Two popular Zingerman’s candy bars have been recalled just before Halloween 2025 due to undeclared nuts that pose a life-threatening allergy risk. Learn which products are affected, where they were sold, and how to stay safe this Halloween.
🎃 Halloween Candy Recall: Zingerman’s Candy Bars Pulled from Shelves Over Allergen Risk
With Halloween just days away, a Halloween candy recall has sent shockwaves through households preparing for trick-or-treat festivities. Zingerman’s Candy Manufactory, a well-known confectionery brand, has announced the recall of two of its most popular products due to undeclared allergens that could pose a life-threatening risk to consumers with nut allergies.
The recall involves the Zingerman’s Peanut Butter Crush Bars and the Zingerman’s Cashew Cow Bars, which were mistakenly distributed in the wrong packaging. This mix-up means that some bars contain undeclared peanuts or cashews, creating a serious health hazard for individuals with allergies.
Let’s dive into the full details of this Zingerman’s candy bar recall, what products are affected, and how consumers can protect themselves this Halloween.
🏭 The Reason Behind the Zingerman’s Candy Bar Recall
According to a company statement released on October 27, 2025, Zingerman’s initiated the recall after discovering a production line mix-up that caused packaging confusion. The Peanut Butter Crush Bars (which contain peanuts) were mistakenly placed in Cashew Cow Bar wrappers, and vice versa.
This type of mislabeled packaging can lead to serious allergic reactions, especially for individuals who rely on accurate ingredient labeling to avoid allergens such as peanuts or cashews.
Zingerman’s said the issue stemmed from a temporary breakdown in the production and packaging process, which has since been resolved. The company emphasized that no illnesses have been reported so far, but it took immediate action to prevent potential harm.
⚠️ Which Candy Bars Are Affected by the Recall?
The following Zingerman’s candy bars are part of the Halloween candy recall:
| Product Name | Lot Number | Packaging Description | Allergen Concern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zingerman’s Peanut Butter Crush Full Size Bars | Lot #174250 | Yellow and purple 2-ounce box labeled Peanut Butter Crush | May contain undeclared cashews |
| Zingerman’s Cashew Cow Full Size Bars | Lot #174250 | Light blue and yellow 2-ounce box labeled Cashew Cow | May contain undeclared peanuts |
These products were distributed to retailers in Michigan and New York, where they were later sold to consumers via local stores and candy outlets.
The recall affects a relatively small number of bars — 156 Peanut Butter Crush Bars and 78 Cashew Cow Bars — but even a single mislabeled bar could pose a life-threatening allergy risk.
💬 Zingerman’s Official Statement on the Candy Recall
A Zingerman’s spokesperson addressed the issue, stating:
“While our range of candy bars is one of our most popular products, the number of bars affected was a tiny fraction of our output. From a single Lot #174250, we identified all potentially mislabeled items, notified wholesale partners, and removed them from sale.”
The company assured the public that it is cooperating with regulatory authorities to ensure all recalled bars are safely removed from circulation.
The Zingerman’s candy bar recall is a reminder that even trusted brands can face manufacturing errors, especially during high-demand periods like Halloween.
🧾 What to Do If You Have a Recalled Candy Bar
Consumers who purchased any of the affected products should not consume them under any circumstances.
Here’s what to do next:
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Check Packaging | Look for Lot #174250 printed on the back or side of the box. |
| Do Not Eat | If the product matches the affected lot, do not consume it—even if you don’t have allergies. |
| Return or Discard | Return the candy bar to the place of purchase for a full refund or safely discard it. |
| Contact Zingerman’s | Consumers can reach Zingerman’s Candy Manufactory at 877-632-9264 for assistance or more information. |
Zingerman’s also recommends consumers share recall information with friends or family who may have purchased the bars to prevent accidental consumption.
🥜 Understanding the Risk: Why Allergens Are So Dangerous
Peanut and cashew allergies are among the most common and severe food allergies, often leading to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction.
Common Symptoms of an Allergic Reaction:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of lips, tongue, or throat
- Hives or rashes
- Dizziness or fainting
- Rapid heartbeat
Even small traces of allergens can trigger reactions in highly sensitive individuals. That’s why accurate ingredient labeling is critical in the food industry.
The Halloween candy recall highlights how even a minor labeling error can have major health consequences.
🎃 Why This Recall Matters Ahead of Halloween
Halloween is one of the busiest times of year for candy consumption in the United States. With millions of families preparing for trick-or-treating, safety is paramount.
A Halloween candy recall like this one underscores the importance of checking all treats before handing them out. Parents of children with nut allergies should be especially vigilant and double-check the packaging of all candies received during Halloween festivities.
Many allergy awareness groups recommend maintaining a “safe candy list” and encouraging non-food treats, such as stickers or small toys, for allergic children.
📦 Identifying the Recalled Candy at Home
Here’s a quick visual guide to help consumers recognize the affected Zingerman’s candy bars:
| Candy Bar | Box Color | Label Name | Allergen Issue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peanut Butter Crush Bar | Yellow & Purple | “Peanut Butter Crush” | Contains undeclared cashews |
| Cashew Cow Bar | Light Blue & Yellow | “Cashew Cow” | Contains undeclared peanuts |
Always verify the lot number (174250) on the packaging. Any candy bar with that number should be treated as potentially unsafe.
🧠 The Bigger Picture: Food Safety and Recalls
This Zingerman’s candy bar recall isn’t an isolated event. Food recalls occur regularly due to contamination, mislabeling, or undeclared ingredients. However, prompt reporting and consumer awareness help minimize harm.
Government agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) maintain databases for public food recall alerts, ensuring transparency and quick response.
Manufacturers are encouraged to adopt AI-powered quality control systems to reduce human error in labeling and packaging, especially in high-output seasons like Halloween.
🕵️ Consumer Safety Tips for Halloween 2025
To keep your family safe during this Halloween season, follow these simple safety measures:
- Inspect all candy packaging before eating or distributing.
- Check for recall announcements from trusted sources like the FDA.
- Avoid unsealed or homemade candies from unknown sources.
- Educate children about food allergies and how to identify safe treats.
- Keep emergency medication like epinephrine auto-injectors accessible if anyone in your household has allergies.
These precautions can make the difference between a fun night and a dangerous medical emergency.
❓FAQs: Halloween Candy Recall 2025
1. What candy bars are part of the Halloween candy recall?
The recall includes Zingerman’s Peanut Butter Crush Bars and Zingerman’s Cashew Cow Bars from Lot #174250 due to mislabeling and undeclared nuts.
2. Where were the recalled candy bars sold?
They were distributed in Michigan and New York, sold through Zingerman’s retailers and partner stores.
3. What should I do if I bought a recalled candy bar?
Do not eat it. Return it to the store for a refund or contact Zingerman’s Candy Manufactory at 877-632-9264.
4. Have any illnesses been reported?
No illnesses have been reported so far related to the Zingerman’s candy bar recall.
5. Is it safe to buy other Zingerman’s products?
Yes. The recall only affects the specific Lot #174250 of the mentioned bars. Other Zingerman’s products are safe for consumption.
🏁 Conclusion
As Halloween approaches, the Halloween candy recall issued by Zingerman’s Candy Manufactory serves as a crucial reminder to prioritize food safety and allergy awareness. Although only a limited batch of bars was affected, the potential consequences for allergy sufferers are serious.
By staying informed, checking product labels, and heeding recall warnings, consumers can enjoy a safe and fun Halloween season.
If you suspect you have a recalled product, remember — don’t eat it, return it, or safely discard it.
Stay safe, stay alert, and have a spooktacular (and allergen-free) Halloween! 🎃👻🍫