A Tennessee-based candy company, Dinstuhl’s Fine Candy Company Inc., has recalled some of its popular sweet treats due to undeclared milk in the ingredients. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has now labeled this issue as a Class II recall, meaning the products may cause temporary or mild health problems, but serious consequences are unlikely.
The company had started the recall on March 4, 2025, after discovering that milk—a major allergen—was present in three of their products but was not clearly mentioned as an allergen on the label.
Why This Matters
Food allergies can be dangerous, especially when allergens are not properly listed on food packaging. According to the FDA, milk is one of the nine major allergens that must be declared clearly on labels. If someone with a milk allergy eats a product like this by mistake, it could cause hives, vomiting, diarrhea, or even a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.
The issue in this case is not that milk was missing from the ingredient list entirely—but that the label failed to highlight milk as an allergen, as required by law.
What You Need to Know
Here are the details of the recalled products:
- Brand: Dinstuhl’s Fine Candy Company Inc.
- Packaging: 4-ounce cellophane bags
- Batch Number: R15
- Expiration Date: June 15, 2025
Recalled Items:
- Cashew Crunch (UPC: 7 68050 01919 8) – 24 units
- Peanut Brittle (UPC: 7 68050 00205 3) – 12 units
- Pecan Brittle (UPC: 7 68050 00755 3) – 12 units
These products were sold at three retail stores in Missouri and Mississippi.
What the Company Said
Dinstuhl’s said they acted quickly:
“We immediately within 24 hours rectified the issue. We have had no reports of any illnesses.”
They also mentioned that butter was listed on the ingredients, which contains milk, but the problem was that “milk” wasn’t declared as an allergen. The company was surprised that the FDA officially classified the recall later, in May 2025, despite resolving the issue earlier.
Food Allergen Risks: Expert Opinions
Dr. Clinton Mathias from the University of Connecticut explained that cow’s milk allergy is one of the most common food allergies, especially in young children. Though many outgrow it, some adults are still allergic.
Symptoms of milk allergy can range from mild (hives, stomach upset) to serious (anaphylaxis, difficulty breathing, rectal bleeding).
The FDA’s guidelines state that allergens must be clearly listed to help consumers avoid accidental exposure.
Other Candy Recalls in 2025
This isn’t the first candy recall this year:
- In April, Golden Crop Candy was recalled in eight states due to undeclared artificial color additives like Blue 1, Red 40, and Acid Red 18.
- In January, The Candy Basket Inc. recalled fruit jelly sticks due to undeclared additives like Yellow 6 and Red 40.
- Gardners Candies also recalled its Cappuccino Meltaway bars earlier this year because they might have contained cashews, a major allergen.
Even food dyes and preservatives, while not classified as “major allergens,” can trigger sensitivities in some individuals.
What You Should Do
If you bought any of the recalled Dinstuhl’s candy products, don’t eat them. Instead, you can:
- Return them to the store for a full refund
- Or safely throw them away
The recall is still ongoing, and it’s important for consumers to check labels and stay aware of allergy risks.
Final Thoughts
Food allergies can be life-threatening, especially when allergens are not declared on packaging. Dinstuhl’s acted quickly, and no one has fallen ill, but this situation shows how vital it is to follow labeling laws strictly.
With more food recalls happening each year, consumers should always read labels carefully—especially if they or their loved ones have allergies. The FDA’s recall system plays a big role in keeping people safe by alerting the public to such hidden risks.
