The federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Class I danger classification on Thursday for 7-ounce bags of Fresh Direct Dark Chocolate Pretzels manufactured by United Natural Trading and sold under the Woodstock Farms brand.
On Sunday, Newsweek contacted Woodstock Farms for a comment via email outside of regular business hours.
Why It Matters
According to the FDA website, a Class I recall is issued when “there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will result in serious adverse health consequences or death.”
What to Know
On January 27, United Natural Trading voluntarily recalled 99 cases of 7-ounce bags containing its Fresh Direct Dark Chocolate Pretzels in collaboration with the FDA, which issued a press release three days later.
It came after a “internal review of the label management system” discovered that the presence of milk in the products was not declared on the packaging, posing a risk to those with milk allergies.
According to the initial recall announcement, the products were sold online through a third-party vendor site, as well as in Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York states. When the press release was published, there had been no reports of illnesses associated with Fresh Direct Dark Chocolate Pretzels.
The product in question has lot number 24353, UPC number 811102026276, and a best-by date of June 30, 2025. It was sold in Woodstock Farms-branded packages that were red on the bottom and cream and yellow on top, with a small, transparent section displaying the pretzels.
Anyone who has purchased Woodstock Farms branded Fresh Direct Dark Chocolate Pretzels is advised to discard them or return the product to the point of purchase for a refund.
On Thursday, the FDA issued a Class I recall for 2-pound cartons of Pearl Milling Company Original Pancake & Waffle Mix. Produced by The Quaker Oats Company, a Frito-Lay subsidiary.
This was also due to fears that they contained undeclared milk. The product recall was initiated voluntarily by the manufacturer on January 14.
The FDA recalled at least six other products in January due to concerns about undeclared milk.
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology website, approximately 2 to 3 percent of children aged 3 and under are allergic to milk. Around 80% of these people lose their allergy by the age of 16, but some have it for the rest of their lives.
If you are allergic to milk, drinking it can cause anaphylaxis, which the college defines as “a rare, potentially life-threatening reaction that impairs breathing and can send the body into shock.”
What People Are Saying
In its initial recall notice United Natural Trading said: “People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.”
What Happens Next
The FDA will continue monitoring to see if there are any adverse health impacts associated with the recalled Fresh Direct Dark Chocolate Pretzels batch.
Anyone with queries is urged to contact United Natural Trading at: 732-650-9905.
