The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has elevated a recall involving chocolate-covered products from Cal Yee Farm LLC to a Class I recall, indicating a high risk of health problems. This escalation results from multiple undeclared allergens found in the products. The recall initially commenced following an FDA inspection of the company's facility last year and was updated on January 22.
Cal Yee Farm, based in Suisun Valley, California, distributed the recalled products across nine states: California, Arizona, Virginia, New Mexico, Texas, Tennessee, Oregon, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The distribution channels included both retail stores and online platforms. The company first issued the recall on December 12, 2024, targeting an array of chocolate and yogurt-covered products, as well as other dried fruit, nut mixes, and snacks.
"Because they may contain undeclared milk, soy, wheat, sesame, FD&C #6 and almonds." – Cal Yee Farm LLC
The affected items include Dark Chocolate Apricots packaged in two types of plastic containers with either a white or yellow label. Each container features a small white label with a UPC code on the back. Other products were packaged in clear plastic zippered pouches ranging from 8 oz to 5 lb sizes, marked with a bright yellow label on the front and a UPC code on the back.
"For Cal Yee’s or Cal Yee Farm branded products, items were packaged in clear plastic zippered pouches in either 8 oz, 1 lb, 2 lb and 5 lb size with a bright yellow label identifying the product in front of the pouch, and a small white label containing a UPC code on the back of the pouch," – Cal Yee Farm LLC
The serious nature of this recall stems from the potential health risks posed to individuals with allergies or severe sensitivities to the undeclared ingredients.
"People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk, soy, wheat, sesame, FD&C #6 and almonds run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products," – Cal Yee Farm LLC
Despite the gravity of the situation, Cal Yee Farm LLC has stated that they have corrected product labels in compliance with FDA allergen labeling standards.
"We did a voluntary recall on products with undeclared allergens. Labels have been corrected and meet FDA allergen labeling standards," – Cal Yee Farm LLC
The FDA defines a Class I recall as one where there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. This underscores the critical importance of ensuring accurate labeling for consumer safety.
A representative for Cal Yee Farm did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment on the new classification and steps being taken to address the issue moving forward.
