Major Recall of Bread Due to Undeclared Hazelnuts
A significant recall has been initiated after hidden hazelnuts were discovered in a popular bread product sold across multiple states in the United States. The issue involves Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style half-loaf bread, which was found to contain undeclared hazelnuts. This mistake poses a serious risk for individuals with nut allergies, as hazelnuts are known to cause severe, potentially life-threatening reactions.
The affected loaves were distributed in 12 states, including Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas, Missouri, Alabama, and Mississippi. These products were available at various retailers such as Walmart, Kroger, Mariano's, Pick 'n Save, and Metro Market. A total of approximately 883 mislabeled loaves were sent to over 2,500 stores.
The contaminated bread is sold in 12-ounce clear plastic bags, with an expiration date of July 13, 2025, printed on the front. The packaging also includes a UPC code 24126018152 on the bottom. Six specific lot codes are affected: T10 174010206, T10 174010306, T10 174010406, T10 174020206, T10 174020306, and T10 174020406. All these lots were distributed earlier this month.
Kroger issued a statement emphasizing the potential danger: "It may result in severe reaction if consumed by individuals allergic to tree nuts." Tree nut allergies are among the most common food allergies in the US, affecting nuts such as hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, pistachios, pecans, cashews, and Brazil nuts. According to the Cleveland Clinic, around three million Americans suffer from tree nut allergies, making it a significant public health concern.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction can range from mild, like hives and swelling, to severe, and in some cases, even fatal. The manufacturer, Hartford Bakery Inc, explained that the error occurred due to a packaging mistake during a production changeover. This allowed nut-containing bread to be shipped without proper warnings. Although the label included a general "May Contain Tree Nuts" warning, it did not specify that hazelnuts were present in the product.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted an investigation and confirmed that a packaging error led to the mislabeling of the bread. So far, no major reports of injury or illness have been recorded. However, one customer reported digestive issues after consuming the bread, and several others contacted the company upon finding visible hazelnuts in their loaf.
Consumers who purchased the affected bread are advised to return the product to the store where they bought it for a full refund. For any inquiries, customers can contact the company at 1-812-425-4642, Monday through Friday. The FDA is closely monitoring the situation, and Hartford Bakery is reviewing its internal protocols and retraining staff to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This recall marks the second bread-related recall in 2025. Earlier in April, Maryland-based Upper Crust Bakery recalled several loaves in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, Indiana, and West Virginia after a piece of glass was found on top of seeded bread. The fragment was traced back to sunflower seeds from a supplier. The affected products, which included three multigrain sourdough varieties sold at Giant Eagle stores, were classified as Class II by the FDA, indicating the product could cause temporary or medically reversible harm. Although no injuries were officially reported, the presence of glass shards posed a serious risk, with officials warning that they could cause severe damage if ingested.
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