Candy Basket Inc. recalled four of its products in California last month due to undeclared allergens, and the US Food and Drug Administration has now classified the situation as Class II or Class III.
Why It Matters
According to the FDA, millions of people in the United States suffer from food allergies or sensitivities. Food sensitivities can range from minor reactions to potentially fatal symptoms.
According to the FDA, the top food allergens are milk, eggs, sesame, fish, tree nuts, crustacean shellfish, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans.
However, other ingredients, such as food dyes and preservatives, can cause allergic reactions.
What To Know
The Candy Basket Inc., based in Portland, Oregon, recalled its orange, lemon, marionberry, and raspberry jelly sticks in January due to the presence of undeclared allergens Yellow #6, Sodium Benzoate, Yellow #5, Potassium Sorbate, Red #3, Blue #1, Propylene Glycol, and Red #40.
While not considered major allergens, food additives such as Yellow #6, Yellow #5, Red #3, Red #40, Blue #1, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, and Propylene Glycol may cause sensitivities or allergic-like reactions in some people.
Yellow #5 (Tartrazine) has been linked to hives, skin rashes, and asthma-like symptoms, particularly in those who are sensitive to aspirin. Red #40, Yellow #6, and Blue #1 have been linked to hyperactivity in children and may cause mild allergic reactions like itching or swelling in sensitive people.
Sodium Benzoate and Potassium Sorbate can cause skin irritation, hives, and worsening asthma symptoms. Red #3, though less common, has been linked to skin rashes and thyroid issues in high doses. Propylene glycol can cause skin irritation, itching, and, in rare cases, anaphylaxis in highly sensitive people.
The FDA classified the recalled products as either Class II or Class III.
A Class II recall is issued when a product may cause temporary or medically reversible health effects, or when there is a remote possibility of a serious health outcome. A Class III recall is issued when a product violates FDA regulations but is unlikely to pose a health risk.
The recalled products are:
| Product | Item Number | Classification | Product Quantity | Undeclared Allergen |
| Orange Jelly Sticks (Milk chocolate) | CB741-M | Class II | 4lbs | Undeclared Yellow #6, and Sodium Benzoate |
| Orange Jelly Sticks (Dark chocolate) | CB741-D | Class II | 4lbs | Undeclared Yellow #6, and Sodium Benzoate |
| Lemon Jelly Sticks (Dark chocolate) | CB750-D | Class II | 4lbs | Undeclared Yellow #5, and Potassium Sorbate |
| Lemon Jelly Sticks (White chocolate) | CB750-W | Class II | 4lbs | Undeclared Yellow #5, and Potassium Sorbate |
| Marionberry Jelly Sticks (Milk chocolate) | CB745-M | Class III | 4lbs | Undeclared Red #3, Blue #1, Potassium Sorbate, and Propylene Glycol |
| Marionberry Jelly Sticks (Dark chocolate) | CB745-D | Class III | 4lbs | Undeclared Red #3, Blue #1, Potassium Sorbate, and Propylene Glycol |
| Raspberry Jelly Sticks (Milk chocolate) | CB747-M | Class III | 4lbs | Undeclared Red #40, and Potassium Sorbate |
| Raspberry Jelly Sticks (Dark chocolate) | CB747-D | Class III | 4lbs | Undeclared Red #40, and Potassium Sorbate |
According to the FDA, all lots up to 025014 are affected. None of the recalled products have a UPC code and have not been repackaged for retail. Consumers were sold out of bulk chocolate cases in candy stores with no labeling.
Customers were not provided with important information such as ingredients, allergens, expiration dates, or manufacturer information due to a lack of labeling.
They were distributed across California, Oregon, and Washington.
It is unclear whether any illnesses have been reported in connection with the undeclared allergens.
Other Candy Recalls
Candy Basket Inc. is not the only company that has recently recalled some of its candy products due to undeclared allergens.
Gardners Candies recalled its Cappuccino Meltaway bars from 71 Pennsylvania stores in December, citing concerns that they contained undeclared cashews.
The FDA issued the recall on December 27, warning that those with a tree nut allergy or severe sensitivity to nuts may experience a “serious or life-threatening allergic reaction” if they consume the candy.
What Happens Next?
Customers are urged to not to consume the recalled products and to dispose of them.
