Some NuGo chocolate products have been assigned the highest risk level, Class I, by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), due to undeclared allergens. The products labeled vegan were discovered to contain milk.
Why It Matters
The FDA defines a Class I classification as “a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”
Millions of people in the United States suffer from food allergies or sensitivities, and the FDA reports that undeclared allergens are the leading cause of food recalls. Food sensitivities can range from mild to life-threatening.
What To Know
The company initiated the recall after receiving 11 reports of allergic reactions after consuming the product.
As part of an investigation launched by the company, the chocolate product was tested and discovered to contain milk, which was not indicated on the packaging.
Products were recalled in the following states: North Carolina, Mississippi, Massachusetts, Maine, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Georgia, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia, and Washington.
The recalled products include:
NuGo Dark: Chocolate Chip
Item Number Bar: 6 91535 52101
Best By Date: 12/21/25-12/23/25
NuGo Dark: Chocolate Pretzel w Sea Salt
Item Number Bar: 6 91535 52901
Best By Date: 12/14/25
NuGo Dark Multipack: Chocolate Chip and Chocolate Pretzel w Sea Salt
Item Bar Number: 6 91535 52901 and 6 91535 52101
Best By Date: 12/22/25-12/23/25
Milk is one of the nine major allergens. Other ingredients include wheat, soy, eggs, sesame, fish, tree nuts, crustacean shellfish, and peanuts.
Allergies can cause hives, rashes, swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and coughing or wheezing. In severe cases, a serious allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis can occur, resulting in throat swelling, a drop in blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness.
A recent Civic Science report found that more than 80% of Americans are concerned about food recalls. Almost a third of respondents said they were extremely concerned.
More than 2,000 adults in the United States were surveyed between December 2 and 4, and the results were weighted to be nationally representative.
What People Are Saying
Dr. Stefano Luccioli, a medical officer and allergy specialist at the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, stated in a press release that “the challenge for food allergic consumers and their caregivers navigating food options is not limited to store-bought products.”
People who are allergic to certain foods must remain vigilant, whether at restaurants or in the homes of relatives or friends, because exposure to food allergens can result in potentially severe and life-threatening reactions.”
What’s Next
The recall is ongoing. Recalled products can be returned to the point of purchase.
