Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Peanuts in Dark Chocolate Almonds

Contact
Consumer:
303-986-4600, ext. 531

Media:
Alan Lewis
(303)-986-4600 x108
Alewis@VitaminCottage.com
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 7, 2014 - Colorado - Vitamin Cottage Natural Food Markets, Inc., a Lakewood, Colorado based natural grocery chain, is recalling one lot of six ounce packages of Natural Grocers brand Dark Chocolate Almonds with the Julian packed-on date 13-351 because some bags in this lot may contain dark chocolate covered peanuts which are not declared on the label. People who have an allergy to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

The recalled product lot is comprised of 1,091 six-ounce bags bearing UPC code 0-0008265007-0 and the Julian packed-on date "13-351". The dark chocolate covered peanuts are similar in color and sheen to the almonds, but the peanuts are about one-half size compared to the almonds. The product was distributed to some of Natural Grocers' 75 stores located in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Wyoming in late December, 2013. Consumers can find the specific locations of Natural Grocers stores at:
http://www.naturalgrocers.com/store-locations.

Only packages bearing the Julian packed on date "13-351" are subject to recall. The dark chocolate covered almonds used to produce this lot were received in sealed cases from our supplier. Out of an abundance of caution, Natural Grocers is suspending sales of all lots of dark chocolate covered almond products from this supplier.

The problem was reported to the company by a customer who discovered some dark chocolate covered peanuts inside a package. The product label displays a warning that the packaging facility also packages products containing tree nuts, peanuts and other allergens. The company has received no reports of adverse reactions to date due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about a reaction should contact a healthcare provider. Consumers who may have purchased this product should return it to the store for credit or refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the company by calling:

Customer Service
303-986-4600, ext. 531
Monday through Friday 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Mountain Standard Time.