FDA issues urgent alert – this semi-sweet chocolate from Wegmans could cause severe allergic reactions
The Food and Drug Administration received complaints and made a decision about Wegmans Nonpareils semi-sweet chocolate balls. The chocolate-flavored treats made of sugar and starch were recalled for the presence of an undeclared allergen, which poses a high risk to those with milk allergies. The product recall has affected stores located in the states of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Washington D.C.
Wegmans recalls chocolate for containing undeclared milk
A popular product of the Wegmans supermarket chain has been recalled in the United States after the presence of an undeclared allergen was discovered that could pose a serious health risk to some consumers.
The recall involved semisweet chocolate Nonpareils, chocolate balls decorated with sugar sprinkles, manufactured by Mellace Family Brands California, Inc. that contained milk without indicating it on the label.
The Food and Drug Administration issued an official notice on June 25, 2025, detailing the risks of the product for people with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk, who could suffer severe or even fatal allergic reactions when consuming it.
The recall affects Wegmans Semi-Sweet Chocolate Nonpareils 18.5 oz (524g), sold in clear plastic containers. These are the semi-sweet chocolate dragées sold under the Wegmans label, which were found to contain milk without being specified on the packaging. This situation is especially dangerous for those with allergies or severe sensitivities to dairy products, since consuming these dragees could cause adverse health reactions, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The product recall: all the facts
The recall affects product packaged in plastic containers labeled “Wegmans Semi-Sweet Chocolate Nonpareils”. Product identification codes include UPC 0 77890 49787 6 and SCC 10077890497873. Lot information and expiration date can be located on the left side of the tub.
The error was caused by a temporary interruption in the manufacturing process of one of the suppliers.
The lots recalled are:
- 55021 – Best before December 28, 2025
- 55031 – Best before December 29, 2025
- 55491 – Best before February 13, 2026
- 55501 – Best before February 14, 2026
Wegmans Chocolate Recall: Where was the product distributed?
The product was distributed in Wegmans stores in eight states and Washington D.C., specifically in:
- New York
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
- Delaware
- Virginia
- North Carolina
- Washington, D.C.
So far, no illnesses or adverse reactions related to this product have been reported, but the company recommends not to consume it if you are part of the population allergic or sensitive to milk.
Keep the purchase receipt
Both Mellace Family Brands and Wegmans ask consumers who have purchased the product to return it to the store where it was purchased for a full refund, without the need to present a purchase receipt.
For questions or more information, Wegmans customer service can be reached at 1-855-934-3663. The line is available every day to assist those who purchased the product.
Chocolate allergies and intolerances
Although rare, some people may experience a true allergy to chocolate. Symptoms of this allergy can range from mild, such as an itchy mouth or skin rash, to difficulty breathing or anaphylactic shock. However, it is important to note that true chocolate allergy is rare and can be difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms can be confused with other food allergies or intolerances.
It is important to note that the quality of chocolate can also influence the likelihood of experiencing an allergic reaction. High quality chocolate tends to contain fewer additives and be purer in terms of ingredients, which reduces the risk of triggering an allergic reaction compared to lower quality chocolates that may contain a variety of potentially problematic ingredients.
To better understand this issue, it is crucial to distinguish between chocolate allergy and chocolate intolerance. Chocolate intolerance, although it can be uncomfortable, does not involve the immune system and is generally related to the body’s inability to digest certain components of chocolate, such as lactose or caffeine. Chocolate allergy, on the other hand, involves an immune system reaction to proteins present in chocolate, such as milk, nuts or cocoa.
