Life-Threatening Allergy Alert for Popular Bread

In a startling announcement, a beloved artisan-style bread sold at major retailers like Kroger and Walmart is now under urgent recall due to a perilous hazelnut contamination risk, as reported by the FDA.

What Happened?

Hartford Bakery Inc. is recalling its Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style half-loaf bread following a serious packaging mishap that resulted in some loaves containing visible hazelnuts—an allergen that was not declared on the label.

The Scope of the Recall

Around 883 units from six production batches were incorrectly packaged and labeled only with "May Contain Tree Nuts," failing to explicitly mention hazelnuts. This slip arose during a routine packaging changeover between a hazelnut-infused bread and the white loaf variety.

Widespread Distribution Across 12 States

This affected bread has been distributed widely across 12 states: Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas, Missouri, Alabama, and Mississippi.

Critical Consumer Warning

The bakery issued a recall notice on July 10, stressing that individuals with nut allergies or severe sensitivities to hazelnuts could face serious or even life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume the contaminated bread.

Identifying the Contaminated Product

Consumers can identify the recalled bread by its packaging, which is a flexible plastic bag marked with specific lot codes: T10 174010206, T10 174010306, T10 174010406, T10 174020206, T10 174020306, and T10 174020406. It also features a net weight of 12 oz, a UPC code of 24126018152, and an expiration date of 07/13/2025.

Company's Response

Hartford Bakery has proactively removed all products linked to the affected batches. Although they have received complaints about the presence of visible nuts and one case of digestive discomfort, thankfully, no serious injuries have been reported.

What Should Consumers Do?

If you or someone you know has purchased the impacted bread, please return it to the store where it was bought for a full refund. Your safety is paramount!