Beloved confectionary brand Haigh’s Chocolates has issued an urgent recall after it discovered hazelnuts had not been declared on the packaging of one of its products.
A batch of milk chocolate “Maltichocs” – made specifically for Father’s Day – contains unmarked nut allergens due to the presence of chocolate hazelnuts.
The recall affects Milk Chocolate Maltichocs 250 grams with the best before date of January 17, 2021.
The product was sold through Haigh’s Chocolates online and in retail outlets in South Australia, New South Wales and Canberra.
Joanne Cammans from South Australia’s Department for Health and Wellbeing said allergic reactions to undeclared nut products can be severe.
“Ingesting nut products can potentially cause a dangerous reaction for people who are allergic,” Ms Cammans said.
“Severe reactions to nut allergens can cause anaphylaxis, which in some situations can be life threatening.”
She said those who have already purchased the product will be eligible to receive a full refund.
“Symptoms of anaphylaxis can include a runny nose or a skin rash similar to an allergic reaction or can develop into more serious signs such as coughing, wheezing, and pain, itching, or tightness in the chest,” she said.
“As a precaution, we are asking people not to consumer this product and to return it for a full refund.”
“Haigh’s is proactively working with SA Health and Food Standards Australia-New Zealand to remove the affected products from shelves and notify consumers.”