Hershey Canada has announced a voluntary recall of Hershey’s Kisses Creamy Milk Chocolate products in 200 gram and 104 gram size bags due to undeclared almonds. CFIA handout photo
A Canada-wide recall has been issued for two varieties of Hershey’s Kisses chocolates due to the potential presence of almonds, which poses a safety risk to those with tree nut allergies.
Hershey Canada initiated the recall following a report of a reaction linked to the consumption of Hershey’s Creamy Milk Chocolate Kisses, the company said in an Aug. 1 press release.
“Hershey is initiating this voluntary recall to protect public health,” the company said. “People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to almonds run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.”
The Class 1 recall was also announced by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in an advisory.
Class 1 indicates the top level in the three-tier classification system of the government agency, emphasizing a significant risk that consuming the contaminated food may lead to serious health problems or even death.
The company has recalled its 104-gram and 200-gram chocolate packages that are labelled with a ‘best before’ date of June 1, 2027.
The recalled products feature a range of lot codes, which are detailed in the press release and the CFIA advisory.
The food inspection agency said it is conducting a food safety investigation, which could lead to the recall of other products and it is urging consumers to check to see if any of the candies in their cupboards are subject to the recall.
The agency is also advising consumers not to serve, use, or sell any of the candies and instead to dispose of them or return them to the store where they were purchased.
Consumers who purchased Hershey’s Kisses Creamy Milk Chocolate products with one of the affected lot codes can also contact Hershey consumer relations for a full refund.
Tree nuts like almonds can cause mild reactions like hives and itching to severe reactions like anaphylaxis. The CFIA is warning that anyone with a nut allergy or sensitivity could have a “serious or life-threatening reaction” from consuming the chocolate kisses.
Common signs of allergic responses are swelling of the face, lips, and tongue, warmth, and redness. Respiratory symptoms can include coughing, wheezing, or hay fever-like effects, along with gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea, according to Health Canada.
Severe allergic reactions can cause pale or blue-tinged skin, weak pulse, dizziness or lightheadedness, trouble swallowing, or loss of consciousness, the health agency said on its website. Other reactions include anxiety, uterine cramps, and a metallic taste.
People experiencing anaphylaxis may exhibit symptoms that include respiratory distress, a drop in blood pressure, or shock, which can result in loss of consciousness and, in extreme instances, death.
