Harry & David issues recall because of pecan allergy concerns

Oregon gourmet food producer Harry & David is issuing a recall of Harry & David Moose Munch Confection, Milk Chocolate Gingerbread because some packages may contain pecans that are not declared on the package’s list of ingredients.

“People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to pecans run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product,” the company warns in its release.

The product is distributed throughout the country.

Here is the press release from the company:

Harry and David Issues Nationwide Allergy Alert on Undeclared Pecans in Harry & David Moose Munch Confection, Milk Chocolate Gingerbread

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — October 22, 2008 — Harry and David, of Medford, Oregon, is voluntarily recalling approximately 400 1 lb. 4 oz. boxes labeled Harry & David Moose Munch Confection, Milk Chocolate Gingerbread because the package may contain a different Moose Munch product which contains pecans not declared on the ingredient statement.

People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to pecans run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

Affected product was distributed throughout the United States under the Harry & David brand only in Harry and David stores.

Harry and David is recalling 1 lb. 4 oz. boxes of Harry & David Moose Munch Confection, Milk Chocolate with a “Best if used by” date of 06/28/09.

The “Best if used by” date is located on a sticker on the bottom of the box. The bottom of the box also has the stock identifying number RSD142014 printed on it.

This lot of product was sold beginning 10/09/08. The popcorn-based confection is packaged in 1 lb. 4 oz. brown and white paperboard boxes.

The boxes have a slight wedge shape and feature a large white moose image on the front. Inside the boxes are clear plastic bags of the confection.

There have been no illnesses or injuries reported to date. Anyone concerned about an illness/injury should contact a physician immediately.

This problem, which was discovered on October 21st, 2008, occurred because Dark Chocolate Butter Pecan Moose Munch® Confection was inadvertently packed in a Milk Chocolate Gingerbread outer box.

It is estimated that fewer than 60 such boxes were produced.

Consumers with product may return it to any Harry and David retail store for a full refund.

Consumers with questions about the recalled product may phone the Harry and David Customer Service division at 800-233-1101, 24 hours a day.

End of Release

To learn more about nut allergies:

• Visit the information about nut and peanut allergies on Seattle Children’s website.
• Visit the information page on nut allergies produced by the Nemours Foundation.

Tags: Food Allergies, Nut Allergies, Peanut Allergies, Pecan Allergies

Category: Allergies, Immune System