Bread sold at various retailers, including Walmart and Kroger, has been recalled due to the potential presence of undeclared hazelnuts. This announcement was made by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) following a notice from Hartford Bakery, Inc. The recall affects approximately 883 loaves of Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf, which may pose serious health risks to individuals with nut allergies.
The affected bread, packaged in 12-ounce loaves, has a UPC code of 24126018152 located on the bottom of the plastic bag. The loaves are marked with an expiration date of July 13, 2025 and include specific lot codes: T10 174010206, T10 174010306, T10 174010406, T10 174020206, T10 174020306, and T10 174020406. The recall encompasses sales in a total of 12 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
According to the FDA’s release, individuals with a nut allergy or severe sensitivity to hazelnuts could experience serious or life-threatening allergic reactions upon consuming the implicated bread. Although there have been no significant reports of injury or illness related to this recall, Hartford Bakery is aware of at least one incident where a customer experienced digestive discomfort after consuming the product.
The company acknowledged that the packaging included a general warning regarding the potential presence of tree nuts but failed to specify that hazelnuts were included. An investigation revealed that the recall resulted from an error during a packaging change, which mistakenly involved a hazelnut-containing bread that was inadvertently mixed with the white bread product in question.
Consumers who have purchased the affected bread are advised to return it to the store for a full refund. For further inquiries, Hartford Bakery can be contacted at 1-812-425-4642 on weekdays between 08:00 and 15:00 Central Time.
This recall underscores the importance of proper labeling for food products, especially for those with allergies, and emphasizes the need for vigilance in food safety practices.