Nut Company Recalls Pecans Over Undeclared Allergen Risk

A recall has been issued for bags of pecans due to a potential health risk posed by undeclared cashews. Nat’s Nuts, based in Rochester, New York, announced that approximately 600 bags of its Cinnamon Whiskey Pecans are being recalled after it was discovered that they may contain cashews not listed as an ingredient. This oversight could trigger serious allergic reactions in individuals with allergies to cashews.

The affected pecans were distributed between October 8 and October 16, 2023, to 25 retail stores across several states, including Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Ohio, Nevada, Florida, and Wisconsin. Additionally, these products were sold online on Amazon from October 9 to October 16. The packaging in question features 4-ounce bags that are black and orange, identified with the UPC 860002146720, lot code 1.22, and a best-by date of September 29, 2026.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a statement highlighting the severity of the risk, noting that “people who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to cashews run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume the Cinnamon Whiskey Pecans.”

The recall was initiated after a retailer sampled the product and found cashews mixed in with the pecans. An investigation revealed that this issue stemmed from a temporary breakdown in Nat’s Nuts’ production and packaging processes. Fortunately, as of now, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall.

Consumers who purchased the affected nuts are advised to return them to the store where they were bought for a full refund. For further inquiries, individuals can contact Nat’s Nuts at 585-310-0157 during business hours, which are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Retailers receiving the recall notice have been instructed to remove the affected products from their shelves immediately to prevent any potential health risks to customers.