A recall notice shared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers that a sweet treat could expose them to life-threatening allergic reactions caused by an undeclared ingredient.
Hammond’s Candies, of Denver, issued a recall for its “Dark Chocolate Filled Mini Waffle Cones” on Thursday due to the product potentially containing milk without it being listed on packaging. The recall notice was shared to the FDA website on Friday.
“People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products,” the notice states.
The recalled bite-sized treats were sold in 4-ounce bags and distributed to at least 38 states and the District of Columbia and sold nationally online by Amazon and on the Hammond’s website.
Volodymyr Ovcharov
Affected products have the UPC number “6 91355 90513 5,” Hammond’s item number “FC23212,” product code “LN0525453” and “Use By” dates of “03/20/2025” or “05/20/2025.”
The recall was initiated when a consumer contacted the company after experiencing an allergic reaction upon consumption of the mini waffle cones. Hammond’s said that “the product was tested and found to contain more than trace amounts of milk proteins” as part of an “ongoing investigation.”
No additional reactions associated with the recall had been reported at the time of publication. The company urged consumers who purchased the items to return them at their point of purchase for a full refund.
Newsweek reached out for comment to Hammond’s Candies via online contact form on Friday evening.
While an unexpected ingredient like milk may be of little concern to most consumers, cross-contamination runs the risk of triggering the potentially deadly condition of anaphylaxis in those with a milk allergy.
Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention and causes symptoms that include throat swelling, difficulty breathing, a sudden drop in blood pressure and loss of consciousness. Other symptoms of serious allergic reactions include rashes, hives, itching, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramping.
Milk is considered one of nine “major food allergens” by the FDA. The other major allergens include: eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans and sesame. About 6 percent of U.S. adults and 8 percent of children have at least one food allergy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In addition to allergy concerns, milk poses a risk for people with lactose intolerance, which is the inability to properly digest a type of sugar that is present in dairy products.
Some people with lactose intolerance use supplements containing lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose, to prevent symptoms of the condition before knowingly consuming dairy products.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance include bloating, diarrhea, gas, nausea and abdominal pain, according to the National Institutes of Health. The condition can also lead to long-term adverse health effects by blocking the absorption of calcium and vitamin D.
