Cal Yee Farm chocolates recall upgraded: Consumption ‘could cause death’

Federal officials have upgraded a chocolate recall to the highest risk level over fears consuming the product could “cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”

Three products from Cal Yee Farm – Dark Chocolate Almonds, Dark Chocolate Apricots and Dark Chocolate Walnuts – have been given a Class 1 classification for containing undeclared milk, according to the FDA.

Undeclared milk in food products can lead to serious health issues for people with milk allergies, including hives, cramps, dizziness, swollen vocal cords and unconsciousness, and cause death, according to the FDA’s update, which was issued on Jan. 22.

In December, Cal Yee Farm posted an allergy alert recalling several of its chocolate- and yogurt-covered products sold on its website and across California, Arizona, Virginia, New Mexico, Texas, Tennessee, Oregon, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

The recalled products included Dark Chocolate Walnuts, Dark Chocolate Raisins, Dark Chocolate Almonds, Yogurt Coated Almonds, Dark Chocolate Apricots, Tropical Trail Mix and Butter Toffee.

Cal Yee Farm also recalled its Almonds, Mango with Chili, Hot Cajun Sesame Sticks, New Orleans Hot Mix and fruit baskets. 

The December recall alert warned the products may contain undeclared milk, soy, wheat, sesame, almonds and FD&C #6, a food dye.

Customers with allergies or sensitives could suffer “life-threatening” allergic reactions after eating the products, according to the press release.

Consumers should visit the FDA’s website to see the full list of recalled products and their UPC codes.

Cal Yee Farm issued the recall after an FDA inspection of their facility revealed that products containing the potential allergens were distributed in packaging that did not disclose the presence of milk, soy, wheat, sesame, almonds and FD&C #6.

The snack maker said it has fixed the labeling issue for future products.

“We did a voluntary recall on undeclared milk, soy, wheat, sesame, FD&C #6 and almonds in snack products, due to outdated labels which did not specify allergen statement,” Cal Yee Farm said on its website on Wednesday. “Labels are now consistent with known allergens.”