The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified a recent chocolate recall as a Class I, the most serious risk level due to undeclared hazelnuts. This designation indicates that consuming the affected product could lead to “serious adverse health consequences or death” for individuals with hazelnut allergies.
The recall specifically targets the Fran’s Pure Bar Almondmilk Chocolate with 46 percent Madagascar cocoa, which was found to contain trace amounts of hazelnuts that were not disclosed on the packaging. The FDA emphasizes that even minimal exposure to allergens can trigger severe reactions in sensitive individuals, making this recall particularly urgent.
On December 20, 2025, Fran’s Chocolates, Ltd., based in Seattle, Washington, voluntarily recalled 112 units of the product, each weighing 1.1 ounces and carrying the UPC 7 49668 24280 2. The recall affects chocolate bars sold between October 9, 2025, and December 15, 2025, at four Fran’s Chocolates retail locations in Seattle and through their website, www.frans.com.
The recall was prompted after a supplier informed Fran’s that their Almondmilk chocolate ingredient tested positive for hazelnuts due to processing on shared equipment with other nut-containing products. Following the recall announcement, the FDA classified it as Class I on January 14, 2026, after one report of an adverse allergic event was made. Fortunately, no illnesses or fatalities related to other Fran’s products have been reported as of the recall date.
Customers who possess the affected product are advised not to consume it and to return it to the point of purchase for a full refund. The recall has been communicated through various channels including email, press releases, and direct communication with stores to ensure consumers are informed.
According to the official announcement from Fran’s Chocolates, “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. We have received a report of one adverse allergic event. No reports of illness or death have been reported on other Fran’s products to date.”
The FDA reiterated the seriousness of the situation, stating, “Class I… indicates a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”
Fran’s Chocolates is actively working with the FDA and maintaining communication with affected consumers. As of now, no end date for the recall has been established. For further inquiries regarding the affected product, consumers may access the FDA’s official recall database or contact Fran’s Chocolates directly at 1-800-422-3726 from Monday to Friday, between 07:30 a.m. and 05:00 p.m. PST.
