Hazelnut Filling Error Sparks Widespread Recall and Life-Threatening Allergic Reactions.
An urgent food recall has been issued for gift baskets containing raspberry crème cookies, as it was discovered that some packages actually contained hazelnut crème cookies—a potentially fatal allergen for those with nut allergies. This recall comes just one day after Thanksgiving, and many of the affected gift baskets were likely purchased as holiday treats for friends and family. The impacted products have been distributed across the United States for several months, with batches shipped as far back as August.
Wine Country Gift Baskets, a part of Houdini Inc., voluntarily recalled all gift baskets containing Acorn Baking Company’s raspberry crème filled cookies due to a labeling error that resulted in some cookie packages being filled with hazelnut crème cookies instead. The company warned that individuals allergic to nuts face the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products. This “urgent food recall” was shared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The FDA typically posts recall announcements by companies as a public service when concerns arise about the safety of a food product. Recalls are issued when there are worries that a food item may pose a risk to consumers, such as contamination or allergen issues. Recent recalls have ranged from ground beef potentially contaminated with foreign objects to sausage products carrying deadly bacteria.
Wine Country Gift Baskets explained the recall, stating that during production, it was discovered that some packages of the raspberry-filled cookies contained hazelnut-filled cookies. Hazelnuts are tree nuts and are considered one of the major food allergens. The allergen statement on each individual cookie package indicates that the product may contain traces of peanuts, hazelnuts, almonds, sesame, and sulfites, as both types of cookies are produced in the same facility. For those with tree nut allergies, consuming these products could result in serious or life-threatening allergic reactions.
While no illnesses or injuries have been reported, and there have been no complaints about the product, the company emphasized that it is taking this precautionary recall action to ensure consumer protection and maintain the highest product quality standards.
The recall affects raspberry crème cookies in gift baskets shipped between August 29, 2023, and November 21, 2023. The recall pertains only to the raspberry crème cookies in the gift baskets, and there are no issues with any other food items in the baskets.
Consumers concerned about their gift baskets should check the lot code, which is printed in black on a white label affixed to the bottom of the basket, against the affected products listed in the recall notice. If you have a gift basket with the impacted raspberry crème cookies, and you or the recipient have nut allergies, it is critical that you dispose of them and contact the company to request a refund.
To seek further information or inquire about refunds, consumers can reach out to the Houdini Customer Care department on weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at 866-712-5910. If you or a loved one have been seriously injured, cal our law firm at 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) to access the guidance and support you need and deserve.
Consumers with concerns regarding their gift baskets should verify the lot code, which is printed in black on a white label affixed to the underside of the basket, against the listed affected products below:
- #067 Believe Cookie, Cake, and Brownie Collection: Gift lot code LC605975
- #197 Gourmet Bakery Basket: Gift lot codes LC598713, LC605114 and LC607073
- #342 Bakery Bonanza: Gift lot codes LC598715 and LC605960
- #343 Brownie, Cookie & Cake Assortment: Gift lot codes LC598716, LC605961 and LC607074
- #359 Brownie, Cookie & Cake Sleigh: Gift lot code LC602489
- #373 Cookie, Brownie, and Cake Winter Assortment: Gift lot code LC601586
- #925 Bakery, Coffee & Cocoa Gift Collection: Gift lot codes LC597449 and LC600895
- #926 Tis The Season Bakery Gift Box: Gift lot code LC601587
- #927 Fresh Baked Cookie, Brownie, and Cake Collection: Gift lot code LC601192
For individuals who may have suffered harm or allergic reactions due to this recall, pursuing a product liability lawsuit could be an avenue to seek compensation. Product liability lawsuits involve various stages, each underscoring the importance of legal representation. Victims should start by consulting with an attorney to assess the merits of their case and gather essential evidence linking the product defect to their injuries.
Subsequently, the lawsuit should be formally filed, with the manufacturer, in this case, Wine Country Gift Baskets, named as the defendant. The discovery process follows, during which both parties exchange vital information and evidence. Attorneys play a crucial role in negotiating potential settlements, but if a fair resolution cannot be reached, they will advocate for the case in court.
Throughout this legal journey, the presence of an attorney is indispensable. Product liability cases can be intricate, necessitating legal expertise to navigate successfully. Attorneys ensure that the rights of victims are protected, critical evidence is secured, and they relentlessly pursue just compensation.
In a product liability lawsuit stemming from injuries caused by a defective or hazardous product, potential damages that victims could recover include compensation for medical expenses, emotional distress, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other related losses. The extent of these damages hinges on the severity of the injuries and the special facts and circumstances of each case.
The recent urgent cookie recall serves as a reminder of the importance of product safety. For individuals impacted by such recalls, pursuing a product liability lawsuit with the assistance of experienced attorneys may be necessary to seek compensation for damages. Parker Waichman LLP stands ready to provide expert guidance and support during these challenging times, offering a free consultation to help victims pursue justice and recover their losses.
CONTACT PARKER WAICHMAN LLP FOR A FREE CASE REVIEW
For those affected by this urgent cookie recall or other product liability issues, it is advisable to seek legal counsel from our national injury law firm. Parker Waichman LLP, a national product injury law firm, offers a free consultation to victims in need of expert legal assistance. If you or a loved one has suffered harm or losses due to this issue or a similar product liability matter, do not hesitate to contact them at 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) to access the guidance and support you need and deserve.
Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our nationwide personal injury law firm is ready to assist you.