French Broad Chocolates PBC has recalled various boxes of chocolate bonbons after discovering they may contain undeclared walnuts, potentially posing a “serious or life-threatening allergic reaction” for consumers with tree nut allergies, according to the announcement, published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The recall affects Bette’s Bake Sale Bonbon Collections, sold in multiple package sizes and distributed both in retail stores and online, across much of the United States.
Which Products Are Affected
The recall applies to Bette’s Bake Sale Bonbon Collections sold in six‑piece, 12‑piece, and 24‑piece boxes.
The affected products carry batch numbers 260414 and 260417, with best by dates ranging from June 22 to June 30, 2026, depending on the package size.
States Where the Recalled Chocolates Were Sold
According to the FDA, the recalled Bette’s Bake Sale Bonbon Collection was sold in French Broad Chocolates retail locations in Asheville, North Carolina, and shipped through the company’s online store to customers across 40 states and Washington, D.C.
The affected states and jurisdictions are listed below:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Iowa
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Mississippi
- North Carolina
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Vermont
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- West Virginia
- Washington, D.C.
The FDA established that the chocolates were distributed between April 14 and April 20, 2026, meaning consumers in the listed states who purchased the bonbons during that window—particularly individuals with tree nut allergies—may be at risk if the products are consumed.
Why the Chocolate Was Recalled
The company said the recall was triggered by a labeling error in the printed tasting notes included inside the bonbon boxes.
The guide incorrectly identified a Walnut Fudge bonbon—one that contains walnuts—as a Peach Cobbler bonbon, while the peach variety was labeled as walnut. As a result, consumers relying on the tasting notes could unknowingly eat a chocolate containing nuts.
Although no illnesses have been reported as of the recall announcement, people with an allergy or severe sensitivity to walnuts face the risk of a serious or potentially life‑threatening allergic reaction if they consume the product, the company warned.
What Consumers Should Do
French Broad Chocolates has advised customers with tree nut allergies not to consume the recalled bonbons. Affected products can be returned for a full refund or safely discarded.
Why Walnuts Are a Serious Food Allergen
According to the FDA, tree nuts—including walnuts—are among the nine major food allergens recognized under U.S. law. Food allergies occur when the immune system reacts to specific food proteins, and reactions can range from mild symptoms such as hives to severe, life‑threatening anaphylaxis, which can impair breathing and cause a sudden drop in blood pressure.
Because of these risks, federal regulations require packaged foods containing tree nuts to clearly identify the specific nut—such as walnuts, in this case—either in the ingredient list or in a separate “Contains” statement.
The FDA notes that even small amounts of undeclared allergens can trigger serious reactions in sensitive individuals.
Read the full article here
