The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified a recent chocolate recall as Class I, indicating a serious risk to public health. The recall involves Fran’s Pure Bar Almondmilk Chocolate, which has been found to contain undeclared hazelnuts. This classification is significant as it suggests a potential for “serious adverse health consequences or death” for individuals allergic to hazelnuts.
The affected product, sold under the name Fran’s Pure Bar Almondmilk Chocolate 46 percent Madagascar, is being recalled after a supplier notified Fran’s Chocolates, Ltd. of a positive test for trace amounts of hazelnuts. This contamination occurred due to the processing of the chocolate on shared equipment used for other nut-containing products.
Details of the Recall
On December 20, 2025, Fran’s Chocolates, based in Seattle, Washington, voluntarily recalled 112 units of the product, which weighs 1.1 ounces each. The recall applies to bars sold between October 9, 2025, and December 15, 2025, at four Fran’s Chocolates locations in Seattle and through their online store at www.frans.com. The FDA elevated the recall to Class I on January 14, 2026, after receiving reports of one adverse allergic reaction. As of the recall date, no other illnesses or deaths related to Fran’s products have been reported.
The product’s packaging failed to disclose the presence of hazelnuts, which poses a severe risk for those with allergies. The FDA emphasizes that even minimal exposure to allergens can trigger life-threatening reactions for sensitive individuals.
Consumers who have purchased the recalled chocolate are advised not to consume it. Instead, they should return it to the point of purchase for a full refund. Fran’s Chocolates has reached out to customers through various communication channels, including email, fax, letters, press releases, and direct store notifications.
Consumer Guidance and Response
In an official statement from Fran’s Chocolates, the company confirmed, “A supplier informed us that their Almondmilk chocolate ingredient tested positive for trace amounts of hazelnuts because it was processed on the same equipment with other products.” They noted that they had received a report of one adverse allergic event but emphasized that there have been no reports of illness or death related to other Fran’s products.
According to the FDA, a Class I recall indicates a “reasonable probability” that exposure to the violative product could lead to serious health consequences or death. As Fran’s Chocolates works closely with the FDA and affected consumers, no specific end date for the recall has been established yet.
For more information on the recall, consumers can visit the FDA’s official recall database or contact Fran’s Chocolates at [email protected] or call 1-800-422-3726 during business hours from Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST.
