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Ah, Halloween! It’s a spooky, fun time of year. And it’s especially great for chocoholics. Retailers often discount sweet treats in advance of trick-or-treating, offering the opportunity to snag delicious nibbles at low prices. However, lovers of Hammond’s chocolates may be disappointed to hear that a fan favorite goodie has been recalled for the 2024 season.
The recall notice, issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on October 3, 2024, warns consumers that Hammond’s Candies’ Dark Chocolate Filled Mini Waffle Cones are being taken off the shelves. The issue comes down to what’s not on the potential allergen label: According to the FDA’s official release, “trace amounts of milk protein” were discovered during testing of the product following a consumer reporting an allergic reaction after eating the product.
As with many recalls, the Hammond’s chocolates in question are limited to a particular batch. Specifically, only four-ounce bags of the Dark Chocolate Filled Mini Waffle Cones with a serial number of UPC 6 91355 90513 5 and product codes LN0525453 and LN0525453 are involved. Nonetheless, the recall serves as a reminder that dairy allergies aren’t just annoying or fleeting occurrences. They can be dangerous to some people (and perhaps the ghosts and goblins visiting your door), too.
From frustrating to potentially fatal
A 2022 article from the World Allergy Organization Journal estimates that anywhere from 1 in 20 to 1 in 50 individuals may be sensitive to cow’s milk. Of those individuals, nearly one-third have trouble tolerating milk in any form, including after it’s been cooked.
Cow’s milk isn’t the only type of milk that can cause some people to exhibit allergic symptoms after consumption, though. The Mayo Clinic indicates that all types of animal milk can potentially lead to physical distress. Fortunately, many allergic reactions to milk aren’t life-threatening, such as hives, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and mild respiratory difficulties. However, in some cases, people with milk allergies can experience anaphylaxis, an emergency situation involving the constriction of the airway that requires immediate treatment.
How likely is the average person to have anaphylaxis after exposure to an allergen like milk? The Cleveland Clinic puts the likelihood at less than 2% over the course of a lifetime. This makes the risk reasonably low, but still possible.
Thoughtful seasonal treat-giving
If you’re living in any of the 39 states affected by the Hammond’s chocolate recall and you’ve already purchased a bag of Dark Chocolate Filled Mini Waffle Cones, look closely at the bag’s serial number. If the number matches the recall, you’re entitled to a refund of your purchase. Even if you choose not to take the package back to the place you bought it, be sure not to share the chocolates with anyone who has a known milk allergy.
In fact, you may want to reconsider your chocolate Halloween and seasonal gifting in light of the 2024 Hammond’s chocolate alert. Although chocolates are frequently given to family, friends, and trick-or-treaters, other sweets may be less likely to trigger allergic reactions. And you can stick with the Hammond’s brand if that’s your preference.
For example, the Hammond’s Candies Amazon store includes links to an array of non-chocolate goodies that the company produces, like licorice (incidentally, there are some health benefits of licorice root that might surprise you) and a bevy of holiday bestsellers. Remember: This is a century-old candy manufacturer that, according to Business Insider, makes millions of candy canes each year. There, you should be able to find a suitable replacement for Dark Chocolate Filled Mini Waffle Cones. Or, you could always hand out non-food treasures like glow-in-the-dark bouncy ball eyeballs.
