Tropical Valley Foods Issues Allergy Alert For Potentially Undeclared Peanuts In Next By Nature Dark Chocolate Cherries

Contact:
Consumer:
Kristain Stone, (518) 314-7162

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE —October 1, 2014 – Tropical Valley Foods Inc. of Plattsburgh, NY, is recalling 455 cases (12 bags per case) of next by Nature DARK CHOCOLATE CHERRIES, Lot 460013, due to the potential for undeclared peanuts to be packaged in the product. People who have an allergy to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product.

The affected next by Nature DARK CHOCOLATE CHERRIES was sold to distributors and retailers located in Iowa, California, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Canada and Japan. Distributors where instructed to inform their customers of the recall of the product, to immediately remove it from sale and to promptly discard it.

The affected product is packaged in 3 oz. plastic bags with UPC 817582252006, Lot 460013 and “Best by Date” of 2016.03.31. The product was distributed between September 12th, 2014 and September 25th, 2014.

The recall was initiated after an employee found a peanut piece in a bulk case of Dark Chocolate Covered Cherries that was being packaged into the 3 oz. bags. Subsequent investigation by the firm revealed that some Dark Chocolate Covered Cherries had been packaged into 3 oz. bags of next by Nature DARK CHOCOLATE CHERRIES prior to the discovery.

No illnesses have been reported to date associated with this problem.

Consumers who are allergic to peanuts are urged not to consume the above product. Customers who purchased the affected product may return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Kristain Stone at Tropical Valley Foods by phone at (518) 314-7162, Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm EDT.