A recent nut recall has escalated to critical levels, as the Food and Drug Administration classified it as a Class I recall, the most serious level. The recall is the result of a packaging error in which “Heinen’s Honey Roasted Peanuts” contained cashews instead. Trophy Nut Company of Tipp City, Ohio, sold the product, which was distributed at Heinen’s Grocery stores throughout Ohio and Illinois.
Class I recalls are initiated when there is a fair likelihood that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause significant health consequences or even death. This update, posted by the FDA on May 5, 2025, is weeks after the first recall initiated by the company on April 5, 2025.
Why the recall matters
Misnaming allergens remains the leading cause of food products being recalled in the US. Cashew allergies, though, can cause a severe, potentially deadly allergic reaction in those with sensitivities. Hives, swelling, difficult breathing, and anaphylaxis can be displayed by these reactions.
Because the item was labeled solely for peanut content, people who are allergic to cashews may not realize that they are at risk. This mislabeling of a product could be extremely unsafe for allergy sufferers who rely on accurate labeling to avoid the allergens.
Details of the recalled product
The product involved is “Heinen’s Honey Roasted Peanuts,” and it comes in 8.25-ounce composite cans with plastic lids. The lots recalled, as identified, bear the following markers:
- Best if used by date: October 1, 2025
- Best by date: October 3, 2025
- UPC: 020601401877
The product was distributed from October 24, 2024, to April 4, 2025, to Heinen’s Grocery Stores in Illinois and Ohio. There were 143 cases involved, with 12 cans in each case.
How the mistake occurred
It resulted from “a temporary breakdown in the company’s production and packaging processes,” Trophy Nut Company said. One customer has already reported an allergic reaction linked to the improperly labeled product. It is not known if additional reactions have occurred since.
Trophy Nut said in its release that it discovered the problem and immediately began a voluntary recall. Newsweek has reached out to the company for further comment, but none was immediately available.
What consumers should do
The FDA is still monitoring the recall, and consumers are warned not to consume the affected product. Instead, they should return the cans to any Heinen’s Grocery store for a full refund.
Consumers with questions or concerns may contact Trophy Nut Company’s Customer Service at 1-800-729-6887, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. Alternatively, they can email [email protected].
FDA’s broader alert on food allergens
The FDA reminds us on its website that food allergic reactions can be mild or fatal. “While promising prevention and treatment strategies are in the pipeline, food allergies presently cannot be cured,” the agency says. Good labeling and education remain the greatest tools for ensuring people with food allergies remain safe.
The recall is active
The recall of nuts keeps occurring. Any customer who might have the product at home needs to inspect the label immediately and take action on FDA advice. Awareness and knowledge will prevent severe health consequences of allergy in individuals with a food allergy.
