preventive measure implementation to avoid recurrence. Weaver Nut Company must demonstrate effective corrective actions addressing the root cause of allergen contamination, including equipment modifications, procedure revisions, and enhanced training programmes for production personnel.
The corrective action plan must include verification activities to confirm effectiveness of implemented changes, ongoing monitoring procedures to detect potential future contamination events, and regular review cycles to ensure continued compliance with established preventive controls. Documentation requirements ensure regulatory authorities can assess the adequacy and effectiveness of corrective measures implemented by the manufacturer.
Mandatory reportable food registry submission protocols
The FDA Reportable Food Registry requires manufacturers to submit detailed information about food safety incidents that could pose serious health risks to consumers. Weaver Nut Company’s recall notification triggers specific reporting requirements including contamination details, affected product quantities, distribution information, and corrective action plans. Accurate and timely reporting enables regulatory authorities to assess potential public health impact and coordinate appropriate response measures.
Registry submissions must include comprehensive traceability information enabling rapid identification of affected products throughout the distribution chain. This data supports targeted consumer notification efforts and helps prevent continued exposure to contaminated products through retail and food service channels.
Consumer safety protocols and immediate action steps
Consumers who have purchased Weaver Nut Company chocolate nonpareils must take immediate action to prevent potential allergic reactions, particularly individuals with known milk sensitivities or allergies. The first step involves careful product identification using lot number information provided in recall notifications. Check product packaging for the specific lot numbers listed in the recall notice, including 204206, 204207, 204208, 204209, 204212, 224225, and the extensive list associated with white-seeded varieties.
If you discover recalled products in your possession, do not consume them under any circumstances, regardless of your known allergy status. Undeclared allergen exposure can trigger unexpected reactions even in individuals without previously diagnosed milk allergies. Safely dispose of the products or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund, even if the package has been opened or partially consumed.
Individuals who have already consumed these products should monitor for allergic reaction symptoms including hives, facial swelling, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal cramping. Severe allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis, require immediate emergency medical attention and may include symptoms such as rapid pulse, dizziness, loss of consciousness, or severe breathing difficulties. Contact emergency services immediately if you experience any severe symptoms following consumption of recalled chocolate products.
Parents and caregivers must exercise particular vigilance when checking household chocolate supplies, as children may be more susceptible to severe allergic reactions and may not recognise or communicate symptoms effectively. Store purchased chocolate products in locations where lot numbers remain visible and accessible for easy verification against recall notices. Maintain awareness of recall notifications through FDA alerts and manufacturer communications to ensure prompt identification of potentially dangerous products.
Even trace amounts of undeclared allergens can trigger serious or life-threatening allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, making immediate product identification and removal essential for consumer safety.
Legal implications and product liability considerations for affected consumers
The undeclared allergen contamination in Weaver Nut Company products creates potential legal liability for the manufacturer under product liability laws and FDA regulations. Consumers who experience allergic reactions or other adverse health effects from consuming recalled products may have grounds for legal action based on failure to provide adequate product warnings and breach of implied warranties regarding product safety. The Class I recall classification strengthens potential legal claims by demonstrating regulatory recognition of serious health risks associated with the contaminated products.
Product liability claims typically focus on manufacturing defects, design defects, or inadequate warnings related to product hazards. In this case, the failure to declare milk ingredients on product labels constitutes both a manufacturing defect and inadequate warning, creating multiple legal theories for potential claims. Documented evidence of allergic reactions, medical treatment costs, and other damages resulting from consumption of recalled products supports potential compensation claims against the manufacturer.
Consumer protection laws provide additional legal remedies including refund rights, replacement product entitlements, and potential punitive damages for willful or negligent safety violations. The FDA’s regulatory action and recall classification serve as evidence of safety standard violations that support consumer legal claims. However, successful legal action requires proper documentation of product purchase, consumption, and resulting health impacts through medical records and other supporting evidence.
Consumers considering legal action should preserve recalled product packaging, maintain medical documentation of any adverse reactions, and consult with qualified legal counsel experienced in product liability cases. Time limitations apply to product liability claims, making prompt legal consultation important for preserving potential rights and remedies. The widespread nature of this recall may lead to class action litigation that could provide more efficient resolution for multiple affected consumers with similar claims.
Supply chain recovery strategy and quality assurance reinstatement
Weaver Nut Company faces significant challenges in rebuilding consumer confidence and restoring normal operations following this major allergen contamination incident. The company’s recovery strategy must address fundamental gaps in allergen management systems while demonstrating commitment to enhanced food safety standards. Comprehensive facility audits, equipment upgrades, and personnel training programmes become essential components of the recovery process.
Supply chain partners including retailers and distributors require assurance that corrective measures effectively eliminate contamination risks before accepting resumed product shipments. This assurance process typically involves third-party verification of enhanced safety protocols, independent laboratory testing of resumed production, and detailed documentation of implemented corrective actions. The time required for effective recovery often extends several months beyond initial recall announcement, impacting company revenues and market position.
Quality assurance reinstatement requires validation of enhanced cleaning procedures, implementation of dedicated allergen-free production lines, and establishment of robust environmental monitoring programmes to detect potential cross-contamination events. Advanced analytical testing methods can detect trace allergen levels that traditional quality control measures might miss, providing greater confidence in product safety claims. Investment in enhanced testing capabilities and quality systems represents a significant financial commitment but proves essential for preventing future contamination incidents.
The company must also address potential long-term market impacts including consumer trust erosion, competitive disadvantage, and regulatory scrutiny that may persist well beyond immediate recall resolution. Transparent communication about implemented improvements, regular safety performance reporting, and proactive engagement with consumer advocacy groups help demonstrate genuine commitment to enhanced food safety standards. Success in supply chain recovery requires sustained effort and significant resource investment to rebuild the reputation and market position that contamination incidents typically damage.