The grocery market has a large allergen recall scenario involving Kroger supermarkets in 18 states. The recall mainly consists of Hartford Bakery’s Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style ½ Loaf bread with undeclared hazelnuts, a serious threat to the health of individuals with a tree nut allergy.
The recall details and safety concerns
Hartford Bakery Inc. launched a voluntary recall on July 10, 2025, after learning that the company had found about 883 loaves of six batches containing visible hazelnuts when they were not supposed to be labeled. The company began the recall after receiving consumer complaints that they saw nuts in their bread prior to consumption and a single complaint for stomach upset after eating.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) emphasized the seriousness of the issue by stating that “people with a nut allergy or a severe sensitivity to hazelnuts are at risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they eat these products”. The recall emphasizes the importance of proper allergen labeling in the food sector.
States and distribution network affected
The involved bread was sold in 18 states via the chain stores such as Kroger and Walmart. The involved states are:
Alabama
Arkansas
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Kentucky
Michigan
Mississippi
Missouri
Ohio
Tennessee
Wisconsin
South Carolina
Virginia
Western Pennsylvania
North Carolina
West Virginia
But the recall has more widespread implications among these 18 states when Kroger’s extended family of stores is taken into account. Kroger has around 2,750 food grocery retailing stores in 35 states operating under different banner names with subsidiary stores like Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Food4Less, FoodsCo, Smith’s, King Soopers, City Market, Fry’s, QFC, Pick ‘n Save, Metro Market, Dillons, Baker’s, Gerbes, Mariano’s, and Harris Teeter.
Product identification and recall codes
Consumers must search their pantries for the following specific product details:
- Product name: Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style ½ Loaf
- Net weight: 12 oz (340g)
- UPC code: 24126018152 (located on package bottom)
- Expiration date: 07/13/2025 (located on front panel)
Important lot codes to find
The FDA announced new lot codes consumers must look for on the front panel of their packages:
- T10 174010206
- T10 174010306
- T10 174010406
- T10 174020206
- T10 174020306
- T10 174020406
- TH10 174010206
- TH10 174010306
- TH10 174010406
- TH10 174020206
- TH10 174020306
- TH10 174020406
The bread comes in a soft plastic bag and was incorrectly labeled with only “May Contain Tree Nuts” rather than very clearly writing “Contains Hazelnuts.”
Understanding the packaging mistake
The recall followed a manufacturing changeover mistake. Hartford Bakery accounted for the recall by stating that while changing over from the production of a batch of hazelnut bread to white bread, roughly 883 loaves of visible hazelnuts had been by mistake packaged into packages destined for the white bread item. The mistaken packaging contravened FDA labeling standards for obvious allergens.
Kroger return and refund policy
Kroger has spelled out return and refund procedures for recalled items
With receipt:
- Returns are refunded in the same payment method received on the initial purchase (credit card, EBT/SNAP, or cash)
- Check purchases are refunded in cash
- Paper and electronic receipts are acceptable
Without receipt:
- Returns over $10.00 receive a Kroger Family of Stores Merchandise Gift Card
- Returns under $10.00 receive cash refunds
- Return slip must be signed for all returns over $10.00
- Refund processing time: When confirmed, refunds will be credited within 5-7 business days via the original payment channel.
Customer action steps
Up to now, consumers who purchased the recalled bread should take the following steps:
- Do not consume the product – Discard or return to store
- Verify lot codes – Check whether your bread has any of the 12 affected lot codes
- Return for full refund – Bring the product to the store of purchase
- Call Hartford Bakery – Call 1-812-425-4642, Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM CST
“The product could contain HAZELNUTS and, if consumed, can result in serious allergic reactions in an individual who has a TREE NUT allergy. Return the product to this store for a full refund,” reads the alert.
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