Mauna Loa, the well-known Hawaii-based nut company, has announced a voluntary recall of its Dark Chocolate Covered Macadamias after discovering the possible presence of undeclared cashew nuts and almonds. These are both tree nuts and considered major allergens under U.S. FDA regulations.
If you or someone you know has nut allergies, this recall is important. Eating even a small amount of an undeclared allergen can cause serious or life-threatening reactions in sensitive individuals.
Why This Recall Matters
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), undeclared allergens are the number one reason food products get recalled. Tree nuts—like almonds and cashews—are among the nine major allergens that must be listed on food packaging. The others include milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, sesame, fish, and shellfish.
Millions of people in the U.S. live with food allergies. For those allergic to tree nuts, even a trace amount can trigger reactions ranging from mild symptoms like hives or swelling to severe reactions such as anaphylaxis, which can include difficulty breathing and even unconsciousness.
What You Need to Know
Mauna Loa found the issue during a routine quality control check, which revealed that some packages of their dark chocolate macadamia nuts may contain cashews or almonds—but the labels did not mention these ingredients.
Recalled Product Details:
Product Name: Mauna Loa Dark Chocolate Covered Macadamias
Package Sizes: 0.6 oz and 4 oz bags
UPC Codes:
– 0.6 oz: 0 72992 05464 4
– 4 oz: 0 72992 05556 6
Lot Numbers: B4339E1 and B4340E1
Best By Dates: October 2026 and July 2026
Distributed In These States:
Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
No illnesses have been reported so far, but those with cashew or almond allergies are advised not to consume the product and instead return it to the store for a full refund.
What Experts Are Saying
Dr. Marc Goldstein, a board-certified allergist, explained how easy it is for people with food allergies to have an unexpected reaction:
“You must know your allergies and always read food labels. Even cross-contact at places like ice cream shops or bakeries can be risky.”
His advice is a good reminder that even trusted snacks like chocolate-covered nuts can be dangerous if allergens are not clearly listed.
Mauna Loa apologized in their press release, saying:
“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and remain committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality in our products.”
What You Should Do
If you bought these recalled chocolate macadamia nuts and have a nut allergy, do not eat them. Instead, return the product to the store where it was purchased to get a refund.
If you have questions, you can contact Mauna Loa’s customer service at 1-888-255-5998, Monday through Friday.
Final Thoughts
This recall is a good reminder of how important allergen labeling is for keeping consumers safe. Mauna Loa acted quickly after finding the problem during internal checks, and fortunately, no one has reported any allergic reactions yet. Still, if you have a nut allergy or are buying snacks for someone who does, it’s always best to double-check product labels and stay informed about recent recalls.
