Halloween candy sold in 13 states urgently recalled

Officials across the United States are gathering up Halloween-themed chocolates following health warnings from the US Food and Drug Administration.

On 31 August, the FDA posted an urgent announcement on behalf of Crystal Temptations of North Arlington, New Jersey, announcing that shoppers should refrain from eating its Halloween Chocolatey Eyeballs.

The product, distributed across Arizona, Texas, Virginia, Georgia, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Indiana, Nevada, California, New Jersey, Connecticut, Ohio, and Wyoming, is said to contain undeclared allergens.

Whilst no illnesses have been reported to date, the FDA and Crystal Temptations have announced that the item may contain undeclared milk allergens that could cause ‘serious or life-threatening allergic reactions’.

Those with allergies or severe sensitivity to milk are advised not to consume the Halloween Chocolatey Eyeballs, which have been sold in Marshalls, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, and Sierra Trading Post.

Watch out, your go-to Halloween candy could contain unmarked milk products (Crystal Temptations)

The impacted products include:

• Crystal Temptations Chocolatey Eyeballs, 10oz - plastic bag with designed header card (54040-CHEY)
• Crystal Temptations Chocolatey Eyeballs, 7oz - acrylic box with designed paper wrap (54077-CHEY)
• Crystal Temptations Chocolatey Eyeballs, 10.5oz - round plastic jar (58008-CHEY)
• Crystal Temptations Chocolatey Eyeballs, 16oz - designer plastic pouch bag (58089-CHEY)
• Crystal Temptations Chocolatey Eyeballs, 11oz - plastic bag tied with a tag (54083-CHEY)

The milk allergy allert is impacting numerous products (Crystal Temptations)

An FDA notice states that the recall was initiated after a TJX analyst discovered the Halloween sweets contained whey (milk).

It’s understood the items were ‘distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of milk.’

A subsequent investigation has indicated that the contamination was caused by a ‘temporary breakdown in the company's production and packaging processes’.

Anyone who has stocked up on the Halloween-themed confectionery is ‘urged to destroy the product’ immediately.

Parents are advised to dispose of the treats immediately (Getty Stock Image)

Refunds are not available at the point of sale, the FDA stated. Instead, consumers are advised to reach out to Crystal Temptations with proof of purchase.

The company can be contacted at 1-201-246-7990, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time.

Other Crystal Temptations products are not affected by the mass recall at this time.

FOODbible has contacted Crystal Temptations for comment.

Advice on milk sensitivities

According to Boston Children’s Hospital, it’s believed that 30 to 50 million Americans have some form of lactose intolerance, with key symptoms— including nausea, bloating, gas, and watery stool—occurring around 30 minutes to two hours after having milk products.

Experts at MedlinePlus advise anyone with milk sensitivities to cut down their intake of milk products containing lactose.

Be wary of labels for hidden sources of lactose in non-milk products, including some beers, the site warned.

Milk products that may be easier for people with sensitivities to digest include buttermilk, goat's milk, aged hard cheeses, and lactose-free drinks.