Last month, a snack company from California announced a recall of their chocolate and other snacks. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has since categorized some of these items as Class I, indicating the highest level of risk.

The recall was triggered by the presence of undeclared allergens such as milk, soy, wheat, sesame, synthetic dye, and almonds, which can cause severe allergic reactions, as stated in the company’s announcement shared via the FDA.

Despite the absence of any reported illnesses, Cal Yee Farm LLC, based in Suisun Valley, California, is recalling a variety of products, including Dark Chocolate Walnuts, Dark Chocolate Raisins, Dark Chocolate Almonds, and more covered in yogurt.

“Individuals with allergies or intense sensitivities to milk, soy, wheat, sesame, FD&C #6 (the synthetic dye), and almonds may experience serious or potentially fatal allergic reactions if they consume these items,” the company warned.

Where Were the Products Available?

The recalled products were sold across several states, including California, Arizona, Virginia, New Mexico, Texas, Tennessee, Oregon, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, specifically at the company’s retail location at 5158 Clayton Road in Suisun Valley, California. Additionally, these items were available for purchase via their website, www.calyeefarm.com.

The Butter Toffee Almonds were also sold at Boa Vista Orchards, located at 2952 Carson Road in Placerville, California.

Placing emphasis on packaging details, Cal Yee Farm items were sold in clear plastic zippered pouches measuring 8 ounces or in bulk sizes of 1, 2, and 5 pounds, all featuring bright yellow labels on the front along with a small white label with a UPC code located on the back.

Dark Chocolate Apricots were packaged in two varieties of plastic containers, featuring either a white or yellow label, complemented by a small white label with a UPC code on the back.

Fruit Baskets 2909 and 2921 were sold in baskets adorned with yellow labels on the back.

The Butter Toffee Almonds from Boa Vista Orchard were available in 6-ounce clear plastic zippered pouches with a white label.

Which Items Were Incorrectly Labeled? What Are the Allergen Ingredients?

The recall process began after an FDA inspection of Cal Yee Farm’s facility discovered that several snacks containing allergens like milk, soy, wheat, sesame, FD&C #6, and almonds were found in inaccurately labeled packaging.

The initial recall notice was released by the company on December 12, followed by the FDA’s announcement on December 14. According to an FDA spokesperson, this recall’s classification was later revised, a normal step in the FDA’s recall procedures. This reclassification was also included in the FDA’s recent Enforcement Report for the week of January 29.

Class I:

• 8-ounce container of Cal Yee’s Yogurt Coated Almonds (UPC: YOG0188) – contains milk
• 8-ounce container of Cal Yee’s Dark Chocolate Almonds (UPC: CON0588) – contains milk
• 8-ounce container of Cal Yee’s Dark Chocolate Raisins (UPC: CON0788) – contains milk
• 8-ounce container of Cal Yee’s Dark Chocolate Walnuts (UPC: CON0688) – contains milk
• 8-ounce flat container of Cal Yee Farm’s Dark Chocolate Apricots (UPC: CON0188) – contains milk
• 8-ounce hinged lid container of Cal Yee’s Dark Chocolate Apricots (UPC: CON0188) – contains milk
• 1-pound container of Cal Yee’s Yogurt Coated Almonds (UPC: YOG0101) – contains milk
• 8-ounce container of Cal Yee’s Tropical Trail Mix (UPC: TRM0488) – contains milk (within raisin coating)
• 1-pound container of Cal Yee’s Tropical Trail Mix (UPC: TRM0401) – contains milk (within raisin coating)
• 2-pound container of Cal Yee’s Tropical Trail Mix (UPC: TRM0402) – contains milk (within raisin coating)
• 5-pound container of Cal Yee’s Tropical Trail Mix (UPC: TRM0405) – contains milk (within raisin coating)
• 1-pound container of Cal Yee’s Cajun Sesame Hot Sticks (UPC: SES0501) – contains wheat, sesame, and soy
• 1-pound container of Cal Yee’s New Orleans Hot Mix (UPC: TRM0601) – contains wheat, sesame, and soy

Class II:

• 8-ounce container of Cal Yee’s Butter Toffee Almonds (UPC: ALM2588) – contains milk (from butter)
• 1-pound container of Cal Yee’s Butter Toffee Almonds (UPC: ALM2501) – contains milk (from butter)
• Boa Vista Orchards’ Butter Toffee Almonds (no UPC listed) – contains milk (from butter)
• 8-ounce container of Cal Yee’s Mango with Chili (UPC: MAN0488) – contains FD&C Yellow #6
• 1-pound container of Cal Yee’s Mango with Chili (UPC: MAN0401) – contains FD&C Yellow #6
• 50-ounce container of Cal Yee’s Fruit Basket 2909 (UPC: BAS2909) – contains almonds (in date nut coconut rolls)
• 50-ounce container of Cal Yee’s Fruit Basket 2921 (UPC: BAS2921) – contains almonds (in date nut coconut rolls)

What Do FDA Classifications Signify?

Recalls may initially be marked as pending in the Enforcement Report, indicating that a recall is necessary while the FDA completes its evaluation of any health risks associated with the affected products.

“While a company announces the start of their voluntary recalls, the FDA assigns formal classifications to these recalls in a subsequent Enforcement Report,” the agency explained in a statement to YSL News. “After the agency’s health risk assessment is concluded, the Enforcement Report is updated with a classification (Class I, II, or III) that indicates the relative health risk associated with the recalled items.”

According to the FDA’s website, recall classifications are as follows:

• Class I – There is a possibility that the use of or exposure to the product may result in serious health problems or even death.
• Class II – The use of or exposure to the product might lead to temporary or medically reversible health issues, though the chance of severe health problems is minimal.
• Class III – The likelihood of causing health problems through the use of or exposure to the product is very low.

What Steps Should You Take If You Purchased Any of the Products?

Customers who have allergies should discard the affected products or return them to the manufacturer for a complete refund.

For inquiries, customers can reach the manufacturer at (707) 425-5327 or via email at mariatmail03@gmail.com from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific time, Monday through Friday.

Saleen Martin is a reporter from Norfolk, Virginia. – the 757.