Candy recalled in California: What to know as FDA sets risk level

The Candy Basket Inc. recalled four of its products in California last month due to undeclared allergens, with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration now giving the situation a Class II or Class III classification.

Newsweek has contacted The Candy Basket Inc for comment via email.

Why It Matters

According to the FDA, millions of people in the United States have food allergies or food sensitivities. Food sensitivities can range from mild reactions to potentially life-threatening symptoms. The FDA says the major food allergens are milk, eggs, sesame, fish, tree nuts, crustacean shellfish, peanuts, wheat and soybeans.

However, other ingredients like food dyes and preservatives can also cause allergic reactions.

What To Know

The Candy Basket Inc., which is based in Portland, Oregon, announced a recall of its orange, lemon, marionberry and raspberry jelly sticks in January due to the presence of the undeclared allergens Yellow #6, Sodium Benzoate, Yellow #5, Potassium Sorbate, Red #3, Blue #1, Propylene Glycol and Red #40.

While not classified as major allergens, food additives like Yellow #6, Yellow #5, Red #3, Red #40, Blue #1, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, and Propylene Glycol can trigger sensitivities or allergic-like reactions in some individuals.

Yellow #5 (Tartrazine) is known to cause hives, skin rashes, and asthma-like symptoms, particularly in those with aspirin sensitivity. Red #40, Yellow #6, and Blue #1 have been linked to hyperactivity in children and may cause mild allergic reactions such as itching or swelling in sensitive individuals. Sodium Benzoate and Potassium Sorbate can lead to skin irritation, hives, and worsening of asthma symptoms. Red #3, though less common, has been associated with skin rashes and thyroid concerns in high doses. Propylene Glycol can cause skin irritation, itching, and in rare cases, anaphylactic reactions in highly sensitive individuals.

The recalled products have been given a Class II or Class III classification by the FDA.

A Class II recall is issued when a product may cause health effects which are temporary or medically reversible, or when there is a remote probability of a serious health consequence. A Class III recall is issued when a product violates FDA regulations but is unlikely to cause health problems.

The recalled products include:

According to the FDA, all lots up to 025014 were affected. None of the recalled products have a UPC code and they were not repackaged for retail. They were sold out of bulk chocolate cases to consumers in candy stores without any labelling. The lack of labeling means customers did not receive important information such as ingredients, allergens, expiration dates, or the manufacturer’s details.

They were distributed in California, Oregon and Washington.

It’s not clear if any illnesses have been reported in connection with the undeclared allergens.

Other Candy Recalls

The Candy Basket Inc. is not the only company to have recently recalled some of its candy products over undeclared allergens.

In December, Gardners Candies recalled its Cappuccino Meltaway bars from 71 stores in Pennsylvania over fears they may have contained undeclared cashew nuts.

The FDA announced the recall on December 27, warning that those who have a tree nut allergy or severe sensitivity to nuts may have a “serious or life-threatening allergic reaction” if they eat the candy.

What Happens Next?

Customers are urged to not to consume the recalled products and to dispose of them.