Don’t Eat These Bars! FDA Warns of “Life-Threatening” Candy Recall Before Halloween

Just days before Halloween 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an urgent alert for candy lovers and parents: two popular Zingerman’s Candy Manufactory bars have been recalled due to a dangerous labeling mix-up that could pose life-threatening risks to individuals with peanut or cashew allergies.

What Happened

Michigan-based Zingerman’s Candy Manufactory has voluntarily recalled its Peanut Butter Crush and Ca$hew Cow full-size candy bars after discovering a cross-contamination issue between the two nut ingredients. The FDA notice explained that the bars were distributed in packaging that failed to disclose the presence of peanuts or cashews, depending on the product.

While no allergic reactions or illnesses have been reported so far, the recall was initiated “out of an abundance of caution” due to the serious health risks posed to people with severe nut allergies.

“According to the recall statement, anyone with a severe sensitivity or allergy to peanuts or cashews may experience dangerous, possibly life-threatening allergic reactions if they eat the recalled products.

The Recalled Products

The recall applies specifically to the following items:

• Zingerman’s Peanut Butter Crush Full-Size Bars (2 oz.)
  • Lot Number: 174250
  • Packaging: Yellow and purple
  • Issue: May contain undeclared cashews
• Zingerman’s Ca$hew Cow Full-Size Bars (2 oz.)
  • Lot Number: 174250
  • Packaging: Blue and yellow
  • Issue: May contain undeclared peanuts

Both candy bars were sold in two-ounce packages and distributed to retailers in Michigan and New York, according to the FDA. The products were available in select stores and through distributors but not through major nationwide chains.

How the Mix-Up Happened

Zingerman’s attributed the problem to a temporary breakdown in production and packaging processes, which allowed peanuts and cashews to be swapped unintentionally between the two candy varieties. The company emphasized that the issue has since been corrected and that only a small fraction of its total candy bar production was affected.

The Peanut Butter Crush bars are known for their blend of peanut brittle bits, creamy peanut butter, and crispy rice coated in dark chocolate, while the Ca$hew Cow bars feature milk chocolate, roasted cashew butter, and brittle — both favorites among the brand’s handmade confectionery lineup.

What Consumers Should Do

If you purchased either of these products, the FDA advises checking the lot number printed on the package. Only bars labeled Lot #174250 are part of this recall.

Consumers who possess the affected products should:

1. Stop eating the candy immediately.
2. Return it to the store where it was purchased for a full refund.
3. For questions, contact Zingerman’s Candy Manufactory directly at 877-632-9264.

Even if you don’t have allergies yourself, experts recommend verifying your candy stash — especially before handing it out to trick-or-treaters — to avoid any accidental exposure.

Why This Matters

Food recalls tied to allergens are among the most serious and closely monitored by the FDA. Undeclared allergens — especially peanuts and tree nuts — can cause reactions ranging from mild hives to anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal condition.

The timing of this recall, just ahead of Halloween, adds urgency as millions of children and families prepare for the holiday. The FDA and Zingerman’s are urging consumers to double-check their Halloween candy to ensure it’s safe to enjoy.

Company Response

Zingerman’s Candy Manufactory issued a statement apologizing for the incident and assuring customers that the situation was isolated and fully resolved.

“While our range of candy bars is one of our most popular products, the number of bars affected was a tiny fraction of our output,” the company said. “We take food safety extremely seriously and have already strengthened our procedures to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”

Summary at a Glance

Product	Issue	Lot #	Packaging	Sold In
Peanut Butter Crush	May contain undeclared cashews	174250	Yellow & Purple	Michigan, New York
Ca$hew Cow	May contain undeclared peanuts	174250	Blue & Yellow	Michigan, New York

 

 Key Takeaway

If you’ve recently purchased Zingerman’s Peanut Butter Crush or Ca$hew Cow bars, check the lot number immediately. Even a small amount of cross-contamination can cause severe allergic reactions. When in doubt, return or discard the product.

Contact for more information:
📞 Zingerman’s Candy Manufactory: 877-632-9264
📄 FDA Recall Notice: www.fda.gov/safety/recalls