Bread Recalled in 12 States Over Undeclared Allergen, Sparking Public Health Concern

A widely distributed artisan bread has been urgently recalled from shelves across 12 U.S. states due to the presence of an undeclared, life-threatening allergen. Hartford Bakery, Inc. announced a voluntary recall for specific lots of its “Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf” because the product may contain hazelnuts, which are not listed on the ingredient label, posing a serious risk to consumers with tree nut allergies.

The recall was initiated after a packaging error led to bread containing visible hazelnuts being sold in bags that failed to specifically declare the ingredient. The affected products were distributed to major retailers, including Walmart and Kroger, across a wide swath of the American Midwest and South.

Key Facts of the Recall

Key Fact	Detail / Statistic
Product Recalled	Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf (12 oz)
Reason	Contains undeclared hazelnuts, a potentially life-threatening undeclared allergen.
Affected States	AL, AR, GA, IL, IN, KY, MI, MO, MS, OH, TN, WI
Affected Units	Approximately 883 loaves from six specific production lots.
Health Incidents	One report of digestive discomfort; no serious injuries reported to date.

The Scope of the Bread Recalled

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published the company’s announcement, underscoring the potential for a “serious or life-threatening allergic reaction” for individuals with a hazelnut allergy or severe sensitivity.

The recall covers six specific lot codes of the half-loaf bread. Consumers can identify the affected products by checking for the following information:

• Product: Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf
• Net Weight: 12 oz (340g)
• UPC: 24126018152 (located on the bottom of the bag)
• Expiration Date: 07/13/2025 (on the front panel)
• Lot Codes: T10 174010206, T10 174010306, T10 174010406, T10 174020206, T10 174020306, or T10 174020406 (on the front panel)

The Evansville, Indiana-based Hartford Bakery, Inc. traced the issue to an error during a packaging changeover. A batch of bread containing hazelnuts was inadvertently placed into packaging intended for the artisan white bread. While the incorrect packaging included a general advisory stating it “May Contain Tree Nuts,” it did not specify the presence of hazelnuts, a distinction critical for consumer safety and required by federal labeling laws.

“Out of an abundance of caution, Hartford Bakery, Inc. is removing all units of product included in the six effected lot codes,” the company stated in its official notice. The firm acted after receiving consumer complaints about visible nuts in the bread. To date, the company is aware of one customer who reported “digestive discomfort” after consumption.

Undeclared Allergen Risks and Public Health

A food allergy occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly treats a food protein as a threat, triggering a response that can range from mild to severe. According to the advocacy organization Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), tree nuts, including hazelnuts, are one of the nine major food allergens responsible for most serious food allergy reactions in the U.S.

For someone with a severe hazelnut allergy, ingestion can lead to anaphylaxis, a rapid and potentially fatal reaction that can cause hives, swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, and a sharp drop in blood pressure. The failure to declare a specific allergen like hazelnuts on a food label can have dire consequences, as consumers rely on accurate ingredient lists to avoid a dangerous public health risk.

Dr. Alice Reynolds, an immunologist not affiliated with the recall, explained the importance of precise labeling. “A generic ‘may contain nuts’ warning is often insufficient,” she said. “Many individuals are allergic to specific tree nuts, like hazelnuts or walnuts, but not others, such as almonds. Specificity is not just a convenience; it is a critical safety requirement.”

The FDA enforces the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA), which mandates that the labels of food products containing any of the major allergens must clearly state the name of the food source from which the allergen is derived.

Consumer Action and Company Response

Hartford Bakery, Inc. has ceased distribution of the affected lots and is working with retailers to ensure the product is removed from circulation. The company has urged consumers who have purchased the bread recalled to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

No other products made by Hartford Bakery are impacted by this recall.

Consumers with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Hartford Bakery directly at 1-812-425-4642 during business hours. The swift action follows established protocols between food producers and regulatory bodies like the FDA, aimed at protecting public health by quickly removing potentially hazardous products from the market. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of stringent quality control in food production and packaging.

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