Urgent Recall: French Broad Chocolates Issues Warning Over Undeclared Walnuts
In a critical safety move, gourmet chocolatier French Broad Chocolates PBC has announced a nationwide recall of specific bonbon collections. The recall was triggered by a labeling error that failed to disclose the presence of walnuts, posing a severe and potentially life-threatening risk to consumers with tree nut allergies.
The affected products are part of the Bette’s Bake Sale Bonbon Collection. Because the mistake involves a common allergen, the company and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are urging customers to exercise extreme caution.
Which Products Are Affected?
The recall specifically targets the Bette’s Bake Sale Bonbon Collection in three different sizes. If you have purchased these treats, please check your packaging immediately for the following details:
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- Product: Bette’s Bake Sale Bonbon Collection (6-piece, 12-piece, and 24-piece boxes).
- Batch Numbers: 260414 and 260417.
- “Best By” Dates: Ranging from June 22, 2026, to June 30, 2026.
- Distribution Dates: Sold between April 14, 2026, and April 20, 2026.
How the Labeling Error Occurred
According to the company’s official statement, the issue was not with the ingredients themselves, but with the tasting notes insert included in the packaging. A printing error caused a mix-up in the guide: the Walnut Fudge bonbon (which contains walnuts) was incorrectly identified as the Peach Cobbler bonbon.
This misidentification means that consumers who rely on the guide to avoid allergens could unknowingly consume walnuts, leading to serious allergic reactions.
Where Were These Chocolates Sold?
The affected bonbons were distributed through two primary channels:
- Retail Stores: French Broad Chocolates physical locations in Asheville, North Carolina.
- Online Orders: Shipped to customers across multiple states in the US.
What Should Consumers Do?
Fortunately, no illnesses have been reported to date. However, the risk remains high for those with severe nut sensitivities. If you have purchased the affected batch numbers, the company advises the following:
- Do Not Consume: If you have a walnut or tree nut allergy, do not taste these products.
- Return for Refund: Return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.
- Discard: Alternatively, you may dispose of the product immediately.
For further inquiries or assistance, customers are encouraged to contact French Broad Chocolates customer service directly.
Stay updated on the latest food safety alerts by visiting official health department websites and the FDA recall page.
