Target's Lavender Shortbread Cookies Are Being Recalled. Here's Why

While Target-owned food brands such as Archer Farms and Market Pantry have taken the spotlight in the past, a new brand has emerged with an exciting line of food products focused slightly on the sweeter side. Favorite Day, having launched on April 5th, 2022, features over 700 items, including cakes, cookies, drink mixers, and more (via Target). However, there's been a slight setback for one of the cookie products.

On June 30th, 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shared that J&M Foods issued a voluntary recall on a specific lot of lavender shortbread cookies. While the name J&M Foods may not ring any bells, standing for Janis & Melanie, this is the company that produces Favorite Day brand products, which many shoppers will recognize as the Target store brand.

The June 30th recall was issued after a consumer reported that their bag of lavender shortbread cookies contained chocolate chip cookies, states Insider. After further investigation, there was a select number of products identified as having false packaging. While there are bigger problems than finding a different, equally as delicious, type of cookie in the bag (and this certainly doesn't come close to the $125 million Jif peanut butter recall), the contents on the label could affect people's safety. 

According to the FDA, the allergens listed on the packaging are different from the contents in the bag, leaving consumers who are allergic to soy and eggs at risk for greater health concerns. People who purchased these so-called shortbread cookies can see the contents in the product and the environment it was prepared in, but they have no knowledge of the chocolate chip cookie's whereabouts. It's the accuracy of the labeling that will gain consumer's respect. According to WRNJ, while 1,464 units were distributed, each package weighing in at 7 ounces, there have been no illnesses reported to date. Target has been made aware of the situation, and has taken action to remove all affected lavender shortbread cookies from shelves and online inventory.

If you've recently bought the product from Target, you should check the lot number and UPC found on the bottom of each package — which is 0-85239-28609-8 -– for affected bags. If you find one of the contaminated bags, the FDA is recommending that you throw it away. You can contact Target at 1-800-440-0680 or J&M Foods at 1-800-264-2278 for a full refund.