Russell Stover Peanut Butter Cups Are Being Recalled For Nut Allergy Risk

Consumers looking for something sweet that is also sugar-free have long turned to Russell Stover's line of specialized candy products. Most people would trust that these delectable delights from a long-time manufacturer would be safe to consume without worrying about what is in them.

Nuts are one of the most notable allergies in foods. As a result, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires all types of tree nuts to be declared on product labels and nutrition facts, meaning they need to be listed clearly if they contain the nut. This includes nearly all types of nuts, such as hazelnuts, almonds, peanuts, pecans, and pistachios. Specifically, the label must state if the product was made with nuts and, if so, which type of nut, since people can have a sensitivity or allergy to one specific nut type or all forms. Labels must also note if the product was made in a location where nuts were present. A recent recall from Russell Stover showcases the importance of this messaging. If you enjoy this chocolate brand, here's what you need to know.

Russell Stover Chocolates announced (via the FDA) an allergy alert and recall on its Sugar Free Peanut Butter Cups on February 28, 2023. The risk involves undeclared pecans potentially present in the peanut butter candies. The company has not reported any allergy-specific or illness reports for the product from consumers.

The 2.4-ounce packaging of Sugar Free Peanut Butter Cups impacted in this recall were shipped throughout the United States to both retail stores and wholesalers. The impacted products fall into two best-buy dates: May 1, 2023 through June 1, 2023. They also contain the UPC of 077260096937 with Lot code(s): K0521, K0321, K0421, L2122, L2221, L2321. If you have these products, look for the best buy date and lot code on the back of the packaging just below the UPC label.

A mistake in the packaging process at one of the candy maker's third-party co-packing companies allowed individually-wrapped Sugar Free Pecan Delight, another of the company's products, to be placed in the packaging for Sugar Free Peanut Butter Cups instead. The inner package wrapping has the correct label on them, but the exterior packaging is not. Those who purchased the product can contact Russell Stover Chocolates directly to request a replacement product. When food is recalled, there's a significant risk to the consumer. Don't overlook this one if you have a nut allergy.