A gourmet chocolate brand has issued an urgent recall of its plant-based milk chocolate bars after discovering they contain an undeclared allergen that has already caused one customer to suffer an allergic reaction.
Recall Details and Product Information
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers that 112 units of Fran's Pure Bar Almondmilk Chocolate 46% Madagascar Plant-Based bars may contain hazelnuts, which are not listed on the product label. The recall was announced on 20 December 2025.
The affected chocolate was manufactured by Fran's Chocolates, Ltd. in Seattle. The 1.1-ounce bars were sold at four local stores and online between 9 October and 15 December 2025.
Serious Health Risk and Company Response
Health officials stated the contamination was discovered after the almond milk chocolate ingredient tested positive for trace amounts of hazelnut. It is believed the product was processed on equipment also used for other items containing nuts.
The FDA's recall notice warns: "People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to hazelnut run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product." The label already declared the presence of milk, peanuts, and sesame.
One consumer has reported an allergic reaction linked to the chocolate. No other illnesses or deaths have been noted. Fran's Chocolates did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Independent.
What Consumers Should Do
Customers who have purchased the chocolate are urged not to eat it. They should contact the company or return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Tree nuts, including hazelnuts, are among the most common food allergens, affecting an estimated 3.5 million people in the United States.
Other Festive Season Recalls
This chocolate is not the only seasonal treat facing a recall. Aldi recently expanded a voluntary recall on 23 December for its Choceur Holiday Bark due to a packaging mix-up. This error means the Cookie Butter flavour may contain undeclared pecans, while the Pecan, Cranberry & Cinnamon flavour may contain undeclared wheat.
Separately, Aldi also recalled its Perfect Christmas Mozzarella Sticks in Blankets because the affected batch contained egg not mentioned on the label. That product has a use-by date of 15 December and a barcode of 4069365328743.
