FDA announces voluntary recall of Halloween treats

Just six days before trick-or-treaters head out to collect candy, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the recall of two popular Halloween treats – Mega Pops lollipops and RAISINETS® Fun Size.

Mega Pops brand lollipops – Colombina S.A. has issued a voluntarily recall of specific lots of Mega Pops in 14-ounce and 28-ounce cellophane bags containing watermelon, cherry, orange and grape flavored pops.  According to the FDA Press Release, the recall was issued as a precautionary measure because the lollipops may contain traces of foreign particles.  Through a coordinated effort with the FDA and U.S. retailers,Colombina is removing the product from retail shelves, making it temporarily unavailable.   Consumers who purchased the Mega Pops are advised to return the product to retailers or contact Colombina customer service.

RAISINETS® Fun Size packages: Nestlé USA’s Confections & Snacks Division has initiated a voluntary recall of Nestlé® RAISINETS® Fun Size Bags (10oz) with production code of 02015748/UPC number 2800010255.  The recall is being issued because the snacks may contain undeclared peanuts, which may cause serious or life-threatening reactions to unsuspecting consumers who are allergic. Consumers who have purchased the affected products are being advised to contact Nestlé Consumer Services for a full refund.

Voluntary recalls like those being instituted by Colombina and Nestlé are extremely costly, time consuming, and disruptive to a business.  Food manufacturers and distributors should work with and attorney and consultant, with extensive knowledge of food safety standards and FDA rules and regulations, to try to avoid the need for such drastic measures to cure manufacturing problems.  For information on how our law firm provides legal guidance to food manufacturers and distributors, please contact Ann Marie Gaitan at [email protected] or call us at 305.329.1462.